After some time, my friends slowly chose their own paths in life.
The days of gathering and spending time together began to fade. One by one, they left to find their own future. Some found work, some started small businesses, and others simply disappeared into the flow of life.
I also decided to leave my hometown.
Surabaya was the city I chose.
Like many young men with big hopes, I believed the city would give me opportunities. I imagined finding a decent job and building a better life.
But reality was far different from my dreams.
Day after day I walked through the city carrying application letters. I went from one company to another, knocking on doors, asking if there was any work available.
The answer was always the same.
"No."
Weeks turned into months. My savings slowly disappeared. Life in the city was harder than I ever imagined.
In the end, I had no choice but to return to my village.
I went home with empty hands and a heavy heart.
Not long after that, a neighbor offered me a job as a construction worker. The pay was small, but I had no other option. I accepted it because survival was more important than pride.
From 2003 to 2004, I worked as a construction laborer.
The work was exhausting. Every day my body felt sore and tired. Sometimes I could barely stand after a full day of lifting heavy materials under the hot sun.
Even so, I rarely sent money to my parents. Life itself was already very difficult.
That was the moment I truly understood something important.
Making money was not as easy as I once imagined.
The working environment was also full of drama. Many people tried to please the seniors or bosses just to gain favor. Some spoke badly about others behind their backs.
But I chose a different path.
I stayed quiet and focused on my work.
I avoided unnecessary conflicts. As long as I could do my job and survive another day, that was enough.
For the first time in my life, I felt the true weight of adulthood.
Living in a metropolitan city was not only about opportunity. It was also about pressure, struggle, and endurance.
Every day brought new challenges and new kinds of people.
But through all of that, I gained something valuable.
Real experience about life.
And that experience slowly shaped the person I would become.