Work Holiday Australia: How I'm Embracing My Inner Child

Australia became the setting for something far deeper—a return to the freedom and joy I once knew.

AUSTRALIA

5/8/2024

As we grow older, have you noticed how laughter seems to fade into the background? The carefree laughter of childhood is replaced by a new, all-consuming hobby—worry.

We worry about everything. The future looms large, filled with uncertainty, and even the simplest decisions, like what to have for lunch can seem overwhelming.

I felt the need to give my mind a moment of rest—not to stop working, but to find a different kind of balance. Then, almost as if by chance, I came across news about the Work and Holiday program in Australia. And that’s when it began—the journey of reconnecting with my inner child.

It wasn’t just about travel or work; it was about rediscovering that part of me that knew how to embrace life with curiosity and wonder. Australia became the setting for something far deeper—a return to the freedom and joy I once knew.

Read More: Riverland Road Trip: Where to Eat in the Fruit Fly Free Area

Living a Second Life

I used to work in digital marketing, a field that captivated me with its constant challenges and the thrill of generating fresh, creative ideas every day. It was a whirlwind of innovation and strategy.

Yet, even in a job you’re passionate about, there are moments when the excitement fades, and the once-stimulating tasks begin to feel repetitive.

You start craving something new, but you're unsure where to begin. Until then, I came across the opportunity for a Work and Holiday experience in Australia. It opened the door to working fields I had never explored back home in Indonesia.

To me, it feels more like an extended vacation than a job—a chance to embrace new adventures. It's like living a second life.

"There's A Child In All of Us"

Truth is, we all have an inner child. The vibrant spirit of childhood that lingers within us keeps life from becoming mundane and lifeless. It brings a sense of joy, reduces stress, and fills us with energy, making everything feel lighthearted and fun once again.

The problem is, how to reclaim your inner child? Have a "let's try new things" mindset! As adults, we often hesitate to venture into the unknown, held back by the fear of starting something new.

Yet, when we muster the courage to step beyond our comfort zones, we unlock a world of endless possibilities and, perhaps most importantly, reignite that long-lost spirit of adventure.

After that, I ventured into a completely different field, working as a Disability Support Worker—an experience I’ll never forget! Although I had no prior background in healthcare, I found myself caring for a baby with a tracheostomy. It was both challenging and deeply rewarding, pushing me to learn and grow in ways I had never imagined.

My adventurous spirit continues to propel me forward, taking me to new heights. I’m especially proud to have worked under the South Australian government, helping the state fight the fruit fly outbreak.

It's incredibly fulfilling to play a role in such important work, making a real impact while embracing every new challenge along the way.

Every journey must come to an end, though I’m still unsure where this Work and Holiday adventure will ultimately lead me. It’s a path filled with uncertainty but also hope, as I embrace whatever awaits around the corner.

No matter what lies ahead, I want to keep seeing the world through the eyes of a child—full of wonder, curiosity, and awe. That sense of magic is something I never want to lose, no matter where life takes me.

During my Work and Holiday in Australia, I had the chance to try many new things, including working in agriculture and horticulture—something I probably would never have experienced in Indonesia!

In my first year, for instance, I worked as a Grain Handler at GrainCorp, one of Australia's largest agribusinesses. Shifting from a desk job to operating large machinery to unload grain from trucks was a thrilling change.

I loved the experience, not only for the hands-on work but also for the opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about life in the land of kangaroos.

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