The Biggest Plot Twist in My 20s

“Life is so unpredictable. Anything can happen in the blink of an eye, and you have to be ready for whatever comes.” — Ovi, 2026

The ten-year-old version of me would have never imagined that I’d be working and living in Thailand. Ever since graduating from my undergraduate degree, I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad, but teaching in Thailand was never part of that dream. And yet, that’s exactly the surprise life had in store for me.

Let’s take a step back and see how everything unfolded.

At the beginning of 2026, I had already spent almost three years at my previous workplace. I started to feel that I needed a new challenge. I had learned a lot there, and everything became familiar — almost too comfortable. It felt like breathing: easy, predictable, and safe. But deep down, I knew that staying there wouldn’t help me grow further or reach my full potential.

So, I decided to look for a new place to begin my next adventure.

I had always wanted to go abroad, so I pursued two paths at the same time: studying abroad and working abroad. I planned to stay at my previous job only until my contract ended — exactly three years.

Why? There were a few reasons.

First, I felt like I was falling behind compared to my peers. Many of them were getting engaged, married, continuing their studies, or building strong careers. Meanwhile, I felt stuck. On top of that, I wasn’t in a relationship. I realized that I needed a change, something that would push me out of my comfort zone, help me grow professionally, and allow me to meet new people and expand my network.

To be honest, I had been preparing to study abroad since 2023. I even took the IELTS test on July 27th, 2026, at the Language Center of the University of Indonesia. I was incredibly nervous because I paid for the test myself, and it was expensive for me. That made me feel a lot of pressure to achieve a score that would open opportunities abroad.

Thankfully, I got the score I needed.

Ovi took IELTS Test on 27th of July 2026 at the Language Center of Universitas Indonesia

I had already prepared my Master’s applications, mainly for universities in the United Kingdom and Australia. However, my perfectionism held me back. I kept revising my essays and never actually submitted them.

During that process, I came across another opportunity.

My younger brother, who lives in Japan, suggested that I join him and try teaching English there. I thought, why not? So I searched for job openings on LinkedIn. I found only two positions and applied to both — but unfortunately, I never heard back.

Still, my journey didn’t stop there.

One night, while scrolling through Threads, I stumbled upon a post about a job vacancy for an English teacher in Thailand. I checked the requirements and felt that I was a good fit. Without further thoughts, I applied immediately.

A week later, I was invited to an online interview via Zoom. Before the interview, I prayed to God: “if this opportunity was meant for me, I would accept it wholeheartedly, but if it was not, I would let it go, since pursuing my Master’s degree was still my top priority.”

Then, everything changed.

I still remember the moment clearly. It was around 4:45 PM. I had just finished teaching a one-hour class when I received a WhatsApp message from someone who had been helping me with the application process.

He told me that I got the job. Out of six candidates, they chose me. I was shocked. Happy. Confused. Everything at once. I asked myself, What should I do? Should I really take this job? And then I realized, I had been asking for change. And this was it.

I shared the news with my family through our WhatsApp group. They were proud, but also worried. It would be my first time going abroad alone, to a country where I didn’t know anyone.

To reassure them, I shared details about the school and even gave them my future colleague’s contact. Eventually, they trusted me and supported my decision.

Looking back, everything happened so quickly and surprisingly effortlessly. I finished my three-year contract exactly on time, and this opportunity came right after. It felt as if everything had already been written by God.

For some reason, I didn’t feel any doubt in my heart.

So I chose to believe that this is part of God’s plan — a step that will help me grow professionally and open doors to opportunities I haven’t even imagined yet. Perhaps His plan is better than mine.

Knowing that God is always guiding me brings me peace. As long as I live with purpose and treat others with kindness, I believe I will always be led to the right places and the right people.

One promise I always hold onto is simple:

“Always do your best and be kind.”

This is just the beginning of my journey. I’m excited to learn more about myself and explore the world through what I love to do.

I hope this story can inspire anyone who feels lost or stuck.

You’re not alone.

As long as you keep moving forward and doing your best, opportunities will come. Everyone has their own timeline. Stay focused on your path and don’t compare your journey to others. Although sometimes I still do too, lol. But stop it! I promise your life will feel much better if you don’t compare yourself with others.

Because life is not a race.

Life is meant to be lived meaningfully.

Cheers, Pattaya, Thailand — May 17th, 2026