Sydney, Australia
Last week, I went back to work for the first time in over two months.
I woke up at 4:30am, showered and did my hair, packed my change of clothes and lunch, and walked to the gym.
I showed up to the first gym session at 5:15am.
After the 45 minute workout, I quickly washed my body and changed into work clothes.
I walked out of the shower facility and was met with cheers from my Gym Family.
They haven’t seen me outside gym clothes, they were just as excited to go on this big adventure as I was.
I got to the train station at by 6:15am and waited for the train to arrive just after 6:30am (express trains from where I am run every thirty minutes until 8am).
I reached the the next train station by 7:20am and I walked 10 minutes down the street to the office.
8:00am, the clock started and it was time to work.
I was welcomed to the team with open arms (literally, because they’re huggers) and was given a list of things to do.
After my day was over at 5:00pm, I made the commute home and walked through the door just after 7:00pm.
I made dinner, cleaned up, and was in bed by 9:00pm.
Rinse and repeat for five days; it was exhausting.
I was excited for my first week to be finished and find out what the next adventure would be.
And then I got a job offer to stay.
While flattered that they were willing to keep me on, I politely declined.
My goal with re-entering the workforce is to avoid working eight hours a day or five days a week – nor do I want to spend my day commuting. After all, these were the things that I did back in Canada which contributed to my decision to drastically change my life by packing up and moving overseas to embark on a new path.
I also have to keep in mind that my income in Australia will be taxed in Canada (sigh) … that’s right friends, double the taxes!
I just wanted a job where I can meet new people, experience a new industry, and fund my trip to explore new areas I haven’t been to.
I was going to apply to be a server at this really neat burger place a few towns over called Grill’d – they have a Beyond Burger which is to die for.
The Beyond Burger
Before I could stop by the restaurant and apply (and sink my teeth in that Beyond Burger), I was approached by the company I had done temporary work for and was offered everything I wanted while working in Australia (hours, flexibility, rate) in exchange for my background and expertise in operations, processes, systems, organization, and leadership.
I sat down with the Owner and the General Manager and discussed what the needs were. We discussed how I had over 200 applications rejected during my job search and then I was randomly put into this temporary placement. Just when they needed someone to come in and support them in reaching their organizational goals, I arrived.
I got up and gave them both a hug, I’ll be back to work on September 2nd and stay until the next great adventure makes itself available.
“And who knows but that you have come to this place for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 (NIV)
The last few weeks, I’ve been wresting with my decision of packing up my life and coming to Australia?
Why was I so compelled to leave a career that I loved, a stable income, a limited but happy social life, and all the comforts of being home?
Of all the times to be in Australia, why did everything fall into place for me to be here right now?
And then last night I found out my 90 Year Old Granny living with Dementia was being brought back to Australia from the Philippines.
The last time I saw her was at our 2018 Punzalan Family Reunion in September to celebrate her birthday and I left the Philippines wondering if I would ever see her again.
So, I got up early and took the train to the airport and waited at the arrival gate for her.
She came down the arrival gate and I ran up the ramp, tears streaming down my face as I broke down on my knees holding her frail hands. She stared at my face, placed her hands on my cheek and then she smiled with her toothless grin. She asked me how my mother was, and asked me, “did you come here to see me?” She remembered that I’m from Canada and used to sing for her.
As I pushed her wheelchair to the car, I realized she is the reason why I am here. I am here, during this season, to be around her, for such a time as this.
The opportunity to build on my career isn’t going anywhere – I can always go back to that.
For now, I will continue to embrace this season of rest and self-discovery during my Radical Sabbatical.
Most importantly, I will enjoy this time to be with my family and this exciting opportunity to create more memories with this wonderful woman in my life.
Sydney, Australia
August 25, 2019
While I’m on the topic of significant moments in Australia, I got really big news this past Thursday!
Back Story:
When I first landed, I set up a meeting with my previous employer at their Australia office. During our conversation, I quickly realized I would be walking away from the office for the last time as there was no room for me on their team.
I got into the train and cried the entire ride home.
It was time for a career change, I needed to let go of the company that I had served with all my heart for almost six years and let go this idea of going back to work for them at this time in my life.
This experience forced me into this unique opportunity to embark on a new career path and while I was scared shitless of the idea of pursuing it, I knew that everything I had gone through prepared me for such a time as this.
So, I went to an Education Counsellor in the city who specialized in International Students and I applied for a program that I had wanted to pursue for sometime and meet my goal to achieve my Masters by the age of 30.
Present Day:
I’ve been accepted into the Masters of Social Work (Qualifying) with the Australia College of Applied Psychology in February 2021!
August 22, 2019
Pretty cool for someone who has only been here for two months, eh?!
Oh, I celebrated my 2nd Month in Australia!!!
Sydney, Australia
August 17, 2019
To celebrate month number two:
My day started out for breakfast at Royale Speciality in Surry Hills. Royale Specialty prides itself as Surry Hill’s first espresso bar devoted to serving only natural process coffee.
For those coffee connoisseurs out there:
“The natural process, also known as the dry process, is a back-to-basics approach that stems from Ethiopia. The fruit is left on the bean, and there’s little disruption to the coffee while it dries. It requires certain climatic conditions & investment by the farmers to ensure the drying of the fruit and seed in time. This process can create the most flavourful coffees with interesting notes and characteristics. Well picked and processed natural coffee can bring out incredible cupping notes, and offer consumers amazing sweet flavours with some naturals tasting more like a tropical fruit salad or fruit compote than coffee. And what’s more, natural coffee is the most eco friendly way of processing coffee as it is produced without water.”
Then, I visited the Zensation Tea House in Waterloo.
The moment I walked in, I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace.
A vinyl record of some of Elton John’s best hits were playing in the background.
The aroma of Dim Sum, Noodles, Buns, and sweet desserts filled the air. Maybe its because of how hungry I’ve been while on the F45 Eight Week Challenge (which is almost done) but that was what I smelled first.
I couldn’t eat any of it (sigh) so I sat at a table and looked at the Tea Menu.
There were pages and pages of options, some teas I have heard of and tasted and others I have not.
I settled for the Milky Oolong Tea imported from Alishan, Taiwan.
According to the menu:
“This full leaf tea derives its name from the creamy and buttery scent while the palette is light with peach, gardenia and hints of coconut. This can be attributed to the tea grown at high altitude. A truly complex and luxurious infusion with light honey colour and smooth aftertaste.”
I kid you not, it was one of the best teas I ever had (I drank five pots worth).
After I had my tea, I walked over to Rosebery and visited a place called The Cannery. While it isn’t as cool as Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, there are several local eateries, desserts, and vendors to experience.
Rosebery, NSW
One place that really stood out while I was in the area was Archie Rose Distilling Co. which offers tours and tastings throughout the day and of course a full service bar. I love my Whiskey, and you best believe I’ll be stopping by here sometime in September!
Rosebery, NSW
So, friends – take a moment and consider these points in your own life:
- Instead of whining out in despair, “why me?!“ … assertively ask yourself, “why me?“ (do this out loud)
- Reflect on the last three to five years – have there been specific events that have lead up to this moment in your life?
- If you are a person of prayer, a vision board maker, or someone who speaks out daily affirmations or manifestations; is what’s happening to you in this moment something you’ve been seeking all along?
I hope no matter what situation you are currently finding yourself in, you can pause and reflect if what you have been experiencing is supposed to prepare you for such a time as this.
Onwards,
-Zaighum
ZP's Radical Sabbatical 