No Regrets Leaving Home

"The one thing I will never regret in my life is..."

More than a decade ago, I started learning Japanese. I was one of the lucky people who got chosen by the company I worked for to study the language and they promised to deploy me and the others to Japan.

Studying Japanese is actually a pain but a little fun. A little fun because it's a new language. Who wouldn't want to learn another language for free? I had a teacher (sensei) and my 8 hours of working in the company was just spent attending Japanese classes. That went on for 4-6 months.

Fast forward, I was given an opportunity to come to Japan while working in that company. I think it was my 3rd or 4th year working there. The job though was so difficult. I know I'm a little smart (oops HAHAHA sorry for boasting LOL) but I don't think I would like the job for that project. Also, I would only be there for a month because the project duration was only a month.

Because I was a scaredy card, I could not say yes. I was also not confident to say no either.

Saying yes to going to Japan would mean leaving my family and my friends for a while. I knew I signed up for the Japanese lessons so I could go to Japan but didn't think it would be like this. I didn't think I was good at Japanese that time and going to Japan and work for my client would mean I should speak Japanese fluently. I knew I couldn't do that. I also didn't want to be separated from my boyfriend at that time. I know, love sucks. 😅

I missed the opportunity. I kinda regretted it but when I thought of the project being difficult and being away from loved ones, the regrets would be gone.

I left that company after staying there for almost 7 years. I left and was not able to go to Japan despite learning the language and the promise of going there.

That was my last opportunity of going to Japan until..

One day my friend asked me if I want to apply for a job opportunity in Japan. The job description was so vague, the company just needed to hire software engineers like me.

I was in a dilemma but to be honest, I was a little excited.

I thought I would not have this opportunity again.

By the way, my boyfriend and I broke up so I was single at that time. We remain good friends but it seems like I was so attached to him again and started to develop feelings. I knew I needed to get away from him so I could completely forget him.

I was so lucky being able to pass the hiring process after just 2 interviews. But at the back of my mind, I was a bit hesitant. I would leave my life in the Philippines - my family, my friends, and my crushes everything else.

Fast forward to today, I'm now living in Japan for 4.5 years and counting.

I really thought working here would mean overtime everyday but I was one of the lucky ones that didn't experience it a lot. My coworkers here are so kind to me. The friends I made here are so helpful and they keep me company.

Despite living alone and away from my family, I don't feel lonely. Instead I'm having the time of my life - living life in the country I really dreamt of going when I was still starting to learn Japanese. Now I'm here and I don't have regrets.

The one thing I will never regret in my life is leaving my hometown and living in an unknown but fun place that is Japan.

I learned a lot of things living alone. I learned how to cook, how to wash clothes, do the dishes, clean the house, decide things on my own, how to be independent, and a lot more. I stepped out of my comfort zone and explored the unknown. I didn't know that unknown would be this awesome! I'm so glad I took the opportunity of coming here - and now, I am living my life to the fullest while being here.

Only when you step out of your comfort zone will you experience and learn more about life.

The Japanese language? Nah, I thought I wasn't good at it but I could speak and understand. My level would be average though, not yet the expert level. Turns out the best way to learn the language is to experience it everyday and I'm glad to experience it here.

I never once regretted living in Japan. It's everybody's dream to visit this place and I'm lucky to be here! (Okay maybe not everybody but almost everybody, no? 😂)

How about you? Do you have anything that you don't regret doing?

I have always wanted to share this and luckily it is aligned with the topic for the weekend-engagement by @galenkp. To know more about it, you can visit this post.

Thanks for reading!
See you around!

^{All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.}