The Dropped Instant Noodles and the Dusty Photo Album
Today was just an absolutely terrible day. After working overtime in the heavy rain, I dragged myself back to my rented apartment. My shoes and socks were completely soaked, and I was shivering from the cold. Delivery fees are ridiculously high on rainy days, so to save a few bucks, I silently boiled some water and made the cheapest bowl of instant noodles.
While rummaging in the drawer for some scrap paper to cover the noodle cup, I pulled out a dusty old photo album.
During the three minutes waiting for the noodles to cook, for some reason, I opened it. Inside was a photo of me from the year I just graduated. The guy in the photo was standing under the scorching sun, smiling at the camera like an idiot, with light in his eyes. He had no idea what endless overtime or KPIs meant.
I turned my head and looked at my reflection in the window glass—greasy hair, heavy eyebags, a face that clearly says 'stay away, I'm exhausted.' That strong sense of disconnection hit me harder than the cheap seasoning of the instant noodles.
I sighed and stuffed the album back to the very bottom of the drawer. The noodles were already soggy, but I still have to swallow them down, because I have to get up early to squeeze into the subway tomorrow and continue working for my boss.
Sigh, I rarely post long articles, just treat this as a tree hole for me to vent. If the translation software makes it sound incoherent, please bear with me.
Participant of The Dropped Instant Noodles and the Dusty Photo Album
En mi experiencia, esas tres minutos esperando el ramen me trajeron la misma foto de graduación bajo el sol que mencionas, y me recordó lo que dejé de lado al entrar en la rutina del overtime. I’ve learned that those brief pauses can be a quiet cue to realign with the goals my family and I once celebrated. 😊
Thank you for reading so carefully and understanding exactly how that felt. It is somewhat comforting to know I’m not the only one who got swallowed by the "overtime routine." Realigning with those old goals feels a bit too heavy for me right now when I'm just trying to survive the week, but your words really brought some warmth to my cold night. Thanks for stopping by!
I do not even have photos of my childhood... I guess no idiot smiling at the camera, but Indo remember how uncomfortable it made me, especially the school photographer. That guy was great instelling lies (not different from the dentist by the way).
I believe like many we somehow survive with the autopilot switched on. Not really what I call living life, let alone enjoying it.
What will you do to change it?
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o be completely honest, I don't have a grand plan right now. When you are drained just from trying to pay the rent and survive the week, thinking about "changing your life" feels like another exhausting KPI from the boss.
But I guess I will start with something very small. Maybe this weekend, I will force myself to close my laptop, walk out of this room, and just sit in the sun for an hour without thinking about work. Thank you for asking this question. It made me realize that I need to at least try to step out of the "autopilot mode," even if it's just for a brief moment.
I recognise that drained feeling (for the biggest part my life).
I am afraid that in cases like these, taking a few steps back, relaxing should be scheduled. Can be it gives more room to objectively observe the situation, regain energy plus you never know who you will meet. Going out doesn't have to cost money, but it is also good to reward and pamper yourself if you made till the end of the month.
Are the rents and costs for living that high?
Not that it is cheap with me, but I do not need much and rarely cook 🤣 it saves me a lot of money not doing what the average seems to find normal. Just winter is a burden.
Trust me, it has it's benefits if being labelled as creative, chaotic and always doing it my way (even if I am not).
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Since your post isn't okay if it comes to the entry of the contest, and you replied to the comment. This one will be upvoted. Keep reading, commenting and connecting.
This booming vote is yours and well deserved.
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Thank you for the encouragement! I will read the contest rules more carefully next time. 🍀
This booming vote is yours and well deserved.
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Great post! And it looks like there are some great perks for shipping to all countries, especially during bad weather. Awesome photo! Good luck to you all)
May this boost your mood.
Sweet dreams.
This BOOMING vote is yours and well deserved!
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Thank you so much for the generous BOOMING support! Your kind words and the upvote really did boost my mood today. Have a wonderful day!
Did your mood need a boost? How come?
I can't say I had the best day. I cannot stand thieves in the shop!
Ah man, that sounds rough! Dealing with thieves is the absolute worst. Hope your day gets better—maybe you need a robot security guard sooner than we think!