Picture this - it was a sunny day, and I found myself at the edge of a breathtaking cliff overlooking a serene beach. But this wasn't just any vacation; it was a moment of reflection on the incredible journey that led me to this moment.
Hi, it's me, Karen. You can call me Karenina, or at least that's what everyone calls me nowadays. A little back story, I was in my 2nd year of college when the movie Anna Karenina came out. I loved that movie, by the way. So then, it was also a time when changing your Facebook name was a thing, so I changed mine just for fun to Karenina. Suddenly, it stuck, and everyone started calling me that. I have kept my Facebook name the same since 2014, and that's why people assume that's my real name. I swear, even my brother had to confirm to me what my real name was. 😅
Anyway, back to me. I am from the beautiful province of Bohol in the Philippines. Bohol is known for The Chocolate Hills, which are named so because the hills turn brown like chocolate every summertime. Bohol has a lot to offer; its combination of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage makes it an enticing and memorable destination for tourists. I’m one proud Boholana. Although I was born and raised in Bohol, I lived in Cebu since I was 12, and I studied here from high school until college. So, I do consider Cebu as my second home.
PAST ERA
I am a Chemical Engineer by profession. Yes, once upon a time, in a distant memory, I was balancing chemical equations and doing mathematical modelling. It was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, but undeniably one of the best. Naturally, I stayed the course for a couple of years. After graduating and getting my license, I worked as a Quality Engineer at two manufacturing companies in Luzon.
For nearly five years, I ensured that every product that left the production line was nothing short of perfection, ultimately leading to me having even higher standards. 😂 From scrutinizing minute details to collaborating with talented teams, I am putting all that engineering knowledge to good use. But somehow, it just didn't feel right. Deep down, I knew there was something I'd rather be doing than this. I was really in an existential crisis, and then the pandemic happened.
Embracing Change During the Pandemic
Ah, the pandemic! A time when the world came to a standstill and many of us reassessed our life's course. The pandemic was a very lonely time for me because I could not see my family for almost two years. All I did was go to work and be scared for my life every time I left the house. You know how it was. It was one of the hardest times for most of us, but long story short, I survived. And you did, too; that's why you're reading this now. Yay!
Seizing the moment, I decided to take a risk and shift gears into freelancing. This was the scariest time of my life. The level of uncertainty in the middle of a pandemic. But, to quote from A Most Violent Year movie, "When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump; otherwise, you end up staying in the same place your entire life."
And so, that's exactly what I did. I didn't have a strategic plan, and I didn't have another job waiting for me. I just jumped, left my job, and went home. But, I knew I was not starting from scratch. I have five years of professional experience, which gave me the confidence to hope that wherever life takes me, I will make it. Well, I have to make it because I don’t have a choice.
THE HERE AND NOW
That is how my journey as an independent contractor started. It was a leap of faith, but it led me to my current roles as an executive assistant and freelance writer for medical websites.
And was it worth it? Sometimes, I’m still not 100% sure, and I still ask myself if I made the right decision to let go of my engineering career. Still, I'm enjoying this current path that I'm on now.
Freelancing has given me the flexibility to spend more time with my loved ones and explore the things I love while working remotely. This is why there is no perfect timing than now to be a part of this amazing community, as I look forward to sharing these things with you, fellow HIVERs.
A Bookworm's Refuge
Ah, books! The ever-enticing portals to imagination and knowledge. I have always loved books ever since I was young. I was so obsessed with the Nancy Drew book series in elementary school. Then, in high school, I got addicted to series like The Confessions of a Shopaholic, Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl, and Twilight. But I also read serious stuff like Iliad, Don Quixote, and Things Fall Apart for the love of English book reports.
And then, in college, I had my dystopian era with Hunger Games and Divergent, and my taste has ranged from Colleen Hoover to Dan Brown. Then, now I'm mostly into self-help books and stoicism.
Life has gotten quite hectic recently, but I'd love to get back into reading. I even set my Goodreads 2023 Reading Challenge to 30 books. I'm still on 5. I'm totally down for some book recommendations if you have some. Let me know in the comments.
Wanderlust and Wonder
As much as I loved immersing myself in the world of reading and writing, there was another aspect of my life that I cherished immensely—travel! From serene sunsets on a tropical beach to exploring historical touristy spots, I have always dreamed of experiencing the beauty of different places, embracing diverse cultures, and forging unforgettable connections with people from all walks of life. I have a few travels coming up, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you.
A Love Affair with Music and the Silver Screen
Speaking of adventure, who doesn't love a good movie or a captivating K-drama? Whether it's gripping action scenes or heart-fluttering romances, I find solace in the realm of cinematic magic. So, if you ever need binge-worthy recommendations, I'm your go-to person!
Of course, music will always have a special spot in my heart. On top of that spot is Taylor Swift. That's right, I'm a certified swiftie. But I'm not going to talk about that because that's going to take forever. I'll be attending her Eras Tour in SG next year, and that is another post for the future!
Skincare Enthusiast's Secrets
Beyond my professional endeavors and entertainment passions, there's one more thing that lights up my life—skincare! The world of face masks, serums, and moisturizers is my ultimate haven. Through the ups and downs of life, my skincare routine has been a constant reminder of self-care and pampering.
Gastronomic Delights
As I explore new places, my taste buds also crave their own adventures. Food is life for me; nothing is more fulfilling than discovering hidden gastronomic gems and savoring them in places with the most enchanting ambience. So, brace yourselves for my foodie escapades as I eagerly dive into unexplored cafes and restaurants, ready to unravel their delicious mysteries!
WHAT LIES AHEAD
More Gratitude and Less Attitude
Throughout this journey, I've learned the importance of gratitude. Every week, I take a moment to write in my Five Minute Journal, acknowledging the blessings in my life. Gratitude has taught me to find joy in simple things and embrace life's unpredictability with a positive attitude.
Building Bridges of Impact
For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to the idea of giving back to society and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether supporting a local charity or volunteering at community events, philanthropy has been a significant part of my dreams. Additionally, the desire to form genuine connections with like-minded individuals who share my values has fueled my search for a community that aligns with these passions.
Venturing Beyond the Screen
Working from home has its perks, but it can also be challenging to meet new people and expand one's network. That's where HIVE comes into the picture, a community I hope will help me conquer the challenges of remote work while letting me dive headfirst into the world of philanthropy and connection. By joining a community of like-minded individuals, I look forward to forming lasting connections, engaging in insightful conversations, and collaborating with passionate changemakers from around the world.
Before this post ends, I'd like to shout out to my friends 
As I look back on my journey from a chemical engineer to an executive assistant and freelance writer, I realize that life is an incredible adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Embracing my passions, exploring new horizons, and practicing gratitude have brought me to where I stand today — a place of contentment, inspiration, and continuous growth.
Thank you for joining me on this fun-filled ride. I hope my story has encouraged you to chase your dreams, indulge in your passions, and find gratitude in the little moments that make life truly remarkable.
I have so many things to be grateful for, but today, I'm most grateful to you for taking the time to read this post. Stay awesome! 💝
