Tag: syd

Three Months Down, Nine More to Go!

Zaigh's1 Comment
Cronulla Point
Cronulla, NSW, Australia
(September 1, 2019)

“One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of what they have to gain.”

Rick Godwin

How do you react to change?

Pause before you answer!

The politically correct response that usually comes up is:

  • “I love change!”
  • “I welcome change!”
  • “Change is good!”

In my conversations with people, change actually scares the shit out of them.

In my own life, I realized how scared I was of change.

Here I was, since 2015 telling people I was going to pursue this dream of living in Australia, only to find every excuse not to do it.

After all, how could I give up everything I had:

  • I had just finished my degree, it was time to grow my career
  • I had an amazing job, like, I really had an amazing job
  • I had a reliable car that was paid off – I was debt free
  • I had a solid group of friends who understood me and were accessible at any moment

Next thing I know, I’m sitting at the departure gate at Vancouver International Airport on June 15th, 2019:

  • I had pressed pause on building a career
  • I quit my job and needed to accept that I was likely not going to be welcomed back
  • I sold my car and was going to be relying on public transit
  • I was leaving my social life, I would be going to the other side of the world and be +17 hours ahead of Vancouver time

Was it hard leaving? Yes.

Do I regret leaving? No.

Let me *pause* here and share what I’ve been up to.

It has been a busy month, let me tell you!

I’ve gone back to work which has taken up a lot of my time.

Sure, I only work four days a week at six hours a day (thanks to the Government of Canada who taxes my income even while I temporary live overseas), however I am feeling fulfilled in the work I have been doing as I help a growing business reach their goals.

7 Steps to 7 Figures Intro Event
The Sydney Boulevard Hotel
Sydney, Australia
(September 26, 2019)

I’ve been asked to join our team as the Event Producer as we embark on a seven city tour of Australia where we are meeting with small business owners and business leaders; introducing them to seven areas each business leaders need to familiarize them with in order to make their business successful.

It’s funny, one of my goals was to visit different cities in the country before my Radical Sabbatical was over, and now here I am: three months into my trip, visiting Canberra, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth for work … how cool is that?!

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So, shoutout to the trainers and my workout pals from @f45_training_engadine for keeping me motivated, accountable and encouraging me (while kicking my ass) during every session. . Today marks the end of the 8 Week Challenge and I’ve dropped 11kg (24.25lbs), 6% body fat, two pant sizes and a shirt size. . I trained five days a week, walked everywhere I went (sometimes walking a few extra blocks to the next train station or just walking to my destination), prepped all my meals and snacks (portioning and weighing), and cut out my favourite things: potatoes, bread, and booze. . F45’s motto is, “Team Training, Life Changing” … well, my life has been changed and I’m looking forward to seeing where we go from here ✌🏻 . . . . * Disclaimer * – I will put you on blast if you even try and body shame me, 👏🏻 you 👏🏻 will 👏🏻 not 👏🏻 take 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 moment 👏🏻 away 👏🏻 from 👏🏻 me 👏🏻😌 . #zpsradicalsabbatical #zptakesstraya #workout #training #f45 #f45challenge #f45transformation #f45training #f45family #challenge #results #weightloss

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8 Weeks with F45 Engadine!

Another big accomplishment I was able to reach was getting back into a fitness routine.

When I joined the 8 Week Challenge with F45, I had no idea it would mean giving up the holiday staples: bread, potatoes, and booze.

Yet, here I was – sacrificing afternoons that used to be dedicated to jumping from bar-to-bar to all of a sudden box jumping. I ate the same thing almost everyday, grocery shop on Thursday, meal prep on Saturday.

Drastic changes in my eating habits and paired with going to the gym five days a week paid off!

I found other ways to incorporate practical changes into my life:

  • I would get off the train a station early from my destination to walk the extra few km’s
  • At the train stations, I would take the stairs instead of the escalators
  • It usually takes 20 minutes to walk from my house to the train station, so I would pick up my pace to do it within 15 minutes or less
These trainers changed my life
Caringbah, NSW (left) and Alexandria, NSW (right)
Alana, Cassie, Stephanie, and of course my favourite vitamin, CALcium
Granny’s 91st Birthday Party
Engadine, NSW
(September 21, 2019)
She might have dementia and ask me who I am every five minutes, but when she remembers, she tells me I’m her favourite … can you blame her?

Another major milestone was celebrating my granny’s 91st birthday.

There is some significance to being able to do this:

  1. Last year, all of my Granny’s overseas family (Australia/Canada) flew to the Philippines to celebrate my Granny’s 90th birthday
  2. She has dementia, and quickly forgets who we are
  3. Her health continues to fluctuate, I mean c’mon – she’s in her 90’s

As I shared in my last post, my Granny was being brought to Australia from the Philippines – a plan no one had any idea was in the works until the week it actually happened.

We weren’t even sure if she would be able to be admitted onto the plane, she’s so frail.

Yet, here she was with all of us. I continue to standby my belief that everything fell into place the way it did and when it did; that I am in Australia for such a time as this.

It was magical watching her come down the driveway last Saturday.

She shuffled down the carport after arriving fashionably late.

As she walked down, her 90 year old best friend who she hadn’t seen in over three years was standing there. My granny called out her name and began to cry, her best friend crying out too and sharing a hug.

I tell you, there was not a dry eye in the carport.

Granny with her cake
Engadine, NSW
(September 21, 2019)

She was dancing in her seat, laughed with us, sang her songs, and would continue to comment on our teeth (she lost her dentures and is currently without anything … sigh).

3 Generations of Punzalan’s – celebrating the matriarch of our family
Engadine, NSW
(September 21, 2019)

At the end of her party, she was absolutely wiped out; good thing we made it her “Birthday Lunch” instead of “Birthday Dinner” =)

Tuckered out from her Birthday Festivities
Engadine, NSW
(September 21, 2019)

While I’m in Australia, Canadians are preparing to head to the ballot box for the 2019 Federal Election.

The Canada Elections Act states that a federal election must be held on the third Monday of October in the fourth calendar year following the previous federal election. As the last election was on October 19, 2015, the next fixed election date is October 21, 2019.

Greens, Conservatives, NDP, or Liberal – your voice matters!
(oh, PPC is also an option … but like, c’mon)

I’ve always believed that it is our democratic duty to head to the ballot box and contribute to the democratic process to choose who will lead our country for the next four years.

