After two grueling years earning my master’s degree in South Korea (with a few roadblocks along the way), I thought everything else in life would be smooth sailing. I had worked hard to earn that shiny new degree, and in my mind, it was my ticket to success in the professional world. Armed with my diploma, I confidently started sending out resumes left and right, eagerly anticipating the flood of responses I imagined would be coming my way. After all, I had the qualifications, the international experience, and a degree from a prestigious university. What could possibly go wrong?
But the reality was a little different. To my surprise, I was met with a quiet inbox. No responses, no follow-up interviews, just silence. It was a harsh wake-up call. My confidence took a big hit. "What am I doing wrong?" I wondered. I was applying to all kinds of positions—medical device sales, SaaS market research, global marketing at automotive companies, and honestly, pretty much everything I could find that aligned with my background. It didn’t make sense to me.
Eventually, the interviews started trickling in, but they didn’t come with the easy success I had envisioned. Instead, they brought an unexpected dose of reality. Despite applying for roles that explicitly required native English speakers, I quickly discovered that most companies placed a much higher priority on Korean-speaking abilities. This left me feeling deflated. I knew my Korean wasn’t perfect—my speaking skills were far from fluent, and I often struggled to express myself the way I wanted to. My listening skills were far stronger, but that didn’t seem to make much of a difference in the eyes of these companies.
By the time I had gone through eleven interviews, each one with no good news, I had begun to doubt myself. But then came my twelfth interview. Something about this opportunity felt different. I had heard of the company before, and they were well-known within the online skincare communities I followed. I knew their products, their philosophy, and what they stood for. That familiarity gave me a sense of confidence, and when the interview day finally arrived, it was, without a doubt, the best interview I had.
The Monday after my interview, I received the call. I was offered the position, and within days, I was onboarded and quickly thrust into the fast-paced world of the skincare industry. The transition was intense, to say the least. I was immediately immersed in the work, which felt like being thrown into the deep end of the pool. But despite the challenges, I didn’t feel like I was drowning. In fact, I felt like I was treading water just fine, thanks to the solid foundation I had built over the years.
My educational background in international marketing, paired with my long-standing interest in the cosmetics industry, served as my flotation devices, keeping me afloat during the first few weeks. Learning about the company’s products and key selling points was a piece of cake. After all, I had been following the industry for so long that I already had a good understanding of skincare ingredients and its uses. But the tougher part? It was finding the right people to work with in the future. I had to make sure that the people I collaborated with not only understood the brand’s values but also shared a similar vision. It wasn’t just about getting the job done—it was about fostering mutually beneficial relationships that would set the company up for long-term success.
Now, I’m sure you’re curious about what an average day looks like working at a Korean skincare company, right? Let me give you a peek into my routine.
One of the best perks of my job is the flexibility we’re given when it comes to clocking in. We’re allowed to clock in between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., which is something I absolutely love. I’m someone who cherishes their sleep, and being able to choose when I come in is a huge benefit. Some mornings, when I’m feeling extra tired and need a little more rest, I’ll clock in at 10:00 a.m. It helps me stay well-rested, which ultimately keeps me in a good mood and ready to take on the day.
When I finally arrive at the office, I start by greeting my coworkers. It’s always nice to catch up with everyone and check in with the team before diving into the workday. After that, I review my tasks for the day and prioritize them. The next step is checking my work email to see if anything needs urgent attention. Once I have a clear idea of my to-do list, I jump right into my assignments.
Throughout the day, if I run into any roadblocks or have questions, I don’t hesitate to ask my supervisors for help. One of the things I truly appreciate about my team is that they’re always willing to assist me. Whenever I’m unsure about something, they take the time to explain things and clear up any doubts I might have. This support allows me to move forward with confidence and ensures that I’m always making progress.
At 12:30 p.m., things take a delightful turn. It’s lunchtime, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite times of the day. It’s a chance to step away from work, refuel, and recharge for the second half of the day. Our company goes the extra mile when it comes to lunch. They keep a stock of ramen, snacks, and beverages in the break room in case anyone forgets their lunch or just needs a snack to power through the day. They’re also mindful of dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options, which I really appreciate. This small gesture makes me feel more welcome and valued as an employee.
