I’m a 2025 BTech graduate (22M). Due to poor placements at my college, I’ve been unemployed for the last 8 months. I’ve been learning skills, doing certifications, and applying continuously but haven’t had much luck.
I’ve been dating my girlfriend (let’s call her Bee) for 3 years. We were long distance while she studied in Europe. We genuinely love each other. She came back to India, and her home is in Hyderabad while I’m from Kochi.
After coming back, she focused on settling in and job hunting. She got her first job in Hyderabad in January on her first attempt. I was genuinely happy for her, but at the same time I felt very disappointed in myself because I was still struggling.
When I said I wanted to apply to her company, she strongly opposed it. She said she doesn’t want to mix work life and personal life. I understood her point, but I was desperate to get a break and start somewhere.
We argued about it. Eventually she said I can apply but she wouldn’t be comfortable. I later got an internship at the same company. The internship isn’t great, but for me it’s a way to enter the industry and move to better opportunities later.
Now she’s unhappy and irritated that I joined, even though I didn’t ask her for referral or use her position. I just needed an opportunity. For context, I’ve even helped her with some design work for her job anonymously.
I understand why she wanted boundaries, but I also feel like I did what I had to do for my career.
Am I wrong here? Was I justified or did I cross a boundary?