Whether you are a Canadian citizen living at home and abroad, you should ensure your voice is heard.

Canadian electors living abroad who have previously resided in Canada can vote by special ballot in federal elections, regardless of how long they have been living abroad. The deadline to apply to vote by mail is Tuesday, October 15, 6 p.m., Eastern time.

Elections Canada will send a package which includes your Official Special Ballot Paper

I encourage everyone (decided or undecided) who is able to vote to visit Vote Compass, a really useful tool for everything to determine which party best aligns with their values.

Oh, if you live in (or know someone) in Markham-Stouffville or Vancouver-Granville, they gotta check out the Hon. Dr. Jane Philpott, MP and Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, MP
These two are independent MP’s up for reelection and are icons in Canadian Politics!

I’m voting, will you?

Hillsong Waterloo

I have found community with my new church family at Hillsong.

It wasn’t an easy decision at first – I wrestled with it for weeks.

Some people have reached out to me and asked how I can attend Hillsong knowing the stance of Hillsong’s Senior Pastor, Brian Houston towards the LGBTQ2+ Community serving in their church?

Do I agree with their view? Absolutely not.

Do I think they’ve missed the mark? Yes.

Do I believe they genuinely love all people? Wholeheartedly yes.

Here’s the thing, all I’ve ever seen demonstrated and experienced at Hillsong Waterloo is: love.

Love, love, and more love.

Here’s a perfect example: a couple of weeks ago, this guy walked into the front of the church during worship. As he made his way to his spot, he was quickly greeted by the people around him (including two pastors); hugs, jumping up and down and high fives all around.

He was beaming and wore his “Sunday Best”: a simple black v-neck showing his silver chain, rolled up blue jeans paired with a spotless pair of white Vans. Oh, and he was rocking a fierce and classic set of newly filled French Tips.

The best part?

He stood in front of the church, arms wide open, worshiping his Jesus.

I was overwhelmed with emotions. He embodied the meaning of “come as you are” and the Christians around him welcomed him with open arms (literally).

Here’s a fun fact about Brian & Bobbie Houston. While they may hold (what I believe to be an outdated) belief that LGBTQ2+ Christians cannot serve in ministry, Pastor Brian has been an active opponent of Conversion Therapy (eh, least they’re on the right side of that issue).

Regardless of where you stand with Hillsong, consider this statement that was released on February 14, 2019:

“At Hillsong we want to be known by who we are for. We are for people finding hope in Jesus, we are for people finding love and acceptance, and we are for helping people in any way we can. Our focus is on pointing people to Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life”. No matter where you are in the world, when you enter our doors, you will be greeted with a sign that says, ‘Welcome Home’. That is the heartbeat of Hillsong Church. Indeed, that is the heartbeat of God.”

Yup, you should go for it!

So, let’s go back to what I was saying earlier.

It was hard to give up the great life that I had in Canada, however I have gained so much in just three months of being in Australia.

  1. I have a job that energizes me and is giving me an opportunity to travel across the country
  2. I am living a more active lifestyle and I’m taking the steps to reclaim my body
  3. I get to make some more memories with my Granny while she’s on this earth
  4. I still get to participate in shaping the future of Canada by voting in the upcoming federal election
  5. I saw the love of Jesus towards the LGBTQ2+ Community in a church that I did not believe was able to show it

Is there something in your life that you are afraid to give up?

Giving it up might mean a financial setback or may not be the fan favourite option.

People might question your decision to change; heck, you might not even be ready to pursue the change (I know I wasn’t).

However, imagine what you have to gain?!

For example, imagine someone building their career with the same company for decades and then leave it to start a new career?

One could focus on everything they’re giving up: the comfort of the known, the familiarity of the organization, or the reputation and network they have built over the decades.

Or one can focus on what they have to gain: an opportunity to disrupt their narrative, learn a new industry, or more importantly – a better life for their family.

So, whatever it is in your life – may you move away from your fear of losing it all and move triumphantly towards everything you have to gain.

Onwards,
-Zaighum

For Such a Time as This

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Sydney Central Business District (CBD)
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.

Grill’d Healthy Burgers
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 Kingsford Smith International Airport
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!

ACCEPTED!!!
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 Harbour Bridge
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.

The Cannery
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!

Archie Rose Distilling Co.
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

Pivot

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This was likely the first thing you thought of when you read the title
(that’s what came to mine…)

“Your job isn’t to know the how, it’s to know the what and to be open to discovering, and receiving, the how.”

Jen Sincero

At this point, I’ve applied to over 200 job postings.

  1. Office Jobs: Reception, Mail & Courier, Admin Assistant, Office Assistant, Personal Assistant, Marketing Assistant, Marketing Coordinator
  2. Non-Profit Jobs: Donor Relations, Fundraising Assistant, Corporate Sponsorships
  3. Hospitality Jobs: Events Assistant, Event Coordinator, Banquet Lead, Concierge

I don’t even remember what companies I’ve applied to at this point, but I’ve never seen so many notifications in my inbox.

I read the posting, look at the qualifications, and I apply.

And a few days later I get a response along the lines of:

“Dear Mr. Punzalan – we have reviewed your application thoroughly and while we are impressed with your experience and qualifications, we feel as though there are other applicants that meet a certain set of criteria set for the role. We’ll keep your application on hand and if something comes up, we’ll be in contact. All the best with your job search. Warm regards.”

Back to the drawing boards.

It has taken a toll on my pride.

My days consisted of: Gym, Breakfast, Job Boards, Snack, Job Boards, Lunch, Job Boards, NAP, Job Board, Snack, Job Boards, Dinner, Job Boards.

Somewhere in between, I would read my book (you HAVE to read it) or binge watch a Netflix original series (I’ve done three).

The only times I left my house was to go to the gym or to go grocery shopping.

There was one day where I walked into the the washroom and just stared at the mirror. My hair was a tangled, my facial hair was a mess, I was wearing the same sweats I wore for the last few days and something just *clicked*.

This was not me!

YOU are a BADASS
How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life
by: Jen Sincero
It’s a must read!

So, I made a deal with myself:

  1. I’m only allowed to apply for jobs at night, when I come home from being out all day
  2. If I do stay at home, I have to at least get dressed and walk around the block – no more lounging in my sweats all day.