During lunch, everyone gathers in the break room, and we chat, laugh, and bond over our shared interests. The hour passes in the blink of an eye, and we return to our desks feeling recharged and energized. It’s amazing how much of an impact a good lunch break can have on your mood. What would have once felt like an overwhelming mountain of tasks now seems more like a manageable hill. As the day progresses, I work my way through my list, and before I know it, the end of the day is near.
When I first started, I remember feeling like I was simply surviving the workday. But now, after a few months, I realize I’m thriving. I’m excelling at what I do, building relationships, and making meaningful contributions to the team. The sense of fulfillment I feel when I leave the office is a complete 180 from how I felt in the beginning.
Even though I haven’t been at haruharu wonder for very long, I’ve learned so much in my short time here. The company’s culture, work environment, and focus on collaboration have made this a great experience so far. But what’s most valuable are the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. If you’re embarking on your own journey at a new company, whether it’s in Korea or elsewhere, here are a few tips that can help you thrive (not just survive) in your new role:
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Nighttime Prep – One of the best pieces of advice I received was to prepare my work outfit and lunch the night before. This simple habit saves so much time and stress in the morning. Rather than rushing around to pack your lunch or throw a semi-cohesive outfit together, you can enjoy a more peaceful morning routine. Over time, this will become second nature, and you’ll be in autopilot mode before you know it.
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Sleep – Let’s face it—most of us struggle to sleep well the night before our first day. The nerves can be overwhelming! But the seasoned employees I spoke with all shared the same advice: get a good night’s sleep. They suggested waking up a little earlier and skipping naps, which can often make you groggy. This strategy worked wonders for me! If sleep still evades you, try winding down with a cup of hot chamomile tea and some calming music.
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Ask Lots of Questions – In a new job, there’s so much to learn, and it can be overwhelming. The key is not to let that overwhelm you. Take notes and ask questions whenever anything is unclear. Even if the answer seems obvious, asking early on will help you avoid mistakes down the road. There’s no such thing as a “stupid” question, so never settle for uncertainty.
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Make Mistakes – Without a doubt, starting a new job is stressful. The first few months in a new position can be nerve-wracking, but that’s the average amount of time it takes to learn the ropes at any business. Don’t stress about being perfect from day one, especially if it’s your first job! We’re human, and we make mistakes—just like we don’t run before we learn how to crawl.
With these four tips in mind, I hope your first day at work goes smoothly, no matter where in the world you’re working. And remember, it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Working at A Korean Skincare Company
After two grueling years earning my master’s degree in South Korea (with a few roadblocks along the way), I thought everything else in life would be smooth sailing. I had worked hard to earn that shiny new degree, and in my mind, it was my ticket to success in the professional world. Armed with my diploma, I confidently started sending out resumes left and right, eagerly anticipating the flood of responses I imagined would be coming my way. After all, I had the qualifications, the international experience, and a degree from a prestigious university. What could possibly go wrong?
But the reality was a little different. To my surprise, I was met with a quiet inbox. No responses, no follow-up interviews, just silence. It was a harsh wake-up call. My confidence took a big hit. "What am I doing wrong?" I wondered. I was applying to all kinds of positions—medical device sales, SaaS market research, global marketing at automotive companies, and honestly, pretty much everything I could find that aligned with my background. It didn’t make sense to me.
Eventually, the interviews started trickling in, but they didn’t come with the easy success I had envisioned. Instead, they brought an unexpected dose of reality. Despite applying for roles that explicitly required native English speakers, I quickly discovered that most companies placed a much higher priority on Korean-speaking abilities. This left me feeling deflated. I knew my Korean wasn’t perfect—my speaking skills were far from fluent, and I often struggled to express myself the way I wanted to. My listening skills were far stronger, but that didn’t seem to make much of a difference in the eyes of these companies.
