I need to focus entirely on English when listening to it, making it nearly impossible to do so while working. My coworkers often engage in small talk while working, but I can hardly understand any of it. Since it’s just small talk and not essential for me to understand, I don’t mind much. However, it can be awkward when they suddenly assume I’m listening and ask, “What do you think?” 😅

When I was in college studying graphic design, a friend would sometimes suggest working together over a Teams video call. Even focusing on work while speaking Korean was challenging enough, so conversing in English while working was impossible for me. I eventually just decided to see it as an opportunity to practice English, though.

At first, I felt I had to understand every word people said, and if I missed something, I blamed my lack of English skills. But I realized that wasn’t necessary. Even in our native language, we don’t always listen to every word people say. Interestingly, the important things stand out clearly.

Living abroad with a limited command of the local language feels like suddenly becoming visually impaired. Even a slight change in someone’s expression can be disheartening, and I would often blame myself for daily mistakes. Struggling with language can significantly impact self-esteem. Despite having lived here for 8-9 years, it’s only been 3-4 years since I decided to improve my English environment actively. Although I’ve made progress, there are still many challenges. Initially, it felt like being blind in an unfamiliar land; now, it feels like I’m still blind, but at least more accustomed to the place.

Moving abroad at an older age means I will never become a native speaker, but I want to praise myself for trying to overcome my fears. Every morning, I look in the mirror and tell myself, “You can do it,” feeling proud of the small but certain progress I’m making. I believe that someday, I will live confidently in this foreign land, knowing that my efforts were not in vain.

Working hard, I take a short walk during lunch breaks. I usually walk with L, but she’s on vacation this week, so I’m walking alone. It’s a brief but refreshing break from the English-speaking environment!

With summer here, every garden is full of beautiful flowers!

Next week, when L returns to work, we plan to discuss remote working options! I hope I can work from home at least two days a week! 😊