""May the days we'll build ahead be filled by each of us with what we like, like meals where we eat what we want without worrying about others!"
-The gray person fills varied colors through a gap year. / Choi Hyunsoo, gap-year tribe gapper |
Then, before entering the kitchen I would take a deep breath, go in and ask in a higher tone how they were, greeting them more warmly; naturally it led into small talk — "What did you do on your day off?", "Looks like you won't be busy today," and things like that.
When I played music in the kitchen and offered the usual flattery, "Your song choices are really nice," they'd ask my opinion each time I put on a song and tell their own stories, like about attending a concert. Since it’s a staff cafeteria, after I ate they'd always thank me, saying it was really delicious, and when a new dish came out they'd even look out for me during work, offering me a taste first.
This was a task assigned by the department manager, but that person used to interfere with everything and shout to do it their way. I asked, "Would it be more comfortable if you did it in your preferred style?" and we adjusted; I accepted taking a small loss because ultimately I would gain more. Although efficiency fell a bit, the chef is the one who owns that kitchen, so I went along, and as we worked that way I started to feel less stressed because of that colleague.
As we worked, by the time the day ended I would pack leftover food to give them; because I changed, that friend began to show change too, which was surprising.
Later, during a meeting with the manager I learned that that friend had praised me highly.
A one-year leave isn't that I'm delaying more than others — it feels like I've bought time for my future.
So far it's been about a year — people say it goes by in the blink of an eye, so there isn't anything like "I changed tremendously!"However,Because I packed this year full with my own hands, it brought about considerable internal change!
Before my gap year, my schedule had been packed, and when I had free time I filled it with thoughts of what I had to do, so I couldn't spend my time as my own.Even lying in bed on weekends I couldn't relax; looking back it was embarrassing and foolish — I was trapped by compulsions.
But during this gap year I began to fill my time with things I would have overlooked before — feeling the warm sunlight, welcoming the daily sunsets, and being grateful for each day — so naturally...It feels like the blinkers that had been put on to race fiercely in Korea have come off a bit.
I used to say that my self-esteem was high,During the gap year, by preparing each thing on my own and achieving those things, by not being ashamed to ask and trying things even if they seemed unlikely, I became someone who takes action; my confidence is no longer the kind that existed only in words like a scarecrow...I really gained confidence in myself, Choi Hyun-su.
Most importantly, my major is Fire Safety Engineering, and while working at a hotel I saw that safety management was thoroughly implemented when an emergency occurred.It made me want to work in Korea as a safety management professional in special buildings that accommodate many people and have extensive interior facilities like hotels, which deepened my interest in my major.
Although Canada's history is much shorter than ours, I saw that museums and art galleries are better maintained, which made me want to manage the safety of cultural properties in Korea.I gained a reason to study properly.
I'm truly grateful; if I hadn't taken a gap year, I would have just focused on grades and building my résumé without knowing what kind of work I wanted to do. Through this time I was able to envision my career path and, instead of following society's alarm,I also developed the idea of acting according to my own life clock.
That's quite a change, right?I feel like I gained time for my future, not that my one-year leave of absence is simply a delay compared to others.
# I want to further stoke the small flame that has begun to burn.
Luckily (?), in the year I took a leave, the leave policy changed, extending the maximum from three years to four years.While planning how to spend this gap year, I came up with a plan.
After my one year in Canada, I planned six months traveling through Central and South America and a one-and-a-half-year working holiday in Australia.Then the remaining year would take me from Oceania to Africa,through Central Asia and East Asia,back to Korea.I imagine a round-the-world trip returning to Korea.
It's hectic, right?During this first gap year period I sparked a small internal change, and I want to further kindle that beginning flame.I want to.
After the planned four-year gap year ends,I will return to school and focus on my major to lay the foundation for doing the work I want.
I plan to obtain certifications and build my major knowledge, graduate, and accumulate professional experience to become an expert responsible for our country's cultural properties,large or special buildingsfiresafety management.
Thanks to this roughly one-year gap year, I was able to envision this much, so I imagine the rest of the period will also be positive.
# To those preparing for a gap year
1. Tell those around you about your plans!
This will definitely, directly or indirectly, influence you to take the action you intend.Your head will fill with thoughts about how to carry out that plan, and the people around you will help while also keeping an eye on you.
At this point, try writing down by hand what you want to do!The power of language is strong!
2. Instead of worrying, focus on what you can do.
Even when stepping out to the nearby supermarket you're anxious—what to wear, what if you go out without washing and run into someone you know. When you go out to have fun you worry about needing the restroom, and you even worry about eating.You're constantly surrounded by countless big and small worries everywhere.
But once it's over or resolved, it seems like it never happened—you often can't even remember it.It feels like it disappears from memory. The idea is to put aside unproductive things and focus on what you can do!
In my case, I organized materials using books in the library, blogs and online communities, Google searches, and even paid for consulting.
After going through this process, even plans that had been so blank and unclear that I couldn't see ahead slowly began to take shape and reveal their outlines.In fact, using this method I turned my difficult experiences into fuel for growth!
3. Ask and trust yourself.
I believe those who knock will find answers. Like the unexpected outcome at the campsite—if you ask and knock, new things can happen.You'll have less regret—at least you tried, right?
