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Merhaba Turkiye

November 2022, I decided to go after my parents who have been staying in Istanbul for two months. Stories about the grand mosque Hagia Sophia and one of the greatest muslim conqueror, Muhammad Al Fatih, was my calling. Visa free for Indonesian passport holders (under 30 days visit) surely reinforced and saved some cost too.

First Solo International Departure

Despite Turkiye is one of the country to be checked on my wish list, I was thrilled to challenge myself to go abroad in solo mode. I always like flying. For me, the customer experience in airports are well designed and enjoyable--worth the long saving price. 

Digitalization makes us, passengers have more control of our journey and less worry. When I transited in Dubai, I tracked my flight status using the DXB passenger website, and it was indeed accurate. Of course I knew after checking twice on the public screens. Still a little trust issue. They also provide list of stores and detailed locations inside the airport. I could save energy from going to the wrong direction to find my desired restaurant, Shake Shack, which I decided to go for since some stores has franchise in Indonesia and others are just too expensive. I regret not trying Nutella cafe, hoping to visit during my returning flight but was not convenient then.

Flight Tips

In one of my flight, the seat was filled with jamaah Umrah from Indonesia. Some ibu-ibu who does not speak english and jokes around with other jamaah loudly. Every time the flight attendants asked between two offered meals, they would probably go for “Chicken” because its familiar or they'd hilariously answer “Yes yes”🤣 Its a very common embarasing moment that you can actually prevent. Every commercial flights have planned their in flight meals before departure and now these informations are accessible for passengers either from the airlines website or mobile apps. The next time you are boarding with your parents, please check the meal plans in advance. It helped me and my parents to pick different menus that we could taste them all for an experience.

Mom dad approved👍🏻

But still, I could not decide every single thing that will happen throughout the journey. Like when I had to take my boots off while getting scanned to enter Dubai Airport. “Did you say about my shoes?” I unbelievably asked the security. Turns out, platform shoes or boots were not recommended to wear in long flights. Perhaps it can be misused to hide unwanted things. Hence, I did not use my other shoes because its more comfortable anyway.

It was my first Airbus A380 flight experience that I have to mention. This double deck aircraft is huge, with more than 500 passengers capacity. Considering the size and weight, it does not land in all airports. Indonesian airports doesn't welcome them. The giant requires solid runway and separate boarding gate for the upper deck entrance. Imagine how many airports in the world needed to upgrade just to land the A380. It would cost a lot and probably the reason why Airbus has stopped producing them. 

Substantively, I departed alone from home but soon met my parents at the airport. Most of the time there was spent with them. It was kind of an intergenerational family trip afterwards which made the experience rather unique. Being digital native allowed me to (virtually) see the city before arriving so that I was less surprised upon my arrival--in any destination--. Unlike these boomers who gets wonderstruck easily.

I bought Turkish number in Indo, aiming to get instant internet connection once I arrived. It was before I discovered that Turkiye has eSIM service and my phone was compatible. Thanks to Airalo, no physical sim card was needed and the price was cheaper.

I did not use travel agents to arrange my tour so I wasn't too ambitious in planning my 3 weeks stay. I saved destinations using google maps' feature, but only went to the most accessible places. The good thing is, I get to experience Istanbul as locals (and became in love with their public transportation).

Public Transport

After touching down in Istanbul Havalimani (Airport), there are buses called Havaist. You just need to know your route, find the right bus track, pay the cost, and get on the bus. There are some helpful staff at the airport who speaks english too. If you're a socially anxious person like me you can download the app beforehand though the ticket purchasing feature doesn't feel usable for tourists.

Istanbul is located in two continents; Asia and Europe. I stayed in the Asian side, while most of the attractions are in Europe. For our daily mobility, we used metrobus (iett), metro (tram), marmaray (subway), and ferries. Once we have Istanbulkart, we can access all public transport. There are top up machines in every entrance gates. Make sure to have cash.


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 We're battling against a pandemic which brings uncertainty. A situation forcing us to work beyond our limitations, sacrificing time and energy. Even some of us had to risk lives dealing with the corona virus at the very front line.

We may feel restless and fearful. For all the unstoppable notifications pop-up on our phone. Worrying that something bad might happen tomorrow. Getting used to the habit of working almost 24/7 which leads to a feeling of anxiety when we are away from our keyboards. Ideally or theoretically, the whole situation is unhealthy. But realities are harder to explain unlike those written in textbooks.

