Three Months in Malaysia and Still Figuring Things Out

It’s been almost three months since I relocated to Malaysia. Sometimes it still feels unreal when I think about it.

Before coming here, I honestly thought things would be easier. I’ve spent more than a decade working in the industry, so in my head I assumed the transition would be smooth. New place, sure. New environment, yes. But work is work, right? I thought I could easily settle into the role and just do what I’ve always done.

Turns out, it’s not that simple.

The first few months have been tougher than I expected. There’s the adjustment to a new country, a new routine, and a completely different environment. At the same time, life back home doesn’t just pause because you moved somewhere else. There are still things you think about, responsibilities you carry, and people you care about.

Somewhere along the way, I started doubting myself.

I’m not really the type who looks for validation. I’ve always been someone who just does the work, makes sure it’s done right, and moves on. Recognition is nice, but it was never something I actively looked for.

But the past few weeks felt different.

Maybe it’s because the adjustment period has been harder than I thought. Maybe it’s because my numbers at work have been fluctuating. Some days are good, some days are not so great. There were moments when I felt like I wasn’t doing enough or that I could be doing better.

And when you’re in that kind of mindset, you start asking yourself a lot of questions.

Am I doing this right?

Am I actually improving?

Or am I just convincing myself that I am?

So when Friday came, I honestly thought it would just be another normal day at work.

Funny enough, it was Friday the 13th. People usually joke about that being an unlucky day, so I walked into the office expecting nothing special.

Then we had a small awarding activity.

Nothing big. Just a quick recognition moment at the office. When they called my name, I was actually surprised. I was given the Most Improved award.

The simple token I received during the awarding.

Not the best performer. Not the top agent.

But honestly? I didn’t care.

Because at that moment, it felt like the validation I didn’t even realize I was looking for.

It reminded me that even when I’m doubting myself, other people might already be seeing the progress I’m too busy criticizing. Sometimes we focus so much on what we’re doing wrong that we completely miss the fact that we’re actually getting better.

Now there’s a different kind of pressure though. Getting recognized means you also want to make sure you keep improving and don’t fall back. But I’m choosing to see it as motivation instead of pressure.

A reminder that progress doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic ways.

Sometimes it shows up quietly. In small improvements. In tiny steps forward that you don’t immediately notice.

And maybe that’s the lesson I’m learning three months into this new chapter.

Even when you feel like you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward.

Sometimes you just need a small reminder to see it.