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Confessions of a Serial Life Disruptor: The Paris Plot Twist
“How did you end up in Paris!? You’re so lucky.” A friend from Australia said to me when we caught up in August. She was genuinely amazed. Sydney to Paris. “Just like that”. The truth is, Paris was never the plan. And yet, here I am. Living what’s officially one of my favourite chapters yet.…
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Business Coaches That Demonise the 9–5
I remember when I first returned to secondary school teaching in 2023 after three years of working for myself. I was excited. Like, embarrassingly excited. Because as fulfilling as those three years had been, I knew it was time to go back to the classroom. I was moving to the Netherlands at that time, and…
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Offline Is the New Luxury: How I Feel About It
The online is… loud. If I wake up in the morning and the first thing I do is go on socials (which I’m definitely guilty of, on multiple occasions…oops), then forget about it. I don’t know why, but my mind already feels a bit muddy. The day hasn’t even started and it’s already borrowed noise.…
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Why “Just Speak Up More” Doesn’t Work for Asian Professionals — Here’s What Works Instead.
I had a coaching call this week where a client shared with me, “I know I should speak up more in meetings. But I just… don’t.” That was such an honest thing to admit, so I gave her an honest answer back. “That expectation was never going to work for you,” I said. Not because…
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What It’s Like Being Asian in Europe — At Work
Before you come for me — yes, I know. “Europe is so broad. Just specify your country.” I hear you. But I had to catch your attention somehow. 😉 *** “No, where are you really from?” I work in an international school in the Netherlands where everyone is from somewhere. On the surface, it looks…
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I Used to Freeze at Small Talk — and How I Turned It Around
𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 I promise I’ll talk about small talk in a minute. But first… let’s do some small talk (or mid-size talk? lol). So, I’ve spent the last few weeks back home in Australia – intentionally slowing down, stepping away from work, and soaking up time with…
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I Walked Away From Everything I Built in Australia
Ever since I relocated to Europe from Sydney, I’ve been asked on multiple occasions —“Why did you leave Sydney?”“Were you running away from something?” Funny enough, I got the same question when I moved from Melbourne to Sydney back in 2020.And then again, when I moved from Croatia to the Netherlands in 2023. Long story…
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Why Vocabulary Learning Is Basically Like Dating (and How to Make It Work)
Vocabulary learning is actually a lot like dating and relationships 🤫⠀In the beginning, it’s fun to meet new “connections” – just like dating or making new friends.⠀But the truth is, you CAN’T build something meaningful with ALL of them.⠀To truly connect, you’ve got to give a few the time and attention they deserve.⠀Same with words.…
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Ask Anita 📮: I’m Working on My English for a Better Job… But Progress Feels So Slow
Q: “I’m working on my English for a better job… But why does progress feel so slow?” ⠀Hey! Thank you for reaching out, and I’m glad you’re finding value in our Facebook community. (Join us here if you haven’t already!) ⠀First, I want to acknowledge your effort in improving your English. It’s clear that you’re…
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You Moved Abroad—and Lost Yourself. Now What?
Dear One, When you first moved abroad, did you have to sacrifice a big part of what made you you? Maybe you were the outgoing one – organising get-togethers, speaking up in meetings. Or the confident professional, grounded in your work, your language, your rhythm. Then suddenly, you were somewhere new. New rules. New systems.…
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