I decided it was time to change my mindset, I had to pivot from the path I was going down and onto a more positive one.

I mean, c’mon …

I’M IN AUSTRALIA!

So, I do what I always do when I need to reset: I went to the beach.

Cronulla, NSW
July 25, 2019

I walked around and realized how much I was missing by sitting at home all day.

It is “winter” in Australia. I laugh at this season because even though it’s winter, you still need sunglasses because of how sunny it gets. Even though it’s super windy these days, there is not a drop of rain; it’s basically Vancouver during October/November.

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

One of the things we started doing at F45 Engadine is this 8 Week Challenge. You work out five days a week and stick to this super strict meal plan (measuring, portioning, weighing food, meal prep). You also cut out bread, potatoes, and alcohol (UGH).

I came all this way to a new country, and now I’m on a diet?

Sigh.

So, I’ve been trying to find ways to make it fun, I mean there’s only four more weeks left on this program (I really can’t afford to stay at this gym – they charge $65 a week, yikes).

Last Saturday, I went into the city for the first time in weeks.

There are so many tempting things to do when you visit the city, my favourites are day drinking and eating at every single bar that I visit.

It’s a great way to meet new people. I usually sit at the bar, someone comes up and while they wait for their drink you just turn over, say hello and make conversation.

Since the challenge started, I made it an excuse not to go out.

However, I’ve been killing this challenge so, and I felt as though I could handle going into the city and not be tempted with food.

I went, I overcame temptation; I crushed it.

Darlinghurst, NSW
August 3, 2019

Here’s how crazy the evening went!

I was walking around the city, enjoying the usual night life that is a Saturday. One of the best spots to go is Darling Harbour, they have so many cafe’s, restaurants, and buskers.

While I was walking in the area, I took my headphones out and I heard my name being called.

I looked around, quite confused. I’ve never heard of another Zaighum before, so someone was obviously calling me. It was strange though, because I don’t really have any friends here and who would know me?!

I looked behind me, and it was an Australian local who was on a Working Holiday Visa back in Vancouver back in 2016!

We met at Oakridge Centre in Vancouver at the David’sTea.

We caught up for a bit then went our separate ways – what a random event!

Hillsong Waterloo
Waterloo, NSW
August 4, 2019

During one of my first workouts at F45, I was paired with this fire cracker Italian woman who lifted heavier weights than I was lifting and simply walked to next station while I basically crawled.

At the end of the session, Pina introduced herself and we started to chat in the parking lot after class. During our conversation, she asked me what my weeks used to look like back in Canada. I spoke about my job and the work I did during the week and then spoke about the Church I went to on Sunday’s.

She lit up when I brought up Church, and she didn’t miss a beat by inviting me to hers.

I’ve only been to one church since coming to Australia, and I was trying to figure out what the next Church I wanted to visit would be.

Pina then revealed she was a Pastor for Hillsong City Campus, Waterloo.

I was taken aback for a moment.

I was working out with a Hillsong Pastor; crazy!

I found a Sunday I was freed up, and decided to go.

It’s quite a distance to go to Hillsong from where I live. I walk 15 Minutes to get to the train station which leaves every 30 Minutes and goes into the city which takes about 45 Minutes depending on which line you take to Central Station. They have a Community Shuttle that leaves the station 45 Minutes before the service starts (which of course, I missed). I thought about walking, but I was getting close to the start of the service. So, I hailed an Uber which ended up picking someone else and took them to church, oh and I still had to pay for it (I got my refund the next day, but it was a pain to get). The second Uber came and I arrived at the church about 15 Minutes after the service started (I really dislike being late).

When I walked into the church, it was everything I had expected. There was a cafe, a gift shop, lounges, foosball, and Hillsong branded signage just about everywhere. Oh, and there was even a Basketball Court (yup, a Basketball Court).

I walked into the Worship Centre and was quickly greeted by an usher and asked to sit on the “inside of the row”. I almost said no because I am a back row, isle seat person … but I should’ve came earlier, SO I sat where I was told to sit.

The room was dark with a full light show on stage. There were photographers, videographers, producers, and of course the full band, worship leaders, and a choir.

Yup, I was at Hillsong.

It was the first Sunday of the month which meant they were going to take up communion and they ended up doing What a Beautiful Name.

This song gets me every time and I found myself absolutely undone (you can replay the bridge over and over, it’s quite something).

Once worship was over, the message was delivered via Live Feed from the other Hillsong City Campus, Alexandria.

The pastor spoke about how sometimes our plans change, no matter how much we want to be in control. How sometimes we have this vision of where we want to go and we continue to hit roadblocks and setbacks. Sometimes these occurrences aren’t in place to tell you to “ditch the dream” and give up. Instead, they are in place for you to go down a different route to reach your goal.

God isn’t telling you to completely go off your path to reach your goal, He’s just telling you to pivot onto a different path to get there!

I had a goal of working in Australia to fund my Radical Sabbatical and was negotiating with the company I had served for almost six years to help me out. Unfortunately, I had learned that week that they did not have anything available and could not accommodate me; a devastating conversation and outcome I had prepared for but still stung nonetheless.

The path I had planned on going down was no longer an option and I needed to accept the outcome and pivot onto a different path.

The following Tuesday, I was staying true to my commitment to myself and headed into the city for a day of wandering. As I was out and about, I received a phone call from an Agency that came across my application and asked me if I was open to interviewing for a one week placement in the city as an Administration/Events Assistant for a Conference Speaker/Coach who facilitates corporate events for up to 150 professionals in a four-day session.

Being a Temp has its perks:

  1. You get paid weekly
  2. You have flexibility to say yes or no to contracts
  3. No week is the same (depending on the length of your contract)
  4. You meet new people
  5. You are exposed to new companies/industries
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I was putting on my blazer today and stood still for a few moments while I stared at myself in the mirror. . I haven’t worn a blazer since I left my job in Canada. . I needed to wipe the tears that fell down my face as I stared at my empty lapel. . Every morning, I used to open up a box that sat on my dresser and pick one of the many pins that I had collected over the years to place on my lapel. . I would walk into every community event or agency meeting, reach out my hand and say, “Hello, my name is Zaighum and I’m with McDonald’s.” . My identity was in the brand I proudly represented and wore on my lapel for all to see. . Today, I’m walking into a boardroom of strangers and for the first time, I will reach out my hand and will just say, “Hello, my name is Zaighum.” . And that’s okay. . #zpsradicalsabbatical #zptakesstraya #interview #newbeginnings #freshstart #restart #lettinggo #letgo #unemployed #funemployed #movingon

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Sydney, Australia
August 7, 2019
My first job interview since 2013

I walked the twenty minutes from Central Station in the city and met with the Recruitment Consultant who gave me the run down of the company and job.