Fear and anxiety are common response towards uncertainty. Perhaps we are not the only one feeling stressed. The whole world is at a state of dilemma. However, stress is not always a bad thing. Stressors are actually a neutral stimulus, which means to be positive or negative relies on how we perceive the situation. Will it draw us back to a negative emotion trap or encourages, motivates, and focus our energy to do more.

Also, life is changing. Meaning of work is not something absolute and it evolves throughout time. Work to some people is about 9 to 5 getting paid to make living. In a workplace with the value to serve people, work may be defined as an opportunity to build legacy and help others. People nowadays have willingness to make impact and contribute to the society. Although staying up all night with longer working hours they're able to maintain sanity. Because, knowing that other people find benefit from what we've done gives more feeling of contentment than the offer of billion dollars salary ever.

We might not have the power to change the reality, reducing the excessive workload, or slowing down the pace. But, we can control the way we see and respond to the situation. So, what can we do? The answer is within yourself. You have the power to be strong. To balance your work, family, and personal life. To have faith in whatever good you're doing. To adjust, or let the new normal adjust to you. And foremost, to think positive and be happy.
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After my graduation, I spent my days consuming caffeine in one of the most favourite coffeeshop in Jogja. (you name it!) I truly embrace the moments since coffees bring warm conversations and friendship. Never did I expect it would bring me a job too! Though it's still reminiscing how my mom's quibbles endlessly about me coming home with the scent of coffee beans everyday.

When I got the invitation to get interviewed at Gojek, I was asked, "from your experience using GoFood, how will you contribute to the team?". I randomly told that I would build a feature that allows user to see queues. Although sound a bit overselling, it actually came from my personal concern as a user that felt bad about drivers queue in the coffeeshop I used to hangout, or order from GoFood when lazy to go out. The next day, I was challenged to create a research plan based on my initiatives. I learnt from my previous experience in applying research positions, that I was not that brilliant on UX research methodologies. So I thought I should be genuine this time: using methods I mastered during my study to get a bachelor of psychology: observation and interview. Surprisingly, I got the offer to work, or I'd rather say: learn, grow, collaborate, and creating social impact with Gojek.

In my perspective, my #lifeatgojek experience as freelancer is kind of a 'summer school program with practical experience'. Luckily, I was assigned in one of the core product in Gojek (GoFood) which got me a wide lens of exposure to product development process and of course, product research. Other than research methods, the fast paced culture pushed me to think, act, decide quickly leaving off 'santuy' mindset that has been embedded in my blood this whole time. The Gojek ecosystem allows me to meet skilful passionate people with their unique flawless and to actually collaborate with them, like I was working with my role models on daily basis. Freelancers are given the privilege to create mistakes that are forgiven and I believe it's a good way to always have that room of improvement.

While sending heaps gratitude to all my research fellows and stakeholders for this opportunity, it has for sure become one of my milestone in life that would bring me closer to whatever good will come to me. Cheers to the journey ahead!


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"Kenapa kita harus repot-repot bantu Palestina, padahal kondisi bangsa sendiri masih sulit?" tanya seorang mahasiswa dalam tabligh akbar tentang perjuangan rakyat Palestina. 

Jawabannya klise, tapi dalem. Pada dasarnya membantu ga kenal situasi, baik sedang lapang maupun sempit. Ketika lapang, adalah hal yang lumrah untuk membantu orang yang sedang kesulitan. Namun, ketika sempit rasanya akan sulit untuk mengorbankan diri sendiri demi kepentingan orang lain. Sebab itulah membantu di saat sulit bernilai tambah untuk membuktikan ketaqwaan pada Allah. Sesulit-sulitnya kita toh sebenernya masih ada amal baik yang kita bisa berikan, kan? Tentu dengan ikhlas dan mengharap ridho Allah semata❤

Aku langsung flashback saat berkesempatan umrah dua tahun silam. Selepas shalat dzuhur di Masjid Nabawi, Madinah, tiba-tiba ada seorang ibu dan anak perempuannya dateng nyamperin ibuku. Mengucap salam. Bersalaman. Bertanya, "Where are you from?". Ibuku jawab, "Indonesia, and you?". "Masya Allah. I am (sebut saja Umi) and this is Aya (anak gadisnya). We're from Palestine". Umi tampak terharu. Ibuku tampak seperti ketemu sodara lama. Ooohhh palestine!!

