Journey

I was born in 1997 in Pakistan, and my path hasn't been a typical one. My early years were spent entirely on Islamic studies, and I didn't actually start formal school until I was 11 years old. I remember starting in class 2, much older than everyone else and feeling like I was already miles behind. Because of that late start, I had to move fast, jumping through only odd-numbered classes while constantly fighting self-doubt and a feeling that I didn't have the same foundation as others. But I didn't let that stop me. I eventually got into a good university for Computer Science, even though I struggled a lot at first with confidence and catching up on things everyone else seemed to know. I decided to work harder than anyone else. There were days I spent 18 hours just teaching myself, practicing code, and rebuilding my basics from the ground up. In my third year, things finally started to click. I got my first internship, which quickly led to my first real jobs. But as I grew, I realized I wanted to help others who felt the same way I did. I started leading a non-profit, mentoring students, and eventually became a chairman. Helping thousands of students find their way was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. After I graduated, I kept teaching. I started giving workshops and writing about my experiences to help people from non-traditional backgrounds understand that they can have a career in tech too. In 2022, I made a big leap and moved to Germany. Starting over in a new country with a new language was a massive challenge, but it was also a fresh start. After working hard to find my place here, I joined one of the biggest automobile companies in the world as a Senior Software Engineer. Today, I work on systems that millions of people use, and I couldn't be more grateful. Now, I spend my time at the intersection of building software and helping people. I write about tech careers and relocation because I want to show others that even if you start late or have a difficult path, you can still reach your goals through consistency and hard work. My journey has been full of resets and long nights, but it's taught me that real progress isn't about shortcuts, it's about staying curious and never giving up. I'm still driven by that same desire to learn and make an impact, both through the code I write and the people I can help along the way.