Today marks 17 years that I moved to Hong Kong, for a while.
For me it was one of those things that happened by chance. A case of being asked on a Friday whether there was interest in going “but please let us know by Monday”. 🤯
I knew right away that I would do it. What better chance to move across the world than having your company take care of all the administrative things, book you a flight and rent a place for you? I was one lucky guy. I still am. It taught me a lot about the importance of presence.
What those months in Hong Kong taught me, and what you could also learn from such an experience:
- ▶️ Seize Opportunities: Take chances when they come, they may not happen twice
- ▶️ Plan your career/life: Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way if nobody around you is aware of them (exceptions happen, like this one)
- ▶️ Open Mindedness: Go through the world with an open mind, open attitude
- ▶️ Appreciate diversity: There are so many nice, friendly, welcoming, hospitable people out there
- ▶️ Cultural awareness: Accept that your way of seeing and understanding the world is by far not the only one
- ▶️ Respect others: Regardless of who people are, show respect and treat them with dignity.
- ▶️ Adaptability: Know how to navigate change, as change is maybe the only constant you will encounter in your life and at work
New places, new experiences
That first day in Hong Kong feels like yesterday. Arriving at the hotel I decided to go for a walk to counter jetlag. Stepping out of my hotel I thought I found myself in the middle of a demonstration (Causeway Bay for those who know the city).
So many people! I was in disbelief 😅
It took me some moments to realise that the streets were always that full. Zurich feels like a small town in comparison.
What stays with me forever are the many wonderful people I met; from colleagues, to new friends, to the baristas at Pacific Coffee.
I do miss what felt like limitless possibilities and the energy of the city. Hong Kong seemed like a city where your wishes could be spoken aloud and magically come true.
Time moves fast for all of us – do you remember what you did 17 years ago today?
Share your thoughts with me if you like.
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