He spoke to me about my qualifications and asked me if I was okay taking on a one week placement, knowing I would be back to the (f)unemployed life once it has completed.

I am more than fine with it.

After my meeting, I went to my interview with the company who showed interest in me.

It was nerve-racking as I followed my GPS, the thirty minute walk felt like forever.

I walked into the office, it was a office shared space – I love these models, beautiful community can come out of it.

I was ushered into the boardroom to wait for the HR Manager and other members to interview me.

As everyone came in, I stood up, reached out my hand for the hand shake (as you read in the Instagram Post above, it was one of the moments I had to prepare for) and then sat opposite the HR Manager.

My interview began and instead of the scripted questions that were on their computers, we began to speak on my entire Radical Sabbatical journey and what it has been like to find work.

There was a lot of laughter and comforting from the team; we both agreed this could be my foot in the door to the workforce – opening the doors for other opportunities once employers see that I have worked in this country.

At the end of the interview, we parted with a hug (handshakes are overrated anyway) and I was on my way.

The next day, I was informed by the Agency that the team wanted me to join them for the week, calling my interview “genuine and unforgettable”.

I am going back to work tomorrow!

The moment I chose to accept how things were going and pivot from my previous path and go down another, things began to fall into place.

The same day, I received another phone call from another Agency in the city saying they were impressed with my background and wanted to interview me the week after my placement completed.

It’s only up from here, I’m going to be just fine.

“You have to change you thinking first, and then the evidence appears. Our big mistake is that we do it the other way around, we demand to see the evidence before we believe it to be true.”

Jen Sincero

So, friends.

Are you on a path to reach your goals and you are continuing to experience road blocks and setbacks?

Don’t scrap the goal, just pivot onto a different path and see where it leads.

It might be a small change with a big result.

Can’t wait to let you know how the week goes.

Onwards,

-Zaighum

My First Month

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“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.”

– Unknown
Luna Park
North Sydney, NSW
July 17, 2019

I celebrated my one month in this country by visiting Luna Park, a restored 1930’s amusement park that is on the corner of the Sydney Harbour.

My favourite ride was the Hair Raiser, it’s so funny seeing people’s hair before and after the ride (although, my hair has plenty of volume due to my round brush, blow dry and four product routine; it also doesn’t move).

Once you’re strapped into your seat, you are slowly brought up 50 metres above sea level for a bird’s eye view of the Sydney Harbour before being dropped over 80kms towards the ground.

I’ve never been much for heights, but I do enjoy amusement park rides.

I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by my family, I haven’t lived with them since I was ten years old. We are getting re-aquatinted and learning who we are in this current stage of our lives. I don’t remember every night I’ve shared with them as we like to share a few beverages.

(Oh, and they’ve taught me how to drink wine; no more Moscato for me)

My cousin, Lovella and her fiancé, Mark have been extremely supportive. Not only have they given me a place to live, but we spend a lot of time together. We celebrate my mini milestones, we share meals together, watch shows on the couch, and go into the city the odd time.

They have kept my mind busy so I don’t always get lost in my head; it has made this season of self discovery so much easier.

My cousin, Lovella & I
Darling Harbour, NSW
July 12, 2019

There is a vantage point in North Sydney that looks over Sydney Harbour, and isn’t congested with tourists like Circular Quay. I’ve always looked at from the other side, but never took the time to go over. With all of my free time, it was time to check it out.

I found some park benches over looking the water, so I sat down and reflected on my first month here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
(taken from North Sydney)
July 17, 2019

I am still trying to grasp that I’m actually in Australia and that I have been here for a month.

I have realized this trip is turning into a journey of deep learning: addressing insecurities I have suppressed, hurt that I have not dealt with and accepting my life for where it currently is.

Here are three things that I have had to let go of since being here:

  1. Letting go of Expectations:
    • Expectation: I had everything planned out in my head the moment I landed – go on a road trip, find a job, meet new people, make some friends.
    • Reality: My road trip fell through, I’ve sent out almost 150 applications and have been rejected by them all, I have not met a lot of people, I only have three friends (who have their own lives); goodness these days have been somewhat lonely.
  2. Letting go of my Career:
    • Expectation: I was going to be the guy who got the “Golden Opportunity”. Took the risk to follow my dream of living in Australia and continue to build on the career I had worked so hard to establish.
    • Reality: Now that I have been (f)unemployed for almost two months, I’m beginning to see this entire experience as the disruption that was needed for me to break out of what I was doing and discover what I am truly meant to do; I’ll get back to you on that one.
  3. Letting go of People who Belong in the Past:
    • Expectation: I have held onto the odd chance that there may be a “pick up where we left off” moment, where things will go back to how they used to be. I have kept text messages from significant people from my journey that go as far back as 2014, waiting for the day I see a “hello”.
    • Reality: They aren’t coming back and things will never be the same. These individuals chose to walk away, we don’t even talk anymore (and the off chance that we do, I realize that keeping them in my life is not helping me move forward), and I don’t even live in the same country as them anymore. It shouldn’t be this difficult to let go.

I have found myself looking back at the last year and have asked myself:

“What if I had done that differently?”

“What if I had just spoken up?”

“What if I said this instead?”

“What if I had just given them space?”

Looking back at that chapter of my life has done me no favours.

There have been moments where I have felt like the ground beneath my feet is imploding and I find myself facing a complete meltdown. There have been moments of crying on the train, in the middle of the city, or on the beach; each time frustrated with my struggle to let go.

Sometimes I don’t make it out of the house and I lay on the couch reading a book or binge a Netflix Original Series all day.

I continue to struggle with the “who am I” question.

Who am I without my career, without my friends, without the things I have been holding onto, without my structure, without my routine?

I have felt so lost in my search for my identity.

Identity Crisis at 26 … yikes.

I don’t like feeling this way, yet I know deep down that all of this is supposed to be happening the way it is and this is all going to shape me into who I’m supposed to be.