Lucunya, percakapan berlanjut dengan ibuku nanyain Umi kenal sama dokter bernama Fakhr atau engga. Beliau dokter dari palestina yang ngambil studi di jogja dan pernah tinggal di rumah bapak. (Sebagaimana mestinya) ternyata mereka ga kenal wkwkwk. Yaa, masa mau disamain ketemu orang magelang yang dari rumah ujung ke ujung saling kenal, dari mbah ke cucu juga apal. Beda dong ah.

Percakapan singkat itu ditutup dengan saling mendoakan. Berpelukan. Bersalaman. Tidak ada pembicaraan yang berkesan tapi pertemuannya sungguh berarti. Terharu banget rasanya, bener-bener kayak ketemu saudara jauh yang lama ga ketemu. Padahal ini tuh stranger, belum pernah ketemu sebelumnya. Udah gitu ya, sebagai sie dokumentasi yang handal saya gercep mengcapture momen mengharukan ini. Saya telah menjalankan tugas dengan baik. Makin terharu:') wkwk. Mudah-mudahan Umi, Aya, dan saudara-saudaranya selalu dalam lindungan Allah SWT. Aamiin.


Kalo dipikir lagi, ini rakyat Palestina, saudara sesama muslim yang masih sering terdzolimi. Memang Indonesia bukan satu-satunya negara yang turut membantu. Negara kaya timur tengah juga saling menyuntikkan support demi kemerdekaan rakyat palestina. Tapi, Indonesia punya ruang yang spesial di hati warga Palestina. Pasalnya mereka juga tau, kita belum semakmur negara lainnya tapi justru dukungan bantuan dan doanya seperti tak kenal lelah. Dan, aku pun pernah menjadi saksi. Kebaikan yang diberikan bangsa ini benar-benar menjadi penyambung persaudaraan umat yang begitu erat. Masya Allah😭

Semoga, semoga kita selalu jadi orang yang ringan tangan untuk membantu orang lain dan bisa merasakan hikmah dari perbuatan kita. Jika bukan di dunia, kelak amal baik ini mudah-mudahan bisa menjadi penolong kita di hari pembalasan. Insya Allah.
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"Dan bersegeralah kamu kepada ampunan dari Tuhanmu dan kepada surga yang luasnya seluas langit dan bumi, yang disediakan untuk orang-orang yang bertakwa. (Yaitu) orang-orang yang menafkahkan (hartanya), baik di waktu lapang maupun di waktu sempit, dan orang-orang yang menahan amarahnya dan memaafkan (kesalahan) orang, Allah menyukai orang-orang yang berbuat baik… Mereka itu balasannya ialah ampunan dari Tuhan mereka dan surga yang mengalir di bawahnya sungai-sungai, sedang mereka kekal di dalamnya, dan itulah sebaik-baik pahala orang yang beramal." (3:133-136)
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"Udah lulus lama tapi ga dapet dapet kerja?" 
"mungkin, ia kuliah ga sesuai passion" 
"Kuliah teknik nuklir tapi kok kerjanya jadi hrd sih?" 
"mungkin, passionnya di situ"
"Aku stres banget kerja di sini"
"mungkin, kerjaanmu ga sesuai passion kamu" 

Dalam membuat keputusan karir ada banyak hal yang menjadi pertimbangan. Minat, bakat, gaji, lokasi, lingkungan, preferensi orang tua, dll. Aku rasa sekarang udah lebih banyak orangtua yang memberi kebebasan anaknya untuk memilih sendiri jalur karir mana yang ingin ditempuh. Kita udah cukup dewasa untuk menentukan masa depan kita. Enak ga enak sih sebenernya. Masalahnya kita udah tau belum ya, apa yang pengen kita lakukan di masa depan?

Dari banyak kisah sukses inspiratif, kebanyakan mereka yang sukses dan bahagia karena karir atau pekerjaan mereka merupakan bidang yang sudah sejak lama mereka sukai dan tekuni. Sebaliknya, mereka yang terkesan kurang bahagia dalam kehidupan karirnya punya riwayat ketidakselarasan bidang yang ditekuni dengan minatnya. Ini bikin kita punya pandangan bahwa pekerjaan yang ideal adalah seperti hobi yang dibayar. Seolah-olah makin meyakinkan nasehat yang bilang untuk follow your passion.

