Last month, I started a new job that I was pretty much familiar with in my early 20s but only starting again in November 2026 and I’ve got the real taste of it. I was stationed in Papua to oversee, survey, and help during the project. I am adventurous enough to be stationed anywhere even if that means the end of the country. But after staying almost a month in Papua, I was sent back to start dealing with drafting the documents.

This is my first experience after many years of tasting the perks of this job that I used to run away from.

When I was only 20, I got to taste quite a bit of the perks from the job through my mom. One that I liked was the perk of staying at a 4- or 5-stars hotel and their buffet menu. It’s such a simple pleasure for a kid like me but I ran away from it.

Usually during conferences, these consultants like to choose the best venue for their meeting and places nearby point of interest/tourism spots. For them, these kinds of things are normal but not for me yet.

Now, I have got to taste the real and full experience of this job. Our meeting was held at the business district in Jakarta, in one of the upscale hotels in the area part of Aston international. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay there but in another part of town closer to the main office.

During the event, I was responsible for editing and refining our data presentation and our documentation. So, I had to be in the conference room the whole time, but when I wasn’t in the room, I had the opportunity to try some of the scrumptious pastries on the trays. It’s the highlight of the event for me, just delicious pastries and food.

During this stage, it’s almost final that we get to eat such delicious meals offered from the hotel buffet. We are also given extra stipend too that works as extra bonuses for us.

I wished I knew the full extent of this job perk that now, I wanted to pursue this career path.

This job is quite unique because the final product is policy and /or documentation but whatever we say is going to be implemented in the real world, has real world impact and implications.

In this line of job, certifications and degrees matters. For example, at least to be the team leader you need to have doctorate level degree. For being a senior advisor, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement. It’s why, if I am going to jump into this sea, I must catch up with a lot of my education and certifications.

Some of the perks that I have experienced in this job so far include paid flights, paid mini vacation, extra stipend included. For someone like me who loves to travel, those are the perks I am looking for. While obviously work is still work, I can't say no to these perks.

I know that some people dislike this job but I love it. I am not fussy about my job if I have my coffee, AC, and I am good with whatever task needs to be handled and even the salary. I am not one to complain about it as well. In this line of work, the salary isn’t that bad and from my surveys, everyone earns enough to live a comfortable life.

Since this is the end of the year, we’re rushing to finish the documents and revisions of it. It’s typical that everyone wants a holiday and they all want to finish the job so they can go on a holidayFor me though, I can’t wait to go back to work because everyone is on holiday. Even this line of jobs doesn’t have fixed holidays either. So, essentially, my life is still the same, being able to work anywhere including places I am stationed in.

Anyway, hopefully I get to have more stories about this line of work soon!