A reflection to prepare for my third coaching session

To prepare for my third coaching session and clarify my final career goal, I started revisiting what I’ve shared in the two previous sessions — and the goals I set for myself earlier. Below are some of the criteria from The Balance Wheel that have consistently focused:

Physical Environment

I long to change my physical surroundings — both in my work and personal life — because I often feel like I belong somewhere else.
I don’t know if being in the North of Europe will be the answer, but it’s the only place that gives me a genuine sense of belonging. Fewer people, more nature. Human connection still exists, but there’s space for privacy and less judgment — or at least, people don’t show judgment openly. I crave not only physical safety but also psychological safety.

Finance

In Vietnam, I’m able to save money, but it feels like I’m racing against inflation. I’m currently saving for the next three years so that my son can live securely for the following 18 years. But the pressure is immense. Even if I save well, the rising cost of IB education here means it’s likely still out of reach.
In contrast, in the North, despite higher taxes and fewer savings, I believe I could provide a more stable future — including access to quality education for my son. If something were to happen to me, I believe the system there could provide a safety net for him — something I cannot rely on here, in my own country.

Career

At my current workplace, options feel limited. Many others have tried hard but still didn’t reach what they hoped for. Some choose to stay, others leave.
For me, I feel uneasy in comfort. I thrive when challenged. I love the company and truly admire the culture the founder built — I’ve read many books about him with deep admiration — but staying in a place that no longer helps me grow would be a clear No. That’s why I am continuously seeking for new challenges and new things, to grow.

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Looking at these three priorities, my goal has become clearer:
I want to relocate to the North of Europe — ideally Sweden.

The role doesn’t have to exactly match what I do today, as long as it builds on my business background. I don’t aim for a managerial position yet, because I believe I first need to see a real role model — someone I can look up to — before deciding if that’s the path I want to follow.

And when I imagine myself living in the North, I realize all the keywords from my second coaching session would be fulfilled. Words like:

“Work in the forest, green color, nature, listening to forest sounds, few people, little interaction, reading a book, a lot of energy dedicated to work, getting things done, quick, fast, no distraction, be myself, not worry too much, calm, slow, do nothing, reflection, positive thinking, feeling guilty ruining the energy, forcing beyond the limit, taking care of stakeholders, balance, fighting with my own empathy and compassion, appreciation of having time for ‘living’, you are on the right track, trust the process, don’t give up, pyjama mood, very comfortable clothes, relax, cold weather, enjoy life, no need to try harder, more time for myself, no pressure on others, a lot of appreciation from others.”

I don’t know exactly why I feel such a deep connection to Sweden — especially Älmhult.

To some, the village may seem quiet or even “too cold.” But to me, it’s beautiful. Winter is my favorite season, maybe after autumn.

• There, it feels okay to be an introvert.
• There, it feels okay to have space, without having to explain why.
• There, people don’t connect over gossip or use others’ stories for attention.
• There’s empathy, privacy, and meaningful conversations.
• It’s not a perfect country — no place is — but some places just feel like home. And I think Sweden is mine.

Maybe it’s because I grew up reading Astrid Lindgren’s books?
Stories like Emil i Lönneberga shaped my imagination of what childhood and small village life could look like. Or maybe — as we often joke — it’s simply because my past lives belonged to the North.

If Sweden is where I feel I belong, then maybe it’s where I will be most myself.
Being physically there could become the foundation I need — a kind of rebirth.
Only once that foundation is set, can I truly explore the next steps.
Without stability, any dream feels like just a scenario — not a real plan.

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Now, my personal and career goals seem to connect — and I have a strong inner sense that I’m getting closer. It’s a mixed feeling: full of excitement and a little fear.
What if this dream doesn’t come true?
Should I still work toward it even if it may never happen?
Should I lower my expectations to avoid disappointment?

But I also know this: my expectations fuel my motivation.
They give me direction.
So, I will continue forward — with hope, but also resilience.

💬 A Reminder to Myself

Build resilience through the entire recruitment journey.
Rejection doesn’t mean I’m not good enough.
Stay balanced — expect the best, but prepare gently for setbacks.

Thank you. ❤️