My Journey To Career Lounge
“
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You cannot get there by bus, only by hard work, risking and by not quite knowing what you are doing.
What you will discover will be wonderful: Yourself.”
― Alan Alda
What took you to where you are today, and your path into your future career is your unique journey. Here’s my unique journey… so far!
2003: The start line.
Graduated from university with a Master’s degree, full of ambition, ready to make the world a better place.
2005: First career leap of faith.
Relocated to the UK to be a social worker. The change was nerve-racking, yet exciting.
2007: Restless and ambitious.
Invested in making my first major career change. Enrolled in a 2-year part-time graduate diploma in a Law program. Working full time, studying part-time. Thanks to almond croissants and cappuccinos (this was before the days of acai bowls and protein punches), I was able to be true to my commitment.
2011: 2nd attempt at a career change.
I discovered Corporate Law wasn’t the path for me. Believing firmly in the adage - If at first, you don't succeed, pick yourself up and try again - I took up another part-time Master's in HR development and consultancy as a gateway to a new career.
2012: Let’s go crazy.
Quit my job in social care without a new job in hand. Gave it my all by interning (for free) in HR departments in the UK and also while on holiday in Hong Kong. It paid off. Within 3 months I had a full-time recruitment role in a private company.
2016: Disaster strikes. Career break.
3 months pregnant and found myself in an unplanned career break. But I was prepared me to turn this challenge into an opportunity. Before my daughter was born, I did a certification in Executive Coaching & Mentoring.
2017: Many new beginnings.
Moved to HK with my 6-month-old baby, Celia. An absolute all-consuming bundle of joy. Thanks to the recommendations I got from my internship in Hong Kong in 2012, I was offered a research consultant opportunity at HKU.
I discovered the many challenges new working mothers face in Hong Kong. Decided to set up a coaching practice to support women going back to work from a career break.
2019: My breakthrough.
Re-branded my service as The Career Lounge. And here we are!
2022: Relocation and renovation.
After over five years in Hong Kong, moved to UAE. I was determined that this would not be a career-ender for me. I enjoyed the process of learning a new culture, a new language and new work environment in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
2024 – : Living in the moment.
After spending 1.5 years in Abu Dhabi, being welcomed by the expats there and making interesting connections and clients, it was time to move… AGAIN! This time, back to Hong Kong, where everything felt familiar and comfortable. It was almost as if I never left, reconnecting with past mentors and mentees, clients and friends.
I love reminiscing about my past, but not as much as I feel excitement for the future and gratitude for the present.