Andini: If you really want to change something take a first step

Andini loved her job as an event manager in Jakarta. Lots of business trips, good money, interesting clients. One day she woke up and thought: I have to change my life. And she learned: If you really want to change something take a first step.

Tell us about your life-changing morning…

From event manager to restaurant owner – how did this happen?

Why did you change your life if everything was ok?

Why did you quit if you loved your job?

Can you describe a day as an event manager?

I got up, grabbed a coffee on my way to work. Then the daily hustle and bustle started: Numerous emails, client visists, hosting guests, phone calls and meetings. Breaks? I had lunch at my desk. At 5pm everyone went home. I usually had dinner somewhere and went straight back to the office to work again. Around 9 or 10pm I was usually at home – and passed out.

What does a typical work day look like now as a restaurant owner?

I go to work, have a coffee, read the newspaper, check facebook and have more coffee. Ok, kidding. As my cousin’s responsible for the kitchen, I am taking care of the management part. I train our staff, do the bookkeeping, calculate how much food we have to buy, do the marketing strategy and am responsible that everything works out smoothly. The biggest difference to my former job as an event manager: I have more freedom. But, on the other hand, I am also responsible for everything.

Have you changed since you quit your job as an event manager?

Yes. A lot. As I changed my life my perspective changed, too. Now I appreciate little things like being able to live and work in Canggu on my favorite island Bali. I enjoy being able to schedule my work. It’s just amazing. Besides, I don’t work 14 hours a day anymore. For the first time in my life I even have time to follow my passion: Drawing.

Your biggest learnings so far?

Your dream life…?

I am living my dream! My life was great as an event manager. Now, as a restaurant owner I would say: My life’s just awesome. I am my own boss, I plan my day. And, I even find the time to draw after work.

What’s your No.1 piece of advice for people living a busy life?

Change! Change your life: Your way of thinking, your perspective. Get out of your comfort zone. If you really want to change something take a first step. After that everything will fall into place. Change your habits, too. You will develop new habits. Experience something different. I am sure that these new experiences will inspire you more than you ever expected!

Andini, all the best for your restaurant! Keep on drawing, we would love to see more of your art!

Andini’s breakfast place Rojo’s in Canggu, Bali