Spilling Thoughts

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.

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!