Need volunteer work and Career growth

Question: I'm on dependent visa H4 since 4 yrs in U.S. I use to work in India as Software consultant but my background is masters in commerce. I'm frustrated here, because I cannot work here due to my visa. I tried for H1 2 times but didn't get due to lottery system. I'm totally depressed as my husband does not teach me driving atleast with that I can be independent taking care of my kids. I got my learners permit too.

I'm always at home doing all chores ,but I'm happy giving good studies to my kid who goes to middle school. But ,somewhere I feel distressed where am I standing? Nowhere related to society,no money,no individuality. For everything I need to depend on my husband. He is not much concerned about my dreams.

I browsed so many sites to do work from home jobs but am afraid of bogus sites. What is the best option. I want to do atleast voluntary work but I have a 15 month daughter too. Where can I keep her. I want an option where I can take my kid along with me. If its worth voluntary work where I can learn related to studies I can pay for day care too for my kid. Please advice me ,I feel I'm having a long gap in my career.Can I do any business on H4 visa? What is the procedure? I appreciate ur advice

Answer: I can understand how frustrating it can be to have a good career and then sit at home. That too when it is not by your chosing. However you can not do any business or even work for someone on H4 visa. You need to have an H1, or L1/L2 to be able to work. I would advice that you keep trying for H1 visa. I know that some people apply for H1 through multiple consulting agencies - this increases the chance to get the lottery. So don't give up on that!

Apart from this, it is saddening to know that your husband is not taking interest in your career. I don't know how much he earns, but you can try to make him realize that two sources of income are always better than one. You also need to stress and vocalize what you want. He should understand that unless you are happy, your family also cannot be happy. The stress and tension will definitely keep showing itself in many ways - ultimately affecting your children too. I
am really surprised that you have been in US for 4 years but don't know driving. Learning to drive should be the first thing you should attempt. I really hope that your husband understands how essential it is!! You are at home with children - there could be any kind of emergency. And as you said it is the first step towards a little independence.

If he doesn't agree with you, make learning to drive as your stand against him. There will be a lot of driving schools near your place. Contact any one of them and start learning to drive! Just go for it! I hope you are able to resolve your issues amicably with your husband, but dont be afraid to take a stand for what you believe in. Sooner or later he will realize that you are right.

As for volunteer work, there are so many good non-profit organizations here. I can think of United Way, ASHA (indian), CCF, Food Programmes etc. In addition many housewives volunteer there time in local hospitals and libraries. All institutions always welcome and appreciate volunteer work. Many of them provide child care services too free of charge. I cannot think of any volunteer work that will directly help you in studies though. But you definitely can enrol yourself in a good university, or community college. The International Student Advisor would be able to guide you in studying part-time/full time, and even with your visa conversion if needed. This can be a good idea too as you can keep yourself occupied in some constructive way and progress your career at the same time. Also if you earn your Masters here, getting an H1 is almost a surety. You will not be in lottery system anymore as there is separate quota for
people who have done in Masters in US.

As for work from home sites, you are right - most of them are bogus. You can check reviews for the sites by googling them. The basic rule is that if the site is asking you for money then it is definitely a fraud. Also look for contact information with a valid phone number and a US address. Be wary of any site without this information.

I wish you good luck!! You have already taken the first step, don't stop here and just keep moving till you realize your dream.