I never imagined that four years in Jakarta would shape my perspective on work, people, and professionalism the way it did. The city moves fast—its energy is contagious, the events are nonstop, and the adrenaline rush is real. But behind the hustle comes the chase: the next deadline, the next deal, the next “win.” Balancing work and life often feels impossible.
Yet Jakarta taught me something equally valuable: being alone doesn’t have to feel lonely. I learned how to navigate the city by myself, from work to events, hopping between places like a pro. That independence became one of my greatest strengths.
For a long time, I attached my identity to my work. My favorite question used to be, “How do you juggle five brands under one roof?” My answer was always the same: just do it. Understand your products deeply, know your numbers, and stay involved with every moving part of the business. Once you truly know your brands—their positioning, their spending habits, their audience—decision-making becomes faster, easier, and smarter.
Of course, there were struggles. But Jakarta also taught me this hard truth: everyone is replaceable. Work is work. Some days will be bad, and that’s okay. You show up the next day, learn from your mistakes, and write a new chapter. The world keeps moving.
Jakarta is a city that values performance. It’s a place where appearances, titles, and networks often dominate over authenticity. And that’s not necessarily wrong—it’s just how the city works. But it does mean we have to set healthy boundaries.
In the workplace, personal and professional lines can blur quickly. You might share stories, laughter, and even struggles with colleagues or your boss, but it’s important to remember the context. Friendships at work can be meaningful, but professionalism should always come first. Boundaries protect your peace, your growth, and your clarity.
This doesn’t mean avoiding connection—it means being intentional. You choose what to share, when to engage, and when to step back. And when conflicts arise, especially with leadership, avoid making it personal. Separate the content (the issue) from the context (the relationship). Respect makes difficult conversations easier and keeps the bigger picture intact.
In the end, Jakarta taught me more than just how to work hard—it taught me how to stand on
