Part-Time Work in a Competitive Multinational Landscape

Day 52 as a part-time worker. I woke up at dawn with an energy whose origin remains a mystery. Perhaps it stems from the remnants of my perseverance and the habits formed during my eight years abroad. Throughout that time, I learned to combat laziness and adapt to the rigorous discipline of Japanese work culture, particularly the 5S principles—Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. Yet, reality remains far harsher than simply adjusting to a familiar work environment.

Today, I fully immerse myself in my role as an online transportation driver. I continue in this profession, not because of a lack of ambition, but because my competition is no ordinary group. Imagine having to compete with Jokowi, who boasts two terms of leadership experience. If an entire nation chose him twice, how could I expect to surpass him in the eyes of a hiring manager?

Still not challenging enough? There’s Anies, whose eloquence and poetic analogies turn every interview response into an inspiring speech. Just as I prepare to say, "I am a hard worker," he has already delivered a statement so profound that the interviewer is left teary-eyed.

Then there’s Ridwan Kamil, an architect, designer, and humorist all in one. If I were to apply for a creative role, I would lose before even stepping into the room. Any HR department would undoubtedly prefer a leader who can brighten the office chat group with witty memes each morning.

Next in line is Andika Perkasa, a former military commander. While my physical endurance is limited to lifting heavy water gallons, he has been trained to uplift the morale of an entire battalion. When it comes to discipline and leadership, HR would likely hand him a managerial role on the spot—meanwhile, I would still be struggling to fill out the application form.

Then, there is Airin, whose elegance and professionalism command attention. The moment she walks into an interview room, she captivates everyone. And me? I am still busy making sure my shirt is free from the sambal stains of my breakfast.

Lastly, there is Risma. If she enters the competition, I might as well step aside. While I am still contemplating whether the salary is sufficient, she has already taken matters into her own hands—cleaning the office and restructuring the entire system overnight.

In conclusion, regardless of the profession, every job is a struggle. If my competitors are of this caliber, perhaps I should reconsider my career path—maybe becoming their campaign strategist would be a more viable option. After all, at least that would still be a job, right?