I didn't last long at that job either—but honestly, I didn't need to. Breathing the same air as toxic people is a luxury I can't afford anymore. My tolerance for nonsense has vanished. Around June, I quit. I was jobless for a month. But I didn't panic. I had enough savings to cover my rent and bills for two or three months.
So, I gave myself permission to rest. I binged Asian dramas, read book after book. There were days I read for eight straight hours. (Will my own book be like that one day? Oh, I hope so. I know there's a long way to go. But to my dearest readers— "I already love you all.".)
In the meantime, I did attend interviews here and there. But it was a peaceful period, no pressure. And then… I landed a job. The one I wanted. And this time, I stayed there. Five whole years. No breaks. Five solid, working years.
The day I got the job offer, I told Chris I had quit my old job and if he could come see me, that would be wonderful. But he didn't come. Somehow, he was the one who invited me instead. And though I had the time and space to go, I didn't. I can't even remember why I didn't go, or what I felt back then.
Sometimes when everything is possible, things still don't happen. Maybe that's when fate steps in—and somehow, it comforts you.
My new workplace was a family-owned company, run by three owners: one woman and two men. It was a busy production factory, large and organized. I was working in finance again. Money, money, money… that's our game.
The work environment was professional. Each department had its own space, and the discipline was clear. No one interfered with anyone else's tasks. I appreciated that. Management really does shape how life flows.
One day, one of the bosses told me, "Yuli, maybe you should learn a new language—expand yourself a little."
Not a bad idea. I needed a change.
So, I enrolled in a course.
And guess what? I met my disaster of an ex-husband there.