# Chewing and digesting are each person's responsibility.
I can't easily tell you to take a 'gap year.' It can be hard for people to have a gap year given their individual circumstances.
However,If you resolve your worries, they soon fade from memory—like worrying about meals.
You have to eat to live, but other people's opinions won't feed you. Even if someone spoon-feeds you, chewing and digesting are up to you.Eating slowly, eating quickly, eating a lot, eating a little—it's allour choice, and you should eat in a way that suits your mind and body.
Don't rush or overeat because you're self-conscious and end up unwell; don't eat slowly or too little and leave yourself hungry.If you don't want to eat, if your stomach isn't feeling well, you don't have to eat for a while.You can enjoy a meal next time.Eat according to your own amount, your own pace, and your own preferences.
"For the days ahead that we'll create, let's fill them in ways that are satisfying to each of us—like a meal where we eat what we want without worrying about others' opinions!"
# Canada Working Holiday Tips
There is information about working holidays, but there's just as much unhelpful material—ultimately adverts from study-abroad or language schools that just scare inexperienced working holidaymakers—and the news and media seem to only report negative stories about working holidays.
Tens of thousands of young people every year working holiI'm leaving for the day.
Before generalizing from the small number of negative stories that appear in the media, we should give it some thought.In reality, when you meet people around you who say they're going on a working holiday, in Canada's case the land area is 45 times larger than South Korea, yet they only know Vancouver and Toronto; many don't even know which cities are in the west or the east. (When you think of Canada you may think of hockey, but they don't know that all Canadian teams sit near the bottom of the NHL rankings.)
Unfortunately, the place where you'll be living for as long as one to two years,Without thinking about how much they know about where they'll have to work, they go to an English-speaking country to work yet don't know English, and without considering their own situation, they seem to leave thinking, "I'll just figure it out as I go!"
Once they actually go and try, things don't go as expected, and they end up meeting other Koreans; in that process, labor exploitation and uncomfortable situations naturally arise.
Therefore,First,information about the country, province/state, and city I'm going to,I think you should at least finish preparing a resume and cover letter draft tailored to where you'll work before you go.
Secondly,More importantly, take time to determine before you go why you are doing a working holiday; set markers and visualize your individual goals—the more concretely you plan them, the more meaningfully you'll fill your time.
A working holiday means going to a foreign country where you have no ties. Nobody knows you there. If you think of it as being given a new life, it's an opportunity for your attitude and mindset to change positively.
Because you left alone, there will surely be many hard and lonely times, but it is a choice each person has made.Everything is your responsibility.As the saying goes, "There is no paradise in a place you run away to," so steel your mind and face it properly. In other words, a working holiday is independence—you're responsible for everything from start to finish.
Rather than bringing extra money assuming you might not find a job, or planning to start only after attending an English school after you arrive,Shouldn't you go with the mindset to secure a job right away and begin after preparing and studying before you leave?
Unique Working Holiday Tips by 'Choi Hyunsoo' You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Find the manager: "May I speak to your manager?"
The person who hires you is the manager, not a staff member; give your resume to the manager! A smile and small talk are bonuses!
Use job websites, but only as a guide.
There will be many local job sites, but as soon as a job is posted it can be seen by many, so submit your online resume, identify the contact details, manager's name and location, and go there in person to arrange an interview. Work is done with people, not computers!
Prepare as if you were job hunting in Korea.
In my case, instead of copy-pasting a resume, I wrote in the cover letter the story of each place I applied to and the reason for applying. Then, when preparing for interviews, I visited those sites to gather all the information and prepared alone all night; even though my English wasn't good, I was able to enrich the interviews.
-WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
A safety training certification required at most workplaces, concerning labels and the handling of hazardous materials.I was able to obtain it online, so I completed the online training before going to Canada and entered the country after getting the certificate. It gives you something to talk about on your resume, not just the qualification.
-FOOD SAFETY
A food safety training certificate required for restaurants or establishments that handle food.
-Serving It Right (BC) / ProServe (AB)
Certificates required to handle alcohol and to work as a server; requirements vary by province.
In my case, I wanted to work in the kitchen or as a server, so I obtained it immediately after arriving in Canada.
-First Aid
It varies by province and the training takes two days (weekend). You can take it in Korean as well.
It is said to be required for people working in supermarkets or busy places, so it's good to have.
Although Canada values reference letters, most working holiday participants do not have references or overseas work experience. What you can highlight are previous part-time jobs and volunteer experiences. No matter how much time has passed, if it is even slightly related to the field you are applying to, describe about three things you did and present them in a clear, concise one-page format with an order and layout that are easy to read, different from the Korean style.
List certificates and education toward the back, and place related work experience and volunteer experience at the front. (In Canada, each region has job centres where you can get resume feedback and information about local job openings.)
-Tell me about yourself (How would you describe yourself?)This is a question that always comes up and is a prime opportunity to present yourself, so prepare thoroughly. Keep in mind this question is about how you will perform in the role you applied for, not just about yourself as a person; it is helpful to plan examples showing how you would carry out the job duties.
-Why did you choose this workplace/job/city/country?
Since it is the city (or country) and workplace you chose, know basic facts and be able to explain them in English. Use this question to show how much interest and enthusiasm you have — that will be a plus. In my case, for a hotel interview I researched with Wikipedia and official sites so I could answer well.
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