When I told my parents over a year ago, “I’m moving to Malaysia to start a new life and perhaps a new career”, the response I got was “Okay anak, ingat!” (Okay my child, take care!). That’s it?!… No resistance, no contest?… To my surprise, none. Nothing but all-out support. I still have a few good laughs whenever I remember this true story. I didn’t know whether to be happy because of my parents’ extreme confidence in my decision-making, or be offended because it sounded like they didn’t care much about their only daughter.
I was almost 30, a prospective HR Manager, no dependents, and earning 5 to 6x the current minimum wage in the Philippines. I was well-loved by my colleagues and bosses. I had a good career ahead of me. Why suddenly stir to a different direction when you’re just reaching your prime? It doesn’t make sense, does it? It didn’t to me either. But something tells me I that should create the urgency to start living the life that I truly want. I was almost 30; if not now, when?
Fast forward to today. A year and a half have passed. I’m sitting comfortably on one of our dining chairs, writing this blog and eating chocolates in the middle of the night. I’m 1,447 miles away from my motherland, living in Malaysia, recently married, and enjoying my 71st day of unemployment. A lot of people told me I’ll be bored to the point of regretting my decision. I thought so too; but I surprised myself with several milestones I started achieving while on a career break. Here’s a few of my humble wins:
I finally got married (under 900 Ringgit!)
If you’re an Asian woman over 25, you know how big of a win this is for your parents and the rest of your (super) extended family. They just can’t wait to give you away, do they? Getting married is not on the list of my priorities, not even as a 30-something year old woman. But if you found the right person who shares your dreams, supports your crazy ideas, and is equally-ambitious himself, by all means ‘push mo yan’ (go for it)!
I got hitched 3 weeks ago to an awesome individual, and managed to pull off a symbolic, intimate and ‘indie’ wedding under 900 Ringgit (10,014.00 PHP). Starting a married life unemployed does not seem ideal at all in this day and age. Therefore, save up! A career break comes with a high price; a price which I’ve patiently worked for more than 18 months.
Had I not quit my job, I would’ve remained single and married to my laptop. :)
Read: How To Get Married In Malaysia Under 900 Ringgit, Settling Down In Malaysia – Part 1
Translation: Quit work; packed bags; became a blogger
I’ve always wanted to start my own blog. I like to inspire and empower people through various forms, and I discovered that writing a blog is one of the more effective mediums with wider reach. To jumpstart my blogging career, I applied as a content writer for a US-based company through OnlineJobs.PH, 2 weeks prior to quitting my job. I submitted my application to a Pinay based in Davao named ‘Aira’. She seemed really nice and helpful. I was tasked to create several sample blogs which were eventually short-listed.
The road to this application was not easy. From 3 sample blogs, I was tasked to create another, then another, then another, with the promise of $10 USD deposited to my Paypal account per sample output. I wrote a total of 8 blogs with $0 deposited to my account. In short, I was conned by this seemingly nice woman; a mother at that.
Did I despise her? No. She did help launch my blogging career through the tasks and feedback she provided. I learned from the experience and this tale will go on to help others who would like to try the same route I took, with extra caution. At the end of the day I’m a victor because this very lesson in starting my own blog made me a better writer.
Read: Back To Square One At 31
Owning and driving a car in the National Capital Region of the Philippines is not a smart move for unmarried professionals. The daily, weekly and monthly expenses that come with it is like having your own kid. Hence, I didn’t bother to learn driving.
Take note that this is a right-hand drive vehicle. My struggle was VERY real! Warning: Do not try this at home.
On the other hand, driving is a necessity in Malaysia. We live in the suburbs surrounded by hills, toll gates and express highways. Commuting to the nearest train station without a car is nearly impossible. My husband took the initiative to take me for personal driving lessons around our housing area after work. I’m far from being a pro driver but I’ve learned the basics, and will continue to learn until I finally get a driver’s license.
