The year 2024 - A Brand New Start

How can I put this... Hmm... is weird to start a beginning when is already the second month of the year right? But I don't care :) This month plays an important role for me, and finally, there will be new progress and stuff that I am looking forward to starting this month.

After graduating with a master's degree at the end of 2022, I eagerly stepped into the corporate world, envisioning a career where I could apply my ecological expertise while gaining valuable insights into society's workings. In my role as an ecological consultant within a corporate setting, I found myself immersed in diverse projects, from analyzing environmental impact assessments to developing sustainability strategies for the government. Despite the promising job content, I soon realized that the conventional 9-5 structure didn't align with my natural rhythms and creative processes.

The confines of the office environment began to feel suffocating, stifling my passion and leaving me feeling trapped. The monotonous routine left little room for innovation and personal growth, leading to a sense of disillusionment. Sitting at my desk, I couldn't shake the feeling of being confined in a metaphorical jail, a feeling exacerbated by negative thoughts about my physical appearance and overall well-being. It became clear that this lifestyle was unsustainable in the long term, prompting me to reconsider my career trajectory.

As a foreigner navigating the intricacies of the corporate world, I faced additional challenges in contemplating a job change. However, rather than viewing this experience as a setback, I chose to embrace it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Through my time in the corporate realm, I gained invaluable insights into organizational dynamics and corporate culture, shaping my understanding of the interconnectedness between ecology and business practices. Inspired by my observations and reflections, I began exploring alternative career paths that would better align with my values and aspirations, setting the stage for a transformative journey of self-discovery and exploration.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that it's time to transition to another phase in life, one that aligns more closely with my passions and aspirations. With gratitude for the lessons learned and experiences gained, I am ready to bid farewell to the confines of the corporate world and embrace a new beginning filled with possibilities. It's time to step outside of my comfort zone, follow my heart, and embark on a path that resonates deeply with my values and vision for the future. With optimism and determination, I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead, confident in my ability to carve out a fulfilling and purpose-driven career path.

How do I start you may ask? Setting Goals

Yup, I like setting up goals. I've had this habit since my undergraduate years, but I sort of messed up my schedule due to COVID-19, which really threw my plans off track and took about a few years to reboot this habit again. I usually set goals for me to visualize what I can/will achieve. Sometimes it can be kinda shy and private. However, this year, I want to push myself a little and try something new.

Well, no matter if it will succeed or fail, you never try you never know right? Here are my goals for 2024:

1. Setting up a blog I have always struggled with expressing myself in words. I don't consider myself a journalist with the ability to craft beautiful phrases that capture people's attention. However, my time in Taiwan has shown me that there are countless incredible experiences and stories going undocumented. This realization has inspired me to seize the opportunity to chronicle my experiences and those I will encounter in the future. Through blogging, I aim to learn the art of storytelling through words and improve my ability to articulate effectively.
   

2. Be better at photography My journey in photography began in childhood. Despite facing financial constraints and lack of support from my family, I pursued this passion lending cameras from my aunt and friends. I approached photography with a deep sense of importance, understanding that each picture captured not only a moment but also preserved a memory. However, it wasn't until later that I realized the significance of not just capturing the moment but also presenting it as an art form, elevating the experience to another level.
   

3. Travel For those who know me, you'll know that I am always stressed. From working multiple part-time jobs, constantly not having enough sleep, and worrying about things that never happened, I've been caught in an endless cycle of eat, sleep, work, repeat for a while now. Well, not far from now, if everything goes smoothly, I am hoping that I can have a short holiday travelling around for a while. Making new memories and experiencing different adventures will be a breath of fresh air. Taking a leap and running away from my comfort zone is exactly what I need. It will be hard to break this cycle, but I believe everything will work out. Planning ahead and setting realistic expectations for my journey is key so I will be sharing it to everyone in the near future!