About this city, people, relationship

I’ve been watching a series on Netflix called "I Am Married... BUT!", and it feels so real that I can deeply relate to the main character. She married a guy she met romantically on the road, but after marriage, she moved into his mother’s house. Her husband is a "mummy’s boy" who doesn’t contribute to housework, and their dynamic feels unbalanced—she’s strong, while he appears weak. The show also touches on workplace dynamics, where male colleagues complain about women always nagging about how much work they do. I find this funny because women often juggle work, housework, and childcare, yet their efforts are rarely acknowledged. In relationships, it’s usually the person who can’t stand the mess who ends up cleaning—often the woman. Over time, men tend to take these efforts for granted and stop appreciating their partners, even when they make an effort to look good. The series covers so many relatable topics: marriage, family relationships, single motherhood, cheating, the decision to have kids or not, and even the growing trend of people choosing not to marry. It’s no wonder the show is so popular—it reflects real-life gender dynamics and challenges. I can understand why the characters fall in love with others who admire and understand them, even though they still care for their spouses. It’s a complex but realistic portrayal of modern relationships.

Switching to a more positive topic, I recently recorded a podcast episode with two amazing women from another podcast. One is pursuing a PhD in Bristol, and the other works in Sydney. It was such an interesting combination! Despite being in different time zones and having different backgrounds, we had a great conversation about small talk in various situations. The girl from Sydney offered me a fresh perspective on how to approach conversations. She advised me not to assume people’s intentions, especially when meeting someone for the first time. This made me realise that sometimes, topics I find offensive might not be intended that way. It was a refreshing and enlightening experience, and I’m excited for the episode to release this Thursday. I hope listeners enjoy it as much as I did!

Lately, I’ve been keeping busy with various volunteer opportunities, including charity e-commerce, store volunteering, and market research. Through these experiences, I’ve had the chance to talk to many different people, and it’s been eye-opening. I’ve realized how tough the job market is right now. Two of the volunteers I met lost their jobs and, despite having over a decade of experience in this country, they’re still struggling to find work. Another volunteer is a recent graduate who has been job-hunting for a year without success. For them, volunteering is a way to add experience to their CVs, but it’s also a reminder of how competitive and challenging the job market can be.

Despite the challenges, I feel incredibly grateful for everything I have. Since quitting my job, I’ve started to enjoy life in the UK more and more—except for the financial aspect, of course. It’s hard not to think about the future, especially when it comes to settling down or buying a house. Without a stable job, these goals feel out of reach for now, but I’m trying to focus on the positives and take things one step at a time.