Indian Woman Abandons Prestigious London Career, Finds Freedom In Melbourne Cleaning Work Instead

Shweta Desai, an Indian woman who once earned nearly ₹1 crore annually while working in a senior leadership role in London, has shared her journey of rebuilding her life after moving to Australia and taking up work cleaning Airbnb apartments in Melbourne. Her story, shared through an Instagram video, has gained widespread attention online for its candid reflections on career loss, identity, and financial independence. Desai said the transition forced her to rethink the meaning of success and helped her realise that “money is freedom” because it provides choices and independence.

Born and raised in Mumbai, Desai moved to London in 2008 for higher studies and spent nearly 15 years building her career there. By 2023, she was working as Head of Product for a commercial business platform and earning close to £100,000 a year. However, after relocating to Melbourne with her husband and two children following his job opportunity, she struggled to secure a similar role in Australia’s competitive job market. Eventually, she accepted work managing Airbnb apartments, which involved cleaning properties, handling laundry, and responding to guest queries.

Desai admitted the drastic career shift triggered a deep identity crisis, particularly after losing the lifestyle and professional recognition she had built in London. She said she often struggled to answer questions about what she did for work and felt emotionally disconnected during the early months after the move. Despite the challenges, she later realised that the experience helped her rediscover herself beyond job titles and salary figures. According to Desai, the apartment management job restored a sense of purpose and stability during a difficult phase of transition.

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Today, Desai balances multiple roles, including teaching English to children while also building a coaching practice focused on helping women navigate major life transitions such as relocation, unemployment, and career setbacks. She has also launched an online support community called “The Rebuild Room,” which she says grew organically through conversations on social media. Her story has resonated with many women facing similar experiences, sparking discussions about identity, financial independence, and the emotional impact of career changes in an increasingly global workforce.

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