I’ve into morphed to a talented cook
My family and friends know that I couldn’t fry a chicken to save my life. I was a very busy person in my previous life in the Philippines. I spent 12 hours average at work, extending to an unpaid Saturday if the situation called for it. Learning how to cook would be on the bottom list of my priorities.
Moving to a new country, with a new husband, a new house, a new gas stove and a new title (housewife) were glaring signals to start learning how to use the frying pan and cooking oil. It started from learning simple recipes such as Ceasar salad, scrambled eggs and Tacos, to more complex ones such as Shrimp Aglio Olio, Tuna spaghetti in Olive Oil, Pork Adobo, Nasi Goreng Kampung and many others. I grew more confident in my cooking skills, I started experimenting on never-before-heard recipes such as Broccoli, Mushroom and Tuna sauteed in Olive Oil and 7 spices.
I started training for an on-line business
Staying at home 80% of the time nurtures your relationship with your hand phone and social media. The workaholic in me wanted to explore more opportunities and so I joined several groups on Facebook, from various parts of South East Asia. I came across an ad looking for individuals who use Facebook and smart phones on a daily basis, willing to undergo a free online 14-day sales & leadership boot camp, with high earning potential. And because I’m a curious cat who uses social media on a daily basis, I responded.
So far I’m on Day 6 of training. I learned a lot of new insights, as well as marketing, sales, leadership and life skills. I found awesome mentors and coaches as an added bonus. In the past few days, I genuinely looked forward to viewing the online presentations and posting my assignments. Besides, who doesn’t want free training with earning potential (without leaving your bed) anyway?
This is one of my homeworks; to complete a personal dream map. Cool isn’t it?
My global network tripled
This is a direct consequence of moving to Malaysia, visiting Malaysian government offices, joining multiple Facebook groups, and attending job interviews. Expanding your network globally is always a good thing. The opportunities for career, learning and support system continue to multiply.
Some of the amazing mompreneurs I met through social media
I started learning a new language
Guess what, I’m learning? You’re right! Bahasa Melayu – the national language of Malaysia! Apart from daily practice with my Malaysian family and friends, I also downloaded a phone application and I signed up for free online subscription. My schedule for self-study is every Friday night. You’d be surprised at how similar Bahasa is to Tagalog and some dialects such as my mother tongue Ybanag, Ilocano and Ytawes. It’s not as difficult as it seemed. I can now count from 1 to 100 in Bahasa and can order independently at a Mamak shop. ‘Barang bagus macha!’ (Good stuff mate!) :)
I landed an internship stint at an international N.G.O.
This one did not come easy at all. My initial application for this post was back in April 2015. I did not pursue the application after being shortlisted because I wasn’t ready financially to leave my job and volunteer overseas. From April 2015 to June 2016, I saved 50% of my monthly salary and 100% of my performance incentives so I could afford to have a career break and go after what I really wanted to do. A month prior to my resignation from my previous job, I re-submitted my application. Three months and 2 face-to-face interviews later, I finally got an offer for an internship at this international N.G.O.. Exciting times indeed!
Photo from SOLS 24/7 Malaysia
My decision to stir the wheel to a different direction has proven to be the right decision all along. I wouldn’t have grown so much in a short span of time nor experience opportunities I can only imagine. If you’re thinking of quitting your day job to find yourself or create opportunities for a personal breakthrough, make sure you’ve prepared for it mentally, financially and spiritually. Taking the road less travelled is scary. It’s bound to scrutiny and uncertainty. But it’s also humbling, inspiring, empowering and liberating.
Let me end this blog with a question from a guy named William Chen, “What would you do if, for a while, you don’t have to think about making money?”.
8 Personal Milestones I’ve Achieved While On A Career Break When I told my parents over a year ago, "I'm moving to Malaysia to start a new life and perhaps a new career", the response I got was "Okay anak, ingat!" (Okay my child, take care!).
