My One Piece
“If the path to what you want seems too easy then you’re on the wrong path” — Monkey D. Luffy
Hi there! 👋 Have you watched the new One Piece live-action series on Netflix? It’s good, right? I do have some concerns, but overall it’s very well-executed, and very happy with the final productions. One Piece is my favorite manga series of all time. It’s about this boy chasing his dream by going on an adventure from island to island. If you think about it… by traveling through the islands — Luffy essentially realizes his dream little by little. The islands are his milestones in order to become the pirate king. I would like to take this notion and tell you my story. Right now, I just arrived on my next “island”: Working Overseas Island.
At my previous island, the Tkpd Island, I felt stuck. Don’t get me wrong… all is well on that island. Tasks are good, teammates are good, managers are also good. It’s just that… I feel that I’ve explored the island long enough and there’s not much left. I’ve been wondering “what’s next”, what island do I need to go to? I thought about this hard, even booking an appointment with a psychiatrist, to counsel my issues. Turns out, there are a lot of aspects that make me “unsatisfied” with my current life. But then I realize, there’s one aspect that I can fully take control of and make a change to it. That is to “live independently”.
This year, I’ll be 28. The fact that I still lived with my mom bothered me. In my country, it’s actually not weird at all. In fact, it is common for young adults to still live with their parents. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because of my westernized point of view regarding independence. But the point is, I realize I can do something about this situation.
It all started with a chat with a friend who currently lives abroad. “I do want to work overseas if I have a chance”, I said. It was as if God’s will was playing out here, suddenly the opportunity came.
In February, I was approached by one of the largest tech companies in Japan. They’re in need of software engineers for web development, and I guess I happen to be qualified. I’ve always had connections to Japan. Since childhood, I watched Super Sentai, lots of anime, and read a lot of mangas. So I thought to myself “I definitely won’t miss this chance”. I talked to my mom and friends about my plan to go overseas, and they all encouraged me to go. So… here I am.
This “island” is both nerve-racking and exciting for me. This is my first time wandering by myself, plus I wander in another country. I don’t even speak the language 😅 I have to work twice as hard if I want to settle here for good. But alas, this is what I’ve always wanted. Being independent.
I don’t know what kind of challenges or gifts this “island” is going to offer. But I’m gonna explore it thoroughly and joyfully, just like Luffy!
I don’t have a big goal, like to become the king of the pirates. Hell… I don’t even know what I’m trying to aim for in my journey. I just want to live in the moment.
I have traveled past several islands. The “Preparation” island, the Basketball island, the “First Relationship” island, the “First Job” island, the Fasilkom island, the Trave island, and my last is the Tkpd island. Now I’m on the new “island”.
The Working Overseas / Mercari island. Filled with new experiences ripe for the picking. I’m gonna give my utmost best to explore this island and hope it will treat me well. This… is my “One Piece” journey. Cheers to myself on this exciting new journey! 🍻
