The Way of Life I Found in Southeast Asia

Introduction: Studying Abroad vs. Actually Living There

I am often asked, "What is it like to live abroad?"
I had experience studying abroad, but "living" there was different from just "staying" there.
Studying abroad is a temporary life with a set return date. But after coming to Southeast Asia, I began a life with no set date to return—a true "way of life."
Especially since I had never even traveled to Southeast Asia, I had no idea what to expect at first.

However, once I started working in Vietnam, I found that the days were more comfortable and easier to live than I had imagined.

Work Style: No Overtime, But Not Exactly "At Your Own Pace"

The first thing that surprised me was the "work style."
There is basically no overtime, and failing to finish within hours is sometimes even seen as "poor work management."

However, because many people have a relaxed attitude toward deadlines, I conversely had to check progress frequently and share "early deadlines" with the team.

There were many situations that required a different kind of management skill than in Japan.
Even so, the feeling that "I am not living to work, but work is part of my life" felt very comfortable.

Workplace "Snack Time" and Just the Right Amount of Breathing Room

And what was most impressive was the existence of "snack time." We would chat while snacking on tropical fruits or sometimes take a break at a cafe.
Such relaxed time was naturally incorporated into every day.

When I worked in Japan, I was chased by busyness and desperate just to "get through" each day.
That is why I suddenly realized, "This kind of breathing room is important."

Changes in Life: Days of Condominiums and Local Food

In terms of living, both Vietnam and Malaysia were more comfortable than I had expected.

I lived in a one-bedroom condominium in each country, with rent around 100,000 yen per month in Vietnam and around 80,000 yen in Malaysia.
Both were in convenient urban areas and included pools and gyms.

I was honestly moved that this could be achieved as a "normal life."

The food is cheap and delicious, and I am fully satisfied with just local food.
I can get by without cooking for myself, and the low barrier to eating out or ordering delivery is something I am very grateful for.

Language Barriers and the "Ability to Make Things Work"

Regarding language, I was anxious at first.
Since neither Vietnam nor Malaysia has English as an official language, I was worried about whether I could live there.

However, when I actually lived there, many of the younger generation in Vietnam spoke English, and English is a semi-official language in Malaysia, so I rarely had any trouble.

Of course, there are times when English is not understood by the elderly.
Even so, by using translation apps and gestures, I gradually got used to it through "our mutual ability to make things work."

The Gap: Differences in Procedures and the Sense of "Precision"

Of course, there were gaps.
For example, even at public institutions, the service can be laid-back, and the explanation for the same procedure might differ depending on the person in charge.

There are also many situations where you have to contact them repeatedly to check on progress, and if you expect the kind of precision you find in Japan, you might get a little tired.

But precisely because it isn't perfect,you can relax and live thinking, "Well, that's just how it is."
I feel that such an atmosphere helped me loosen up without even realizing it.

Conclusion: What I saw because I stepped outside

Living abroad is by no means all "glitz and glamour."
However, I learned that it is so possible to "live comfortably at your own pace."

If youfeel a vague sense of discomfort with your current way of working or wonder if things are okay as they are,that very feeling might be the hint that leads to your next step.

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