Gimana sih cara menemukan passion? 
Passion ditandai dengan energi yang positif dalam melakukan suatu aktivitas. Energi itu bikin kita memiliki perasaan tertantang. Kita jadi ga cepet puas dengan apa yang udah kita capai dan karya-karya yang kita buat. Ibarat main game, selalu pengen yang namanya naik level. Orang yang jago tari, belum tentu passionate sebagai penari. Bedanya terletak pada keinginan orang itu untuk mengupgrade kemampuannya melalui skill tari yg dimiliki. Dibilang passion ketika ia menyukai apa yang dilakukan dan selalu ingin berbuat lebih dan lebih lagi. Misalnya mulai dari mengikuti sanggar tari kemudian mengeksplor gerakan baru lalu menciptakan serangkaian gerakan untuk tarian baru sampai mengkonsep sebuah pertunjukan seni tari. Ada improvement dalam setiap level yang dilakukan.

Passion bukan suatu pertanyaan yang harus di jawab sekarang juga. Jangan cari passionmu, kata sebuah TED Talk. Ia datang dengan sendirinya melalui proses pencarian yang terus menerus dalam hidup. Kalo kita sibuk nyari passion, kita justru bisa kehilangan kesempatan yang akan mengubah hidup. Jadi, sebaliknya, lakukan aktivitas sepenuh hati untuk bisa menemukan apa yang benar-benar kita minati. Gunakan waktu sebaik-baiknya untuk menyelesaikan masalah-masalah yang ada di sekitar kita. Dari pengalaman itu, kita akan mendapat feedback, hal apa yang kita lakukan dan selesaikan dengan baik serta apa yang ternyata kurang cocok dengan karakter dan diri kita. When we solve a problem and get a thanks from other people, that's when we actually find our passion.

Mirisnya, seringkali passion ni jadi kambing hitam ketika ada orang tiba-tiba banting stir pindah haluan dari satu bidang yang ditekuni ke bidang lain yang berbeda. Orang-orang cenderung menjadikan passion sebuah excuse jika tidak menyukai dan tidak bisa memberikan yang terbaik dalam kerja. Sebenernya ini salah satu miskonsepsi  tentang passion bahwa ia diartikan sebagai judgement berdasarkan perasaan suka dan tidak suka. 

Beruntung kalau apa yang kita tekuni sesuai dengan passion. Kalau enggak, bukankah egois kalau kita membencinya karena haus akan passion? Tidak semudah itu ferguso. Sebab realitanya sering kali kita harus dihadapkan pada pekerjaan yang mungkin bertentangan dengan diri kita.

Lantas, apakah lebih baik tersiksa dengan pekerjaan yang "bukan aku banget"?
Gagasan tentang passion bikin aku teringat tentang konsep ikhlas. Ikhlas tidak dibatasi perasaan berat atau ringan dan suka atau tidak suka. Dalam kondisi apapun, tuntunannya adalah untuk tetap dikerjakan. Ketika berat, ingatlah mungkin kita harus percaya, itung-itungannya: bersusah-susah dahulu bersenang-senang kemudian. Mungkin saat ini adalah fase di mana diri ini harus bersusah-susah dahulu. Sementara bersenang-senangnya di masa yang akan datang atau di akhirat yang lebih kekal sebagaimana Allah telah menjanjikan. Jadikan rasa berat untuk berjuang meraih pahala yang lebih besar. Karena Rasulullah kepada Aisyah pernah berkata, "pahalamu senilai dengan kadar payahmu". Dan ketika benci, ingatlah "Boleh jadi kamu membenci sesuatu, padahal ia amat baik bagimu, dan boleh jadi kamu menyukai sesuatu padahal ia amat buruk bagimu. Allah mengetahui, sedang kamu tidak mengetahui" (2: 216). Allah tidak menjadikan cinta dan benci sebagai tolak ukur ikhlasnya perbuatan. Yang penting, kerjakanlah, sampai hikmah-hikmah terungkap untuk menguatkan keikhlasan.

Persamaan passion dengan ikhlas adalah sama-sama proses yang tak kenal henti. Passion adalah energi, bukan soal cinta atau benci. So, do things with passion. Dan lebih dari itu, jadilah orang yang melakukan segala sesuatu penuh keikhlasan. Karena orang yang ikhlas selalu mencintai apa yang dilakukannya bukan cuma melakukan apa yang dicintainya. 
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About me

About Me



Nur Zidny Ilmanafia | 1996 | Yogyakarta
Culture, humanity, technology, personal growth and spirituality enthusiast.

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