As I begin to let go of the control that I have been so desperate to hold onto, I have noticed things are slowly falling into place right before me.

Friends, dealing with your shit is not easy.

It can be scary, exhausting, difficult, heartbreaking, and a whole lot of other things.

In order for growth to happen, it may be necessary to go through them.

Perhaps if you deal with it now, you won’t feel so lost in your head, have an identity crisis that triggers a major meltdown, and move to the other side of the world to find yourself?

(It’s okay for that to happen too)

Reflection Time:

  1. How do you deal with your shit?
  2. What do you need to let go that’s holding you back?

Now that you’ve caught a glimpse of the not so fun part of my journey, let me tell you what has been keeping me energized!!!

F45 Engadine
Engadine, NSW
July 17, 2019

With all of my free time and the need for face-to-face conversations, I have been regularly attending my local F45. We do 45 Minutes circuit training, focusing on cardio on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and functional strength training on Tuesday/Thursday.

I wake up at 6:00am, leave the house by 6:20am, walk the fifteen minutes to the gym to attend the 6:45am session. Finish at 7:30am, do some stretches then slowly walk back home.

I was given a shoutout by the team recently, doing the one thing I dread the most.

Weight Training.

Going to the gym has been giving me something to do, forcing me to do something productive with my time, even if it’s just for 45 Minutes out of my day. It’s been quite cathartic and is helping me reach some personal goals.

It has also helped burned off the carbs and alcohol that has snuck into my diet.

Poutine at BL Burgers
Darlinghurst, NSW
July 12, 2019

I … FOUND … POUTINE!

I was in Darlinghurst watching a Comedy Sketch by a local Drag Queen before meeting up with my cousin in Darling Harbour.

As I was walking towards the harbour, I was reading all of the different menus advertised outside the restaurants along the strip and saw poutine on one of the menus.

I turned back around to double check if I had read it correctly.

It was correct, this place sold poutine!

I have a weakness for poutine, had one the day before I left for Australia because I did not think I would be able to eat one for a whole year.

I walked up the owner, and asked my usual questions when I see poutine being advertised on the menu:

  1. What is the gravy base?
    • It was mushroom
  2. Do you use actual cheese curds?
    • They did (well, they were tiny … but it did the trick)

I didn’t waste anytime, I gave them my money and waited.

When it arrived, I snapped my picture and then took the first bite.

Heaven.

Now, it isn’t exactly the way it tastes back home. The seasoning is a bit different on the french fries, the cheese curds are small, and it almost tasted like the salt shaker broke and the contents fell into my box … BUT it’ll do for now.

Pre-Race Photo
Engadine, NSW
Sutherland2Surf
July 21, 2019

I spent the last month training for an 11km Run!

The only organized runs I’ve ever participated in were the Scotia 5km and the BMO 8km back in Vancouver.

So, signing up for an 11km was a big stretch.

I was determined to do it, it was something I had never done before and one of my goals on my Radical Sabbatical was to try new things.

There is something special about the Running Community. Everyone shows up on race day with the same common purpose; finish the race.

There’s the final five minutes, the organizers blast the pump up music and people begin to toss their Throwaway Gear.

I always start to tear up at this moment, not sure why.

I play two songs before I do any run (the actual or training):

  1. Where The Streets Have No Name: U2
  2. We Built this City: Rocketship

The Sutherland2Surf is quite interesting. You run through the following suburbs within the Sutherland Shire:

  • Sutherland
  • Kirrawee
  • Gymea
  • Miranda
  • Caringbah
  • Woolooware
  • Cronulla

There are people throughout the race route cheering you on.

High fives are given out, kids have noise makers, and there is camaraderie on the course by fellow runners.

As I made my way towards the final stretch, the crowds got bigger and bigger, it was quite the spectacle for our little beach suburb.

My final time was 1:07, beat what I had expected to do by 8 Minutes.

There was a familiar face at the finish line after I got my medal.

Ronald McDonald and I
Sutherland2Surf 2019
Wanda Beach, Cronulla, NSW

The Maccas (McDonald’s) Owner Operators of Sutherland Shire are official sponsors of Sutherland2Surf.

I will always love my McLife and am embracing my new role as a “McDAlumni”. It was pretty special to see representation in my new community of Sutherland Shire; something I was fortunate to lead back in Metro-Vancouver.

And so, I look forward to the next eleven months that are ahead of me.

I have no idea what is going to happen next: where will I work, who will I meet, what will I experience, or what I’ll learn?

What I do know is I won’t be able to experience any of it if I continue to re-read a chapter of my life that I cannot re-write.

It’s time to turn the page.

Onwards,
-Zaighum

Today, Not Someday.

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A Humpback Whale breaching just outside the harbour
Sydney, NSW

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

– Mark Twain

“I’ll do that someday.”

Do you catch yourself saying that a lot?

There are so many things I want to do but I put it off for “someday”. I want to do it, I hope I can do it, I wish I can do it, I dream I can do it, I even pray that I can do it; but when the opportunity finally makes itself available, I don’t do it.

I’ve given myself a “someday” for just about everything I’ve ever wanted to do:

Someday, I’ll lose weight. Someday, I’ll learn how to use the weights at the gym. Someday, I’ll go bungee jumping. Someday, I’ll go skydiving. Someday, I’ll go on a road trip. Someday, I’ll go to grad school. Someday, I’ll put myself out there and meet new people. Someday, I’ll travel every continent.

Someday.

New Years Day at the Sydney Opera House
January 1, 2019

The moment before that picture was taken (above), I made the decision to stop dreaming about living in Australia someday, and to just go for it.

Five months later, I began my one year Radical Sabbatical here in beautiful Sydney, Australia!

As I continue to journey along this season of (f)unemployment, I’ve decided to do some of the things I’ve always wanted to do but never gave myself an opportunity to do.

I made so many excuses not to do them:

  1. I had to work
  2. I didn’t have enough money
  3. I didn’t have the free time
  4. I needed to hand in an assignment
  5. I’ll go someday
Whale Watching
Sydney, Australia
July 9, 2019

I’ve always wanted to go Whale Watching. I lived in the West Coast of Canada, there are so many opportunities to go Whale Watching and see our beautiful Orca Whales or Dolphins swim and breach along our coast.

