Karabi Pathak’s journey of finding her path and a secure future with Sodexo: An opportunity that changed everything
Karabi, named after the delicate yellow flower, bloomed against all odds. Life had not been easy for her, but she never let adversity define her.
An unfateful year turned her world upside down when her father was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. The condition impacted his physical abilities, shattering the family’s financial stability. Her mother, a housewife with no prior income, struggled to make ends meet. With no support from their extended family, they faced dire hardships. Determined to help in any way she could, Karabi accompanied her mother to a printing press where she earned daily wages just to put food on the table.
Amidst the struggles, hope arrived unexpectedly. A friend’s mother informed her about a job opportunity at Sodexo, a company known for its inclusive and safe work culture. The interview was scheduled at a large hospital in Guwahati, where Sodexo managed food services. Though Karabi had no prior work experience, she knew this was a chance she could not miss.
On the day of the interview, fate tested her resolve once again. With barely any resources, she struggled to reach the venue. Battling exhaustion and anxiety, she made it just in the nick of time. As she sat across from the interviewer, she answered the questions with honesty and determination, praying silently for a breakthrough. However, her heart sank when she was informed that most of the candidates had already been finalized. As she walked out, she fought back tears, fearing yet another setback.
Days later, an unexpected call changed everything. The interviewer informed her that another position had opened, and she had been selected. That phone call marked the beginning of her journey with Sodexo, a journey of resilience, growth, and transformation, in her professional as well as personal life.
When Karabi first joined Sodexo, she was untrained, unskilled, and lacked confidence. She knew she had to work hard to prove herself. With unwavering determination, she actively sought guidance from her supervisors and colleagues.
Since I had no prior work experience, having a buddy in my early days at Sodexo made a lot of difference in building my confidence. I could comfortably ask questions to understand my role and felt I truly belonged here,” says, Karabi.
She was assigned to work with the hospital dieticians, where she learned the intricacies of patient nutrition and dietary needs. She meticulously studied diet charts, interacted with patients and their families, and collected valuable feedback. The dieticians recognized her enthusiasm and supported her learning journey. Day by day, she gained knowledge and built confidence in her role.
Today, with 14–15 years of experience at Sodexo, Karabi holds a pivotal role in patient food services. She ensures that meals are served according to dietary requirements, collects patient feedback, and ensures the highest standards of service.
Amidst her professional journey, she found love. Her now-husband was already working at Sodexo when she met him. Their shared workplace strengthened their bond, and two years ago, they tied the knot. Thanks to Sodexo’s spouse hiring program, she was able to continue her job without any difficulty.
The best part about her job, she says, is the timely salary that allows her to support her family, including her father’s ongoing treatment. Her father, once critically ill, has slowly recovered with the dedicated care of Karabi and her mother. He is now stable after overcoming many challenges. However, he still experiences discomfort at times, as this health issue has significantly impacted his life. Her mother’s family resides in Guwahati, close to her workplace, giving her a sense of connection and stability.
Reflecting on her journey, Karabi recalls how she once hesitated to step into the working world. She was unsure, lacked confidence, and feared failure. But with each passing day, she proved to herself that strength comes from within.
Her message to other women is simple yet profound:
Never give up hope. Hold onto faith and confidence in yourself, no matter how big the problem may seem. If others can do it, so can you.
Karabi’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the right opportunities. Like the yellow flower she was named after, she continues to bloom, spreading hope and inspiration to those around her.