We spent years in schools and colleges, earning degrees and diplomas, getting scholarships and achieving excellence in education. We worked hard to keep up our grades and spent hours studying for examinations. We wrote and re-wrote our resumes, applied for innumerable jobs, and gave interviews. After all that, we snagged the job of our dreams. One where we enjoyed working. We made friends over all these years. We made contacts. We started to build for ourselves a life and a career. And then it happened.

Love. It strikes in many ways and definitely impairs the faculties. That one look and we knew we'd met our mate. Life-partner. It meant different things to different people. Romantic walks, magical moments, sweet whispers. For some it was long distance calls, for others it was e-mails and chats. Still others shared movies and ice-cream cones. But there was one common thread running through it all: somehow, by some quirk of Fate, twist of Fortune, we had all managed to fall in love with people who were working in America! Now isn't it a small world!

Yes, the fun of getting to know each other, the joy of being married (include the drawn-out experience of the wedding itself), all that was great. But then came the time to pack up our lives in two suitcases (and one carry-on), say goodbye to family and friends (and relatives you never thought you'd miss!) hop onto a plane and land in the Land of Opportunity.

But with all our luck in getting husbands and wives we love and cherish, Opportunity is what we lack! No chance of working, of earning a single one of those dollars which would be equal to 50 Rupees in one shot. No way to step out every morning and go to office. No more coffee breaks or meeting deadlines. One door opened and another closed.

So there we are poor sad souls. We attend parties where we're asked what we do "Oh, I'm here on an H-4" we say, and accept the looks of unconcealed pity. Cannot work. They won't let us.

What is left to do then? Sit at home, learn to cook! Make phone calls to friends, chat online with old classmates who brag about their latest promotions, watch Hindi movies on DVD, go for long walks. Is that it? Is there life after H-4???

Yes, there is. There are a number of things you can do, and none of the suggestions that follow are illegal.

You can study, of course. There are a number of universities and colleges, even vocational training ones, which you could join. And there is an advantage. You pay Resident fees, a lot less than if you were here on an F-1/student visa. And the money you spend on textbooks and stuff like that can be tax-deductible (better to check on that one!).

Besides, there are so many courses that you're sure to find one that suits your needs and timings. After that its just a matter of enrolling and attending classes. Yes, after the course is complete, there is the added frustration of having another qualification you cannot use! Not to earn money, at least. However, during the term of the course, you will meet others from your field, keep up to the latest changes and make great contacts all at the same time.

Your qualifications and interests can be put to use elsewhere too. Somewhere they will be appreciated a lot more. Charity. If you look on the Internet, there are a number ways to utilize your time in helping others. Many websites will put you in touch with charitable organizations that match your interests. If you like spending time with children, maybe you could help out at an orphanage, or if you enjoy the company of elders, you could go down to the Senior Citizens Home and spend a few happy hours with them.

If you are unable to go to some place, fear not. Online sites like Volunteermatch.com (for one) give you a chance to volunteer your talents and time without leaving your house. All you need to do is log on to the site and check the long list of available opportunities. Surely, one or two will match, then you just sign up for it. Its as simple as that!

The idea is to distract your own attention from your misery and boredom. And believe me, if you're trying to do this by watching the latest Hindi movies, I'll bet its not working!! So give it a try, and yes, if you have any more suggestions or ideas, let me know. For after all, I too am an H-4.

More articles by Radhika Pradhan-Chitnis

1. Culinary Quests
2. Driving…Me Crazy!!!
3. Life after H-4
4. The Shopper's Snare