I was in Circular Quay on Monday, trying to figure out what I wanted to do during the week (I have a lot of free time on my hands, as you can tell). There were multiple booths for Whale Watching, I walked up to each one and asked them about pricing and the schedule. The average price was about $90 (something I was not that thrilled to pay for). I walked over to one of the last booths which was Captain Cook Cruises, and they told me I could go the next afternoon for $55.

Sold.

I walked up the Wharf on Tuesday. It was quite a lineup to get onto the Catamaran. Fortunately, when you’re the solo traveler, you can get any open seat at the upper deck (yay).

We were given complimentary Barf Bags (so thoughtful). I chuckled to myself when they were being handed out. The waters didn’t seem that rough?

HAH!

Once we left the harbour, the boat was hopping on the waves and you couldn’t walk on the boat without holding onto something (guess who fell down the stairs, sigh). People were using those bags, some people used theirs up and were going off the side of the boat, and one guy didn’t make it past opening the washroom door (everywhere … it was everywhere).

Helpful Tip: stay hydrated, but don’t eat before you go onto the open waters.

Anyway, the scenery was breath taking. You look back and can see all of the cliffs, beaches, and the city skyline. Ugh, what a view!

Then you look out into the water and you realize you’re on sailing the Pacific Ocean. The wind was blowing, the sun was out, there was not a cloud in the sky.

The Skipper slowed the ship down, and we were told over the loud speaker that there were two hump back whales swimming ahead. Moments later, we had a pod of dolphins (you can look at some short clips in the instagram post above).

People who know me well will tell you I am one of the most emotional people you’ll ever meet.

I was a wreck watching these mammals come up for air.

Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one on this ship that appreciated the opportunity we were experiencing because there were a lot of people crying.

Phew.

Climb Fit
Kirrawee, NSW
July 10, 2019

The next day, my cousin was chatting with me at breakfast and asked what my plans were for the day?

I didn’t have any, was likely going to bum around the city.

She told me she was going to their her kids Indoor Rock Climbing and asked if I wanted to tag along?

I’ve always wanted to go, I just never had the time or anyone to go with so I jumped on the opportunity!

While I’ve never been too afraid of heights, there’s something about the idea of rock climbing climbing that has always made me queasy. Oh, and they don’t give helmets (seriously … even the ones I’ve seen in Manila, Philippines give you a helmet).

Nonetheless, my little cousin was belaying for me, and I faced my fears and climbed to the top (the video below is my 2nd climb … the first one I skinned my knee and cussed in the video, oops).

Climb Fit
Kirrawee, NSW
July 10, 2019

I woke up the next morning and realized that one year ago I finished the final class of my Bachelor of Arts in Leadership. To celebrate, I went into the city for a walk.

There’s a patch of grass as you enter The Rocks below one of the pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

I laid out in the sun, the calm breeze brought the subtle salt water smell to where I was. Boats sailed by, the running groups were training, and the cars and train going over the bridge made up the typical downtown noise.

I reflected on the significance of that moment.

On the evening we finished our class, Leading in the World.

We were asked by our instructor what our degrees would do for us once we walked out of the doors of the university?

Some of my colleagues said they would use their degrees to become teachers and others said they would become counsellors.

I’ve always said my degree would give me the courage to pursue my dream of being in Australia.

And it has.

I quit a job that I loved, paid off my debt, packed up my bags, and pursued a dream that was on my heart.

I left the only life that I knew back in Vancouver. I’ve pressed “restart” and have this rare opportunity to create a new identity, create new structure, meet new people, learn more about myself, try new things and take the time to find whatever it is that has drawn me to Australia.

I am living my dream right now; today, not someday.

Dawes Point (The Rocks)
Sydney, Australia
July 11, 2019

So, think about this:

What is that thing you’ve always wanted to do someday?

The big question:

What is stopping you from doing it today, not someday?

I hope you pursue the first thing that came to your heart.

I promise you, it’ll be so worth it!

Onwards,
-Zaighum

I’m STILL (f)unemployed and it’s time to start enjoying it!

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“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the most of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” – Gilda Radner

Taking the Shuttle Bus into the City because there’s Track Work being done in the suburbs.
June 29, 2019

I can’t believe I’ve been (f)unemployed for a month.

I really thought I’d be getting ready to go back to work by now.

It didn’t actually hit me until I was on the bus going home.

I’ve sent 65 Resumes in under two weeks.

That’s right, 65.

Of the 65 resumes I’ve sent out, I’ve had ONE interview (by phone).

Yup, just one.

Both the Talent Acquisition Specialist and I agreed that while the job was perfect for me, I would be spending four hours per day on the train (two hours there, two hours back).

I had no choice but to go back to the drawing boards.

I was devastated.

All of my work experience, all of my education, all of my volunteerism.

Wasn’t that enough? Am I not enough?

Can you believe someone is this distraught about not working?

At the height of my emotional breakdown and identity crisis, I got a surprise phone call from a friend of mine living in Calgary, AB.

We did the usual catch up, then things got real.

He asked me how much I had saved to go on this trip? I brought what the Government of Australia asks Working Holiday Applicants to have in cash (or access to) when you arrive in the country. He asked me if I was alone? I wasn’t, I’m surrounded by family who I can reach within an hour. He asked me if there was food in the fridge? There definitely was. He asked me who I was staying with? I am staying with my cousin and her fiancé.

Then he asked, “then why are you in such a rush to go back to work?”

I was getting frustrated, I began to well up and my voice finally cracked as I said, “because I don’t know who I am without one.”

Without missing a beat, he said, “you did not pack up your life in Canada to just do the same thing in Australia.”

How fortunate am I to have friends who are willing to call me out on my shit?

I know of people who had it far worse when they did their working holiday and just came home early.

That won’t be me.

Sure, I’m not where I had planned to be, but I’m going to be just fine. Everything is falling into place (even though I can’t see it).

Who do you have in your life who can give you the tough love that you need to snap out of your pity party?

Perhaps you might need to give them a call and receive a pep talk.

Maybe you have to give someone a similar talk like the one I just got? I wasn’t expecting it or even asked for it … but oh, did I ever need it!

I’m blessed.

NO … MORE … PITY … PARTIES
June 25, 2019

“Our self-identity should be defined as who we are as individuals. What we do for work is only a piece of our lives.” – Rachael Tulipano

So, I’m pressing pause on actively looking for employment for a little while. My “coffee shop job” isn’t going anywhere after all.

