8 years ago — How did it all start?
Eight years ago, I did something that was both terrifying and exhilarating — I moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I’d just landed my first job, and with only two days before my start date, I flew in with nothing but determination and a vague plan to find a place to live.
As a Mathematics and Economics graduate, I had already come to a critical realization: I wasn’t cut out for the traditional corporate world. The rigidity, the structure, and don’t even get me started on the prim and proper office wear — my literal question when interviewer are asking any other questions is “what is the attire like” and if he/she answered semi formal, my brain just nope that one out so fast.
Instead, I prefer the Tech/Digital space. My first role was at an agency that launched ads for big names, like Tiffany & Co. & Burberry, where I was the one making sure their sparkly jewels reach every website just in time for Valentine’s Day. Imagine me negotiating with web, magazine, and news sites, ensuring that Tiffany’s latest collection was front and center—it was exciting, fast-paced, and exactly the kind of environment I was craving — also a foot step in the digital world, which in my head was very on the right path cause digital is the future.
Why I Took This Path
Looking back, I had some very clear intentions when I applied to these companies:
- The Allure of the Startup Scene: Although I had never worked at a startup, the idea of it fascinated me. I loved the concept of a younger, fast-paced, and less hierarchical environment where creativity wasn’t stifled by a chain of command. I wanted to work with people that are passionate and excited in a very team-centric setting.
- Continuous Learning: I was eager to learn as much as possible, to soak up every bit of knowledge I could. This was my first job, and I knew that whatever I learned here would set the foundation for my future career.
- Future Negotiation Power: I wanted to start with a salary that would give me leverage in future roles. I knew that the first number on the board could set the tone for my career, so I aimed high from the get-go.
- Flexibility: I was open to relocating. The world was my oyster, and I was ready to go wherever the opportunities took me.
- Financial Independence: In my downtime, I was already thinking ahead. I started educating myself about the property market and stock investments as part of my long-term retirement planning (another story for another day). And where better to find this knowledge but KL the heart of the country which an abundance of courses, classes and previews.
The Housing Hunt: A Comedy of Errors
Now, about that housing situation—let me take you through the madness. Before I even landed in KL, I was scouring property sites like iBilik and Mudah.com, trying to find a decent place. I had set up a few viewings with agents, thinking I had it all figured out.
Then reality hit. I arrived in KL, after a grueling 6 hours journey (door to door) and disoriented, but ready to tackle the day. Luckily, my friend Yannie—bless her—offered to drive me around. We spent hours going from one room to another, each more disappointing than the last. One was too far, one was too expensive, one had a suspiciously musty smell, and another was just plain sketchy.
By the end of the day, I hadn’t found anything remotely suitable. I ended up crashing at another friend’s place, trying not to panic about starting a new job in a city where I didn’t even have a place to sleep. But the next day, determined and a little desperate, I found a room.
Let me paint you a picture: the house was unkempt, people literally wear shoes until they reach their room then only they take off their shoes, so common area is super dirty. I stay in a shoebox size room, I can only fit 1 single bed, 1 desk & chair and a cupboard that's it, no window, a partition room that they put in near the stairs so whoever goes up and down the stairs I can hear them also the bathroom was home to some of the local wildlife—namely, roaches. Yes, I had a few "friendly" visitor while I showered. It was far from ideal, but it was cheap, and more importantly, it was within walking distance of the office. So, I took it.
I've tried looking for a video/pictures of it but nada -- may be one day when I'm doing my digital housekeeping and see it again, I'll post it here.
Reflecting on the Choices I Made
In hindsight, there were things that worked well for me, and others that, well, let’s just say they taught me some valuable lessons.
What Worked:
- Clear Goals: From the start, I knew that my top priority was being close to the office. My focus was on grounding myself in my new environment, so I honed in on a 10-minute walking radius around my workplace. This decision saved me time, stress, and transportation costs, which was crucial in those first few months.
- Cost Management: I opted for a temporary, affordable place that I could move out of once I found my footing. I managed to stick it out for six months, despite the less-than-ideal living conditions. Yes, I ended up burning my deposit because I broke the one-year lease, but the monthly housing cost was manageable—only about 10% of my monthly income.
What Didn’t Work:
- Underestimating Comfort: Looking back, I could have spent a bit more on accommodation and lived somewhere more comfortable. I eventually learned that the rule of thumb for accommodation costs is 30% of your income. The stress of living in such poor conditions nearly made me give up more than once. I was so focused on saving money that I didn’t allow myself the basic comfort needed to enjoy the journey.
- Being Too Hard on Myself: I was harsh on myself, constantly pushing through despite the discomfort. There were times I wondered what I was doing, and I questioned whether I had set myself up for failure by making things unnecessarily tough. If my intentions hadn’t been strong, I might have packed up and gone home.
Lessons for My Younger Self—and for You
To my younger self, and to anyone reading this who is about to embark on a new journey: it’s okay to be scared. Moving to a new place, starting a new job, or stepping into the unknown is daunting, but it’s also one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. The possibilities are endless, and you are in control of your reality.
As important it is to take that leap of faith — it is also equally important to do your due diligence. You don’t know where you’ll land, and that’s okay. The worst-case scenario? You go back to square one and try again. Trust me, that’s not failure—it’s just another step on your journey.
A Question to Ponder
- What is something you could have done but didn’t, because of uncertainty and fear?
- And more importantly, are you going to let fear dictate your choices for the rest of your life?