By the time I had gone through eleven interviews, each one with no good news, I had begun to doubt myself. But then came my twelfth interview. Something about this opportunity felt different. I had heard of the company before, and they were well-known within the online skincare communities I followed. I knew their products, their philosophy, and what they stood for. That familiarity gave me a sense of confidence, and when the interview day finally arrived, it was, without a doubt, the best interview I had.
The Monday after my interview, I received the call. I was offered the position, and within days, I was onboarded and quickly thrust into the fast-paced world of the skincare industry. The transition was intense, to say the least. I was immediately immersed in the work, which felt like being thrown into the deep end of the pool. But despite the challenges, I didn’t feel like I was drowning. In fact, I felt like I was treading water just fine, thanks to the solid foundation I had built over the years.
My educational background in international marketing, paired with my long-standing interest in the cosmetics industry, served as my flotation devices, keeping me afloat during the first few weeks. Learning about the company’s products and key selling points was a piece of cake. After all, I had been following the industry for so long that I already had a good understanding of skincare ingredients and its uses. But the tougher part? It was finding the right people to work with in the future. I had to make sure that the people I collaborated with not only understood the brand’s values but also shared a similar vision. It wasn’t just about getting the job done—it was about fostering mutually beneficial relationships that would set the company up for long-term success.
Now, I’m sure you’re curious about what an average day looks like working at a Korean skincare company, right? Let me give you a peek into my routine.
One of the best perks of my job is the flexibility we’re given when it comes to clocking in. We’re allowed to clock in between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., which is something I absolutely love. I’m someone who cherishes their sleep, and being able to choose when I come in is a huge benefit. Some mornings, when I’m feeling extra tired and need a little more rest, I’ll clock in at 10:00 a.m. It helps me stay well-rested, which ultimately keeps me in a good mood and ready to take on the day.
When I finally arrive at the office, I start by greeting my coworkers. It’s always nice to catch up with everyone and check in with the team before diving into the workday. After that, I review my tasks for the day and prioritize them. The next step is checking my work email to see if anything needs urgent attention. Once I have a clear idea of my to-do list, I jump right into my assignments.
Throughout the day, if I run into any roadblocks or have questions, I don’t hesitate to ask my supervisors for help. One of the things I truly appreciate about my team is that they’re always willing to assist me. Whenever I’m unsure about something, they take the time to explain things and clear up any doubts I might have. This support allows me to move forward with confidence and ensures that I’m always making progress.
At 12:30 p.m., things take a delightful turn. It’s lunchtime, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite times of the day. It’s a chance to step away from work, refuel, and recharge for the second half of the day. Our company goes the extra mile when it comes to lunch. They keep a stock of ramen, snacks, and beverages in the break room in case anyone forgets their lunch or just needs a snack to power through the day. They’re also mindful of dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options, which I really appreciate. This small gesture makes me feel more welcome and valued as an employee.
During lunch, everyone gathers in the break room, and we chat, laugh, and bond over our shared interests. The hour passes in the blink of an eye, and we return to our desks feeling recharged and energized. It’s amazing how much of an impact a good lunch break can have on your mood. What would have once felt like an overwhelming mountain of tasks now seems more like a manageable hill. As the day progresses, I work my way through my list, and before I know it, the end of the day is near.
When I first started, I remember feeling like I was simply surviving the workday. But now, after a few months, I realize I’m thriving. I’m excelling at what I do, building relationships, and making meaningful contributions to the team. The sense of fulfillment I feel when I leave the office is a complete 180 from how I felt in the beginning.
Even though I haven’t been at haruharu wonder for very long, I’ve learned so much in my short time here. The company’s culture, work environment, and focus on collaboration have made this a great experience so far. But what’s most valuable are the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. If you’re embarking on your own journey at a new company, whether it’s in Korea or elsewhere, here are a few tips that can help you thrive (not just survive) in your new role:
With these four tips in mind, I hope your first day at work goes smoothly, no matter where in the world you’re working. And remember, it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.