“I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, “aw shit, he’s up!”
― Steve Maraboli
The foreshadowing came to fruition. While 2023 was a year of preparation, 2024 became the year I began reaping the rewards of the seeds I had planted. This year, I turned many aspirations that once only existed in my mind into tangible realities. Typically, the end of the year would bring regret over things I hadn’t accomplished, but this time, it feels different.
2024 taught me a life lesson of immense value—something I may have understood in theory for years but finally internalized: you don’t have to endure unnecessary suffering. Longtime readers may know about my experiences in a toxic work environment, where I endured relentless bullying.
Despite my linguistic talents, I couldn’t fully utilize them. Though I had ideas that could inspire reflection and provoke thought, I couldn’t bring them to life. My ambitions were stifled by people around me, who cited my age as a reason to hold back.
The signs urging me to take action had been there all along, yet I hesitated. There were reasons for my inaction, but I failed to break free from my past self. This year, however, was different. I stayed true to my desires, listened carefully to my inner voice, and followed my own path.
A massive turning point in my life:
The word “Android” took on profound significance for me this year, more so than at any other time in my life. Last year, my supervisor at work expressed concern about my age being a hindrance to becoming an Android app developer. An experienced engineer I met online echoed the same sentiment—emphasizing my age as a limiting factor.
Yet, against their unwelcome advice, I secured a position as an Android app developer at one of Japan’s leading financial firms. My passion for Android is undeniable. For over a decade, I’ve been a loyal Android user, and it has always been my dream to turn this passion into a profession.
Reflecting on my previous job, I remember feeling a deep sense of despair every single day, particularly in the early part of this year. I was disheartened to work for a company that failed to recognize my value. My manager, who lacked an engineering background, unfairly judged me based on reputational biases rather than merit.
But I refused to let them define my worth or my passions. They were unaware that I had built an Android app portfolio impressive enough to gain the admiration of another engineer I met online. They underestimated my abilities and dismissed my potential, labeling me as a failed engineer based on their misconceptions.
And that’s okay. Ultimately, it was their loss.
Android has guided me to where I stand today. I can now proudly call myself a professional Android app developer. My current employer saw the value in my portfolio and recognized my potential.
Age, as it turns out, doesn’t matter when you have the drive and the skills to succeed. I proved them wrong. For over six months, I’ve not only survived but thrived, completing every task assigned to me, including developing new features for a finance app. It has been a challenging journey, but every day has been an opportunity to learn and grow in a field I’m passionate about.
While challenges and pressures remain, I can confidently say that I’ve made it. If those who doubted me because of my age were standing before me now, I would tell them this: “See, you were wrong. Age limitations exist only in your reality, not mine.”
The weight of mental health struggles and their impact on my life:
Despite the personal victory of achieving one of my dream careers, there’s something I’ve lost along the way: a healthy lifestyle. It’s not a dire situation, but my sedentary habits led me to neglect exercise, resulting in weight gain and muscle loss. My latest annual health check revealed concerning results, with clear recommendations to incorporate regular exercise, ideally on a daily basis.
Since leaving my previous job at the end of March, I’ve spent far too much time lying in bed, binge-watching YouTube and Netflix. My belly has gained fat, my arms have lost muscle, and despite being physically fit just two years ago, I’ve now become a slightly unhealthy thirty-something man. Outwardly, I may not appear significantly overweight, but my health has undeniably declined.
It’s time to reassess my eating habits and commit to regular exercise. However, my mental health struggles have often been a barrier to physical activity. For me, physical exercise is closely tied to my mental state—when I’m not feeling well mentally, it’s hard to fully convince myself to get moving. But if I let this health decline continue, it could pose a real risk to my well-being.
The prolonged strain of mental health challenges has started to manifest physically, making the issue even more visible. That said, leaving my previous job and embarking on my dream career have been crucial first steps in refreshing not just my professional life, but my overall lifestyle. It feels like the right time to rebuild, both mentally and physically, and reclaim a sense of balance.
Encounters that shaped my year:
This year brought a wealth of new experiences for me. Alongside starting my new role as an Android developer, my personal life was filled with many firsts. As some of you may know from following my journey, I launched two Meetup groups—one focused on exploring famous spots in my area, and the other dedicated to coding and tech. While I only hosted six events in total, each was a rewarding experience that allowed me to embrace leadership in a meaningful way.
