Brilio.net/en - Millions of people in this world would agree if I say Bali as a paradise island. But is it the same fun, exciting mood when you have to work in this island instead of on holidays? For urban people like from Jakarta or other big cities, working in Bali might give you more stress than the fun you thought youd experience. But here are some things to prepare you if you have decided to move and work in Bali:
1. Working is not holiday
Im repeating this to get the idea inside your head, because most people would see Bali as a recreational place and hard to change it into a working mood. Youll be visited by friends and they will ask you to join them at beach to watch the sunset while you have to work until 6-7 p.m. People will be going to remote nature or temple destinations on weekends while weekend is crucial for the business (if you work on hospitality and F&B industry).
2. Youll find it harder to find food
Its always okay to spend money on good food, especially in a really nice place while youre on holiday. But when the tourism destination becomes your home, youll be searching for food more friendly to your wallet. Youll go local and looking for cheaper but good food, which are mostly street food and harder to find in the uptown area. Youll be avoiding fancy restaurants until its really necessary and forget the hype places you see your friends are posting on their Instagram accounts.
3. Change your way of transportation
Bali has small roads that were built from the former rice field steps so forget traveling by car and go to motorcycle instead. It really will save you much time, cost and parking space. Plus, it is almost always free parking ticket for motorbikes. There are many motorbike rentals available as long as you have the license and know how to drive it (it might sound scary at first but once you learn how to drive it, youll be choosing motorbike than car at most time).
4. Lost in translation
Big chance is youll have a foreigner boss and colleagues that might come from anywhere in the world, which bring a very different work ethics and culture. Not to mention to adapt with the local Balinese first, since youll be living on their land and their traditional rules applied. Each country has their own habits and cultures, so make sure you know at least the general characters to adaptbut never leave your own culture and characters (the good ones) while trying to make them like you. Remember that adapting doesnt mean losing yourself in it.
5. How strong is your will to stay?
This will be the main thing that can predict how long you can survive living in Bali. Some people come to Bali due to their duty, sent by their companies. Some come to runaway from their problems or past and wanting to start anew. Some simply love Bali so much they dont want to go back to their origin. Anything your reason is, you must at first love the island and willing to adapt to keep you long here. Be harmonious with the nature (also dont litter), with the people around you, and be harmonious with yourself. The latter is the most important key!