Chasing Dreams Down Under: Escaping Corporate Burnout in Indonesia
- audysenglishcorner
- Dec 19, 2024
- 5 min read
“I want to resign,” I confessed nervously to my parents, barely two months into what was supposed to be my dream job at an e-commerce company.
Still in the middle of my three-month probation period, I felt the crushing weight of burnout pressing down on me. The first month alone had wrecked my sleep, triggered multiple mental breakdowns, and left me feeling constantly on edge. Anger simmered beneath the surface, and worse, I had begun to despise the job I once thought was perfect for me.
When I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2017, I felt utterly lost. My degree was broad, offering endless possibilities but little direction. I could technically step into any industry, but it took time to figure out where I truly belonged. Eventually, I stumbled into brand marketing and advertising, and that’s when everything clicked. I fell in love with the creative process — brainstorming campaigns, crafting strategies, and staying on top of trends. I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. Now, six years into the industry, I feel confident that this is the career I want to continue long-term.
However, the tech industry in Indonesia is incredibly competitive, and climbing the corporate ladder was no easy feat. I felt privileged to have studied abroad and be fluent in English, which opened doors to opportunities with some well-known companies. So when I landed my dream role at a multinational e-commerce company, I was beyond excited. But as it turned out, the reality was far from what I had envisioned.
The company was lean, with small teams tackling workloads meant for groups three times the size. I didn’t want to complain, especially since everyone around me had been handling it for years and seemed to manage just fine. That’s when the self-doubt crept in. “Is it me? Why can’t I keep up? Am I doing something wrong?” I pushed myself hard — endless late nights, working until 9 PM, and pulling all-nighters until dawn. I poured everything I had into my work. But after two months, I hit my breaking point.
Opening up to my friends about my struggles, their advice was clear: my mental and physical health had to come first.
That’s when it dawned on me that leaving the company was the best move for my well-being. But starting the job search again felt overwhelming — my workload was so intense that I barely had time to breathe, let alone look for new opportunities. Still, I squeezed in whatever I could.
As I grappled with the mounting pressures of my job, a realization took shape: the constant fatigue and anxiety were not just signs of a demanding role; they were indicators that I needed a significant change. During one of my late-night conversations with friends, the idea of a working holiday in Australia emerged. Could this be the escape I desperately needed? The thought lingered in my mind, igniting a flicker of hope amidst the exhaustion.
I had to pause and process the idea. Family in Sydney and my parents’ stories about life there made it feel less daunting, yet I questioned if I was truly ready to uproot everything and dive into the unknown. Between researching the visa and applying for jobs, I found myself seriously weighing the possibilities.
When the announcement regarding the Supporting Letter from the Indonesian government for the Working Holiday Visa came out, I had only one day to gather all my documents. There was no time to waste — I scrambled to organize everything before heading to work. The following day, I submitted my application for the letter, and once it was in my hands, I promptly applied for the visa. Fast forward a month, and I found myself holding a granted visa and a one-way ticket to Sydney, ready to embark on this new adventure.
The toughest hurdle was telling my parents about my plans. While I had saved up for the move, I still carried the responsibility of the mortgage for the house they lived in. I was uncertain about the kind of job I would find in Australia, especially knowing it would likely be blue-collar work — something I had no prior experience in.
The prospect of venturing into the unknown was daunting, pushing me far outside my comfort zone.
However, after weeks of heartfelt conversations and sharing my aspirations, my parents gradually came around to the idea. They began to see my determination and supported me in taking this leap of faith, believing that this experience could be exactly what I needed.
Was my reason for moving to Australia the right one? Perhaps not. Maybe I was just running from the burnout that had consumed me. But deep down, I had always dreamed of experiencing life abroad on my own terms. Could this be the path I was meant to take?
Arriving in Sydney felt like stepping into a whole new world. I could almost sense the shackles of my past life falling away; the burdens of my old job and the stress that weighed me down were finally gone.
With a sense of liberation, my journey to find a job began. Remarkably, within just a week, I landed a position, and a wave of optimism washed over me. I finally felt confident that my life was on the upswing.
Living in this vibrant city allowed me to sustain myself while exploring its stunning sights — from the iconic Sydney Opera House to the sun-kissed beaches of Bondi. Each day, I found joy in my new routine, sharing my experiences with my parents every morning during my commute. They were my constant support, cheering me on from halfway around the world. I felt genuinely happy and content. Although the work itself was far from my true passion in marketing, it provided a refreshing change. The challenges and new experiences invigorated me, sparking a sense of excitement I hadn’t felt in a long time.
However, while I initially embraced the excitement of my new life in Sydney, I soon discovered that living on a working holiday visa wasn’t without its challenges. The reality of adapting to a new job and culture began to settle in, bringing moments of doubt and frustration that reminded me that every adventure has its hurdles. Yet, I was determined to push through and make the most of this unique opportunity.
Join me as I dive deeper into the challenges I faced and the struggles that tested my resolve. You’ll see how I fought to stay afloat and kept pushing forward, determined to embrace this adventure fully. Stay tuned for the journey ahead!
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