#wearyourpride
June 30, 2019

What am I choosing to do to make the time pass by?

I signed up for a one month gym membership (yes, I did). An acquaintance of mine told me about circuit training that he did at F45 Training. I will be going to the 6am classes, something that I was doing three days a week back home; I’m upping the game to try and do five a week!

I signed up for the 11km run! Sutherland 2 Surf is on Sunday, July 21st! It starts off in Sutherland and takes you all the way down to Wanda Beach in my favourite area Cronulla. I’ve never ran this kind of distance before and I’m so excited to push myself to do reach this new personal achievement!

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it an remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Genesis 9:16 (NIV)
Cronulla, NSW
June 26, 2019

In order to get ready for my 11km run, I’ve decided I won’t just walk along my favourite beach … I’ll be running it! You can do a beautiful 10km run by running from South Beach to the Dunes and back. It’s a steady run along the boardwalk with beautiful ocean as far as your eye can see. I can’t wait!

Surry Hills, NSW
June 27, 2019

When I don’t have plans in the shire, you best believe I’ll be going into the city! On Thursday, I went out for coffee and brunch with a new friend. We ended up walking over 23,000kms around the city where we went bar hopping, saw new suburbs I’ve never been to, tried some new eateries, spoke about our education, and we even went dancing in an underground club. I actually enjoyed myself. Like, who am?!

The splitting headache that came the next morning.
June 28, 2019

I have a few items on the to-do list this week:

  1. Go to the Canadian Consulate and request my absentee ballot for our Federal Election (just because I’m in a different country, doesn’t mean I surrender my democratic duty as a Canadian)
  2. Continue to go Church Hopping to find a new community (super tough because a lot of these churches are quite conservative, sigh)
  3. Take my “not so little” cousin out into the city
  4. Buy more socks, another pair of jeans and flannel, it’s about to get colder (I think I’ll go to a few thrift shops for the flannel)
  5. Celebrate Canada Day (without Poutine, sigh)

As I kick off week three of my Radical Sabbatical, I’m retelling the valuable words from my friend Somi in my head:

“Zaighum, you are a human being, not a human doing”.

I hope they can help you on your own journey!

Onwards,
Zaighum

You’ve Got Mail!

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“I get mail; therefore I am.” – Scott Adams

If only you were in the room when I got my first letter (you’d be handing me kleenex)

I was sitting at the centre island looking through job postings with Mark walked into the house with an envelope in his hand.

“You’ve got mail!”

I looked at him, slightly puzzled.

“What do you mean, ‘I have mail?'” I pondered to myself.

It hit me.

I HAVE MAIL!

That envelope was mine, and really, it couldn’t have come sooner.

It was my bank card.

I stared at the envelope in my hand; my name above my Australian address.

Celebrate the little things, right?

It wasn’t a little thing to me though, this was BIG!

I now have the following:

  1. Phone Number
  2. Address
  3. Transit Pass
  4. Bank Account
  5. Tax File Number (TFN)
  6. Unique Student Identifier (USI)
  7. Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate
  8. Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) Certificate

Trust me, you want an Australian Phone Number when you are here. Pre-Paid Plans are cheap and data is super generous (believe me, choose Telstra). Oh, and if you start looking for work, you need one.

Your mail needs to go somewhere. For example, government documents or bank cards must be sent to a residential address. Any other mail can be sent to a post office box if you have one. Also, you need to continuously update your address on your visa site in case the Government needs to reach you.

To get around, Transport Sydney is your best mode of transportation. The locals have mixed feelings towards it, I think it’s AMAZING. I’ve had the same Opal Card since 2015; “Tap On, Tap Off” was here long before Compass in Vancouver.

I opened a $0 Fee Monthly Account with nab and just got my Debit/Visa within a week. It’s nice to not have to carry cash everywhere or keep it in an envelope under the bed.

Before you start working, you need to get a Tax File Number so you can be taxed at the right rate. Failure to get one can make the Australian Government tax you at the highest Tax Bracket. Oh, this is super important if you are “temporarily leaving Canada”, the Canadian Government taxes your income being earned while abroad (gross).

When you take a nationally recognized training course, you need a Unique Student Identifier through the Australian Government. It helps ensure all records for the same person in the collection stays together, regardless of which training provider delivers the training. Without one, you cannot get your certificate or other evidence of your nationally recognized training outcomes.

Many hospitality jobs in Sydney require you to hold BOTH a valid RSA & RCG certification in accordance to Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Suck it up. Get both.

So this next one is quite fun. One of the best places to work (in my humble opinion) when you’re a traveler is at a local RSL (The Returned & Services League of Australia). These clubs are everywhere in Australia! You can hear the “Pokie Machines” (poker machine/slot machine) ringing throughout the club. There’s usually gym services/spas for members to use. Oh, and of course there is plenty to eat and drink. To work in these facilities, you need to hold a RSA/RCG Certificate. These courses are usually offered at a local site for about six hours (or do both in a day in twelve; not thanks). It’s delivered a workshop setting. You attend, learn, participate, write a final test and if you pass, you walk away certified!

Your boy just got BOTH of them!

Post Night Class Reward

Once you get need your temporary certificates in your email, print them and bring them to your local ServiceNSW Office. Don’t forget to show your Passport & Driver Licence for ID (they need to match whatever is going to be on the RSA/RCG Card, get your photo taken (best believe I’ll be doing my hair for that), and in four weeks (yay, another piece of mail) you’ll have a special ID Card that shows hospitality employers that you are certified and eligible to work for them. The card must be on me at all time when I’m working and you must present it upon request to Liquor & Gaming Officers or the NSW Police if they are on the premises; see, you really do need to be certified!

Well, that’s what I got so far! It’s just after 1am and I have a busy rest of the week ahead.

Next on the “to-do” list, figure out when I’m going to Melbourne?

Oh, and I also got over the flu thanks to the classic Filipino Remedy I grew up on, “Bicks”.

I’m on the mend!

Until the next update!

Onwards,
Zaighum

This is my “New Normal”

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Royal National Park
NSW, Australia
(June 22, 2019)

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

Nothing is normal as I wrap up my first week in Australia.

For example, I have a the flu.

I do not get sick very often, this isn’t normal.

