What I’ve learned in Korea

It has been exactly 11 days since I returned to Spain from South Korea, this time settling in the new city of Madrid. I had been living in Barcelona since 2019, initially as an exchange student, then completing my master’s and securing my first-ever full-time job, which I resigned from a couple of months ago. I booked a one-way ticket to Seoul and submitted my resignation letter the day after.

My time in Korea turned out to be more than just a brief visit. Originally planning to spend a month or two of quality time with my parents while job hunting, I ended up staying for five months. During my stay, I worked part-time at a trading company, started practising tennis again, and even mustered the courage to relearn driving. While I cherish the experience of living abroad, this departure was tinged with bittersweet emotions, leaving behind loved ones and the country where I grew up. Throughout my Korean sojourn, unexpected lessons unfolded.

Firstly, I discovered the importance of not limiting myself to a specific job or field. Before working in my uncle’s company, I had minimal insight into the world of trade. Initially perceiving it as traditional and mundane compared to the tech jobs I aspired to, my perspective shifted as I observed the day-to-day operations of the small trading company. Handling multiple buyers and exporting products worldwide, I realized the significance of this seemingly old-fashioned industry. Despite the growing digitization, certain aspects of business, especially those involving essential commodities, resist being replaced by computers. Through translating emails and managing paperwork, initially tasks I deemed uninteresting, I learned the valuable lesson of not fixating on the details but aspiring to a broader vision.

The second lesson unfolded during my tennis sessions with my dad and his colleagues. Despite my initial discomfort with older individuals, I found unexpected connections through tennis. Bonding with my dad and his colleagues during tennis matches provided insights into their lives, debunking the stereotype that older people are challenging to interact with. Engaging in small talk during breaks, I discovered they were much like my dad, sharing a love for tennis, coffee, and casual conversations. This experience shattered my preconceived notions and taught me to embrace interactions with people of all ages without reservations.

The final lesson centers on the inevitability of life moving forward. Returning to Spain, I initially feared my absence might disrupt my family’s routine. However, I realized that while I love my family dearly, I am no longer their dependent little daughter. Adjusting to life in Spain again, I recognize the need to focus on building my own path. Despite facing job rejections upon my return, I understand the importance of patience and resilience as I embark on a new job-hunting journey. Ultimately, my goal is to be well-prepared for my next trip to Korea, where I can reunite with my family while confidently pursuing my own aspirations.

The job-hunting journey in Spain to be continued..!