Chapter 1: A Year of Reflection

As 2023 draws to a close and we approach the New Year, it's a fitting moment to look back on the past months. This year has been filled with experiences that have shaped my understanding of life and personal growth.

Increased Family Dining Experiences

One noticeable change this year was the opportunity to dine out more with my children. Last year, the pandemic and child-rearing responsibilities limited our outings. This year, however, we've explored various restaurants together, and these moments have significantly enhanced our family happiness.

Reduced Social Interactions with Colleagues

Conversely, my social interactions with work colleagues have diminished. I only shared a few meals with them this year, which made me realize the importance of these gatherings for professional growth and networking. Therefore, I plan to make a concerted effort to reconnect with colleagues over meals in the upcoming year.

Facing a Lack of Motivation

If I were to identify the toughest period of this year, it would undoubtedly be when I struggled with motivation. This lack of drive affected my overall well-being, making it hard to engage in activities I normally enjoyed. To combat this, I adopted various strategies, including taking supplements, exercising, and improving my diet. My primary focus was on incorporating regular physical activity into my routine, which has notably enhanced my energy levels.

I believe that my reduced motivation stemmed from a prolonged period of remote work, which limited my interactions with others and led to a decline in physical activity. I've come to understand that living too comfortably can hinder one’s physical and mental health, and a bit of discomfort is necessary for growth.

Transitioning Careers

This year also marked a significant career change for me as I left my job after two years. Currently, I'm not in a rush to find new employment; instead, I'm focusing on resting and rejuvenating. After the New Year, I plan to actively seek my next opportunity. With the rapid advancements in AI technology, including tools like ChatGPT, I recognize that the job landscape is shifting, and I need to adapt accordingly.

In 2024, I aim to leverage AI in my work, ideally in the AI sector, to utilize my strengths effectively.

Embracing Writing as a Tool for Growth

I began writing articles on Medium as a way to enhance my English skills. This endeavor has been invaluable, boosting my confidence and leading to connections with other writers. Their insights and experiences have contributed significantly to my growth this year.

Pursuing Global Job Opportunities

With remote work becoming more prevalent, I have decided to pursue job opportunities abroad, specifically in English-speaking countries. This move aims to improve my English proficiency through practical experience. I believe that true language skills can only be developed in a work context.

Learning React for Career Advancement

To broaden my skill set, I have started learning React, a popular framework for front-end development. Although my background is primarily in back-end engineering with Ruby, I recognize the importance of being versatile in the tech industry. Many international companies favor React, so acquiring this skill is essential for my career aspirations.

Setting Goals for 2024

As I look ahead, my primary goal is to secure a position in an English-speaking country, even if it's temporary. Taking that first step is crucial, despite the challenges it may present.

Additionally, I intend to continue writing on Medium, focusing on improving my English rather than seeking monetary gain or follower counts. Engaging with more articles will also be a priority.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on this past year, I realize that I didn’t dedicate enough time to advancing my engineering skills, primarily due to my family commitments and the pandemic's effects. Moving forward, I am determined to invest more effort into enhancing my technical abilities.

Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey through 2023. I eagerly anticipate what the next year will bring.

The first video, "New Year Planning: Reflecting on 2023," delves into the importance of evaluating the past year as we prepare for the new one. It emphasizes setting meaningful goals and intentions for the upcoming year.

The second video, "End of Year Reset | Reflecting on 2023," focuses on taking stock of personal and professional achievements, encouraging viewers to embrace change and growth as they transition into a new year.