REVIEW YOURSELF

You of 5 years ago (2019)


Career
As a recent graduate, it took two months of sending out resumes and attending a few interviews before landing a formal job. Although I had part-time experience as a student, starting a serious job still presented many challenges in terms of mindset and attitude towards work. Fortunately, the workplace was quite youthful, and most colleagues were of the same age, so everything eventually fell into place.

Emotions
I had extreme thoughts about emotions, viewing them as an obstacle to personal development. I didn’t care about them and didn’t intend to, thinking that they were just a sufficient condition in life; good to have, but not a problem if absent.

Health
Extremely “tough”. There were nights spent up late just browsing Facebook, followed by drinking sessions that lasted until the next morning. But there’s a fun memory from those drinking nights. It was Christmas Eve, and after finishing work at 10 pm, some colleagues and I decided to have a few drinks. After sitting at a roadside stall for over two hours, slightly tipsy, someone shouted, “Hey! There’s a snake!” A few of us rushed to kill it (it was quite big) and then took it back to a nearby friend’s place to continue drinking with the new “catch” (luckily, someone knew what kind of snake it was and whether it was edible), much to the dismay of the stall owner. To this day, we laugh when we recall the “gift from God on Christmas Eve.”

Finances
For the first time, I held a significant amount of money that I had earned myself, feeling a sense of pride, but soon enough, it was gone before the month ended. Thankfully, each month when I received my salary, I would send money home first before spending, so at least I wasn’t too reckless, just not able to save anything.

Family
As a student, I had already packed up and left home, but when I started working, I lived with family again, which felt a bit uncomfortable, even though everything was taken care of. It felt like just as I was about to start living independently, I had to “turn back” to my previous life.

Friends
After graduation, university friends who had been close for four years started to drift apart, each finding different jobs, no longer meeting every day or gathering as often as before. The most we would gather was for someone’s wedding in the group.

Current You (2024)



Career
After changing jobs a year ago, the new environment has its pros and cons, but overall, I’ve become accustomed to working for a living. My thoughts and attitudes towards work have changed positively. I’ve set some personal plans and goals and have started taking the first “baby steps.” It’s true that you only realize how much there is to learn and improve upon once you start working, making me wonder why I didn’t start earlier.

Emotions
Now, my view life and emotions more gently. I’m still happily enjoying life. I’m just missing a strong push from behind before I truly start searching for something of my own.

Health
There are a few minor health issues, but nothing too serious. I’ve become more conscious about maintaining my health by reducing unnecessary drinking, exercising more, and eating a balanced and healthy diet. Not just physically, but mentally as well, I’ve “tested” my endurance and realized I’m not as “tough” as I thought. In summary, mental health needs more attention in the coming time than physical health.

Finances
Things are relatively stable compared to before, and I’ve reduced the financial burden of helping my family. I’ve also treated myself to a few things I like. I’ve managed to save a small amount each month!

Family
I’m still living with my family and planning to move out on my own, but there are a few things holding me back. I hope to make a final decision soon.

Friends
The circle has shrunk a bit, but it’s also been replenished. Some relationships have decreased in quality, but others have increased. It’s only now that I truly understand the saying that close friends will eventually part ways, each leading their own life. I just hope that if we meet again in the future, we can sit down and share old stories.

You of the future (2027)



Career
To have freedom in my work, I may earn less, but at least it should be enough to support myself minimally to get by.

Emotions
Being alone is fine, but being in a relationship would be better, provided it’s with the person I’m looking for. No rush, no rush, no rush!

Health
Physically, I should maintain my current form, but mentally, I must be stronger.

Finances
To save a certain amount of money for emergencies, so I’m not caught off guard.

Family
To completely break free from the shadow of my family, visiting home for a warm meal every week or two is enough.

Friends
To maintain and improve the quality of old relationships, and if possible, to make some new friends with similar interests in order to exchange experiences and personal growth.