Today is my birthday, and it is also the first birthday I celebrate in a foreign land.
One#
At the beginning of this year, I resigned. Although I felt relieved, I still had worries. First, there were more unstable economic factors, and second, I hadn't received any corresponding offers, lacking the 'certainty' that should be there.
My feelings towards my previous company are quite complex. On one hand, it indeed gave me a high degree of freedom to complete various projects, allowing me to develop the ability to work independently; on the other hand, the chaotic project management often left me in a state of burnout after the "honeymoon period" of work.
In the end, two weeks after resigning, I received a job offer with a decent salary increase and an acceptance offer for a master's program.
Two#
After arriving in Canada, the politeness of people and their generous expressions of thanks and praise resonated well with my previous way of interacting with others. I remember once helping an elderly lady hold the door, and she immediately said, "You make my day, thank you." At that moment, I felt really good. Perhaps, interactions between people are meant to be like this, making life more beautiful.
I have read WildCat's summary many times. From just graduating to working and now living abroad, my way of interacting with the world has been influenced by this article to some extent, and each time I focus on different parts, gaining different insights. When the content described in the article unfolds in my own life, I find it quite magical, both familiar and strange.
I am a 'fool,' foolish enough to remember every person who has helped me; foolish enough to cautiously ask others, afraid of bothering them, with colleagues teasing me, "Aren't you tired of always asking questions so politely?"; foolish enough to always attribute mistakes to myself; foolish enough to not understand what freedom is, only knowing what it is not.
Three#
When I just graduated from university, I thought I would always be young, but the reality is that amidst the various tasks at work, I have started to feel worn out and numb, like struggling in quicksand, eventually to be swallowed by it.
I still remember the night before I started my job, chatting with a friend who worked at a large company by the Pearl River until late at night. When we talked about working at a big company, I noticed he missed his student days, and at that time, I couldn't understand the loneliness in his eyes.
Returning to campus felt like giving myself a chance—to become the once "vibrant" self, when I always had endless energy to try different technologies, meet people from various backgrounds, and gain different insights.
With work experience and having seen various "monsters," I want to create an application that truly empowers users and creates real value for them. Last time, I failed due to overestimating myself; this time, I hope the "vibrant" me can succeed.
Even if I am tired every day, I look forward to tomorrow's arrival, which may bring surprises or unexpected events.
With you, even if I am asleep, I am still smiling.
—— Leslie Cheung, "Chasing"
End#
I tend to be someone who likes to prepare for the worst. Before coming to Canada, I had learned about the job situation here from various channels and had enough psychological expectations. But as a BMO manager once told me: Canada is a magical place; you never know what will happen here.
What is meant to be will eventually be.
What is not meant to be, do not force it.—— Sam Hui, "The Heart of a Wanderer"
The next year may be the most unforgettable year of my life. I do not want to miss the inherent beauty of this time due to some "calculations." Canada is my transit station, but it will not be my final destination.
I am grateful to everyone I have crossed paths with; I will always remember your generosity. May you have a smooth and happy life.