Today, I’ve been laying in bed with a bin full of kleenex on the floor beside me, bundled under the sheets, coughing and shaking, and lathered in every Filipino’s favourite remedy; Vicks (Biks) Vapour Rub.

Flu vs. Zaighum
Flu: 1 | Zaighum: 0

Evenings are getting as low as six degrees celsius in Sydney.

I’ve noticed that homes in Australia do a great job letting out the heat in the summer, but are not built for insulation in the winter.

I haven’t experienced an Australian winter since 2003, and I was only ten years old; I didn’t really pay attention to the temperature back then.

I’m currently sleeping under a sheet, a duvet, and two additional blankets.

I remember packing clothes in my suit cases and saying to myself, “Flannel? In Straya? I’ll leave this at home.”

Regret.

For someone who is (f)unemployed and on a Working Holiday, I have been quite busy. It’s been go-go-go since I landed, I really haven’t given myself a “day off”. While the home that I live in is absolutely beautiful, I’ve never enjoyed being cooped up inside. Now I’ve been forced to do the very thing I don’t like doing. This isn’t normal.

On Wednesday, I went out to the shops to buy some sweaters, windbreakers, and shoes. Everything was on sale (and of course I went to K-Mart for the cheap stuff).

I even bought interview friendly clothing. A pair of black shoes, some slacks, and a purple and blue button down.

It’s time to start looking for work, something I haven’t had to do since 2012.

I’m not looking for anything specific, doesn’t need to be full time, doesn’t need to be in my field. Just needs to be something to do; I really need a social life and meet people.

I’ve sat in front of my computer looking through job postings on LinkedIn, scrolling through the hundreds of jobs that sound interesting and that meet my skill-set.

I really don’t know what I’m going to do.

Here’s the thing about being on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia:

  1. You can work for any company for a maximum of six months
  2. You cannot accept a Government job or work at a bank
  3. IF you want to stay an additional year, you must do specified work in a rural area of the country; usually some type of agriculture job

Now let’s be real here.

Can you imagine me working on some farm in the middle of nowhere?

If you saw the episode of Schitts Creek where the Amish basically begged David’s family to take him back; that would be me if I had to do specified work.

Schitts Creek
Season 2, Episode 1
Finding David

I love being in Australia, I don’t love it that much.

Not a lot of companies want to hire someone, train them, integrate them into their system, then have them leave in six months.

I don’t blame them; but I wish they would give me a chance.

A lot of people have asked me why I would be stupid enough to move to the other side of the world without a job.

It’s a valid question, at times I ask myself the same thing.

I’ve been asked time and again why I didn’t try and arrange a job with my previous employer.

It’s not that easy.

You see, I’ve wanted to come to Australia since 2015 but one of the things stopping me was my love for my job.

So I used to hold onto this idea of living in the country I loved and work for the company that I loved.

You know the saying, “have your cake and eat it too”; that’s what I had hoped for.

I worked hard to build my network, I visited our Australia office in 2015, 2016 and 2018. I turned “LinkedIn Connections” into friends.

My colleagues in Australia encouraged me to pursue this dream. They would tell me, “you need to move to Australia already, there will always be work here,”

It wasn’t a promise for work, or a commitment in any way/shape/form. It was a possibility, a glimmer of hope; and it was the push I needed to pursue my dream.

So, I wrote some thank you cards to some of my old colleagues who are now my “mates” (their word, not mine; you’ll never hear me call someone “mate”. I prefer “friend” or “pal”) to simply say “thank you” for giving me the hope that I needed to pursue my radical sabbatical. Regardless of their decision, I couldn’t have gotten here without them.

McDonald’s Australia (Maccas) National Office
Thornleigh, NSW, Australia
(June 21, 2019)

Now, enough about the rant of my work struggles, let me tell you what I’ve been up to!

I finally went for a run this week, I need to find a new way to stay active while I’m here. I did 5km in my neighbourhood, it was glorious. I’m training for a 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver when I come back in 2020, I need to start training now. There’s an 11km run coming up called the Sutherland 2 Surf, all the locals have been telling me about it. I think I’m going to do it, it looks like a lot of fun. I might as well do something with all the free time that I have, right?

I did the usual tourist thing in the city. I went down to Circular Quay to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. I can’t even count how many times I’ve visited the area just to look at both sites; they continue to take my breath away.

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
    (June 21, 2019)
  • Sydney Opera House
    (June 21, 2019)

I went for a hike on Saturday with my cousin, Mahrck (Bubz to all of us). We went to Royal National Park. I’m very fortunate that it’s really just around the corner from where I live down in Engadine. You gotta look at this post I made on Instagram, the video of the water crashing along the rocks literally brought me to tears; I still cannot believe I live here!

  • Royal National Park
    (June 22, 2019)
  • Royal National Park
    (June 22, 2019)

This is my new normal. I am letting go of the obsession of being in control and instead, face my radical sabbatical day-by-day. In doing this, I feel like I’m stranded in the rain (and it’s actually supposed to rain all week, sigh). Nothing is working out the way I had planned:

  1. No job (not that I can even start till after July 1st)
  2. Haven’t determined my running route (I know the beach route, need to figure out the neighbourhood root); I really need to get active once again
  3. No social life; I need some hobbies (that’ll come with work and getting out of the house more often)
  4. Wasted an entire day in my home due to the flu

I need to stop planning, and instead live in the present; truly embrace “Carpe Diem” – seize the day.

So, as I sit on the couch, bundled under a blanket with the rugby game playing in the background, I am reminding myself of two VERY important realities:

  1. I am on a Working Holiday Visa, emphasis on the HOLIDAY part. I’m here because I was burnt out from my life in Vancouver and needed to completely disrupt my reality.
  2. I JUST got here. I have 51 more weeks in this country and I can make it up as I go. It’s not all going to be figured out in one week and it may not be figured out until I leave.

I catch myself saying, “Zaighum, you need to be kind to yourself.” Try that sometimes, we are our own worst critic after all.

Are you in the midst of your own excessive rain fall? The torrential down pour can be frustrating, especially where you don’t see the sun breaking through the clouds. Sometimes we try and find shelter in things that still let the rain in or get completely blown away in the storm.

Don’t lose hope.

The rain will pass. The clouds will break. The sun will shine.

Your rainbow is coming.

Can’t wait to tell you what happens in Week 2, I think I’m going on a road trip…

Onwards,
Zaighum