Although not every event turned out as I’d hoped, I thoroughly enjoyed most of them, especially because they were inspired by my own ideas. One of the most memorable events was a visit to the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. At the start of the event, I handed out sheets featuring quotes from notable historical figures. Later, at a nearby café, I asked attendees to choose the quote that resonated most with them about the meaning of life. Since the event revolved around visiting a cemetery—an unconventional choice for a Meetup—I wanted participants to reflect deeply on what it means to live and the broader significance of life.
Another highlight was the event at Enoshima Island. We visited the observation deck and watched the sunset together. The attendees were all wonderful people, and I truly enjoyed hosting that event.
My tech events were equally fulfilling. For the first time, I earned money from one of my Meetups, where I taught the basics of Linux to a participant. The attendee was a British gentleman, and it was incredibly rewarding to share my technical knowledge with someone eager to learn.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making these events both successful and memorable. Their participation and enthusiasm turned my ideas into reality, and I couldn’t be more appreciative.
Where big ideas meet warm connections: my special meetup group:
Since I’ve shared my great encounters this year, I have to highlight the Fujisawa Meetup. This is a group where members practice speaking English in a café, and I’ve become one of its regular attendees. What makes this group so special to me is the genuine sense of acceptance and appreciation they show. I can be completely myself without feeling the need to put on a façade.
They know I’m a programmer and are fully aware of my intellectual interests and abilities. Encouraged by this, I began reading thought-provoking books like Life 3.0, Homo Deus, and The Code Breaker. Whenever I shared insights not only from these books but also from my broader knowledge in technology, biology, and other fields, the conversations grew lively and engaging. Their curiosity sparked fascinating discussions, with questions that challenged and intrigued me.
What’s truly remarkable about this Meetup is how, in the cozy setting of a local café in a small Japanese city, we delve into grand topics like the future of humanity. It feels almost surreal—an oasis of profound dialogue in an otherwise ordinary setting.
The organizers often tell me how much they value my participation, especially since I consistently bring fresh and thought-provoking topics to the table. Their appreciation means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for their kindness and encouragement.
A trial run beyond borders:
My trip to Singapore felt like a trial run for a potential international life in the future, and I have no regrets about taking the leap. After quitting my job at the end of March, I traveled to Singapore for the first time—a destination that had always been on my travel bucket list, and I finally made it happen.
Since 2018, when I worked in Louisiana, USA, I hadn’t traveled abroad. My inexperience with solo international travel made me hesitant to leave the country. But this time, I pushed past my reservations and ventured out, making the journey to the vibrant “Little Red Dot” on the map. It was a deeply rewarding experience.
Navigating the subway system was a learning curve; I asked locals at the station for help charging my travel card and figuring out how to get around the city. Ordering food in English was another step outside my comfort zone. Each small challenge felt like a stepping stone toward a future where living internationally might become a reality.
One of my quiet aspirations has always been to live a sleek, modern lifestyle that transcends borders, and my time in Singapore brought me closer to that dream. While I understand that money isn’t everything, Singapore stood as a remarkable symbol of modernization and progress. It was an incredible place to visit, and every moment there reinforced my desire to explore the world more boldly.
The paradigm shift that changed my blog’s DNA:
Looking back at my blog posts from this year, a clear trend has emerged—fewer photography-focused posts and more content centered around technology. While this blog initially started as a photographic journal, it has gradually evolved into a tech-driven platform infused with creative writing.
Over time, the blog’s content has naturally reflected my shifting interests. Photography has taken a backseat as technology became a central theme. Alongside this transition, my struggles with mental health have influenced the blog’s direction, leading me to write extensively about coping strategies and personal growth.
Creative writing and self-encouragement posts have also grown in significance, marking a new dimension in the blog’s purpose. I believe this reflects a massive paradigm shift, signaling an evolution in both the blog and myself.
Conclusion:
Overall, 2024 was a year filled with personal victories, marking a clear departure from 2023—a year defined by nerve-wracking defeats that ultimately shaped my new goals. While 2025 may bring its own set of challenges, all I can do for now is remain curious, continue honing my skills, and keep striving toward my aspirations.
