A pessimistic optimist's job search journey

2024 just ended. Holiday is over. I just dropped off the kids back at school and finally had time for some reflection:

In the first four months of 2024, I focused on self-care. My younger daughter turned 1 on January 10, 2024, and after the very important first year where I 200% devoted to her, I decided it was time to pay more attention to myself. I shed most of my pregnancy weight through mindful eating and regular exercise. I fit back into clothes I’d kept for over ten years, and when I looked in the mirror, I felt proud of the healthier version of myself.

I also took two solo trips: one to Seoul in April and another to London in November. While this is not a common thing, I traveled without my kids or husband 😹. I spent almost a week in each city, catching up with my girlfriends—who were also my hosts in both places—wandering through the cities on my own, and doing whatever I felt like: sleeping in, shopping, eating, visiting museums, taking classes, and people-watching in local coffee shops. I rediscovered how much I enjoy long flights. By the time I returned home, I felt happier, more present, and refreshed.

As my two toddlers began attending school full time, I started looking for a full-time office job. After focusing on my physical and mental health, I felt ready for the months-long process of job hunting. Job searching is a skill set in itself: self-awareness, storytelling, confidence, self-belief, networking, resilience, discipline, communication, and the ability to handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. I received some job offers, accepted one, and unfortunately I decided to quit the job after three months. It takes courage to go through that process, and even more to be willing to do it all over again.

One unexpected upside of quitting my job was that I had the chance to take my first ski lesson. I hadn’t planned to learn to ski in 2024, but there I was. I took four lessons, and by the end, I was able to navigate the full green route twice. I also had the joy of watching my 4-year-old take her first ski lesson. Kids never cease to amaze me with how quickly they learn new things. What started as an unexpected experience has now become something I look forward to—especially as a family activity. I can’t wait to ski more this season!

2024 also brought another new experience I participated in two K-pop dance covers. Though I’ve always admired dancers, I’ve never been able to loosen up enough to dance myself. I’ve tried different dance classes before but never stuck with them. This time, I committed fully—20 intensive classes and countless practice hours at home. Two months later, I found myself featured in dance cover videos on YouTube. While I still looked serious, I pushed past the awkwardness, practiced, performed in public, and even shared the videos with friends.

I continued creating and selling my artwork. In 2024, my work reached two new countries: France and Korea. I also had the privilege of gifting my pieces to friends, family, and others who appreciate my art. I experienced fewer breakages, provided better customer service, and in 2025, one of my pieces will be featured in a museum exhibition. 

A major event in 2024 was the day my 18-month-old daughter, Em, had a seizure and lost consciousness at school. The teachers called 911 and the ambulance took us on the longest ride I could remember. We spent the night in the ICU and a few more days in the hospital. Thankfully, Emma is fine now, but I will never forget that ambulance ride—running through traffic lights and against the flow of traffic. Every time I hear an ambulance siren, I’m reminded of that day with a shiver and thankful that my family is healthy!

So, what have I learned in 2024?

Self-care is essential. I need to take care of myself first before I can take care of others. When I feel good about myself, it’s easier for others to feel good about me. Eating better, exercising, traveling, and making time for the things I enjoy help me stay positive. 

Fall fast—that’s one of the first lessons I learned while skiing, and it applies to work and job searching as well. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether to push a little harder or walk away, so reflect deeply and trust your instincts. Work should challenge you but also bring you joy.

Utilize the support around you, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’re often taught to be self-sufficient, which can make it uncomfortable to ask others for support. But if you enjoy helping others, chances are others will want to help you too.

Be kind and generous to others, simply for the sake of kindness. It feels good to give away my artwork, even when I know I could sell it. You never know what impact a simple act of kindness can have, both on others and on yourself.

Here’s to 2025—more gratitude, connection, health, and alignment!