Yesterday was a milestone day for our family. My wife, my parents, my younger brother, my sister-in-law, and I all gathered at the airport to say a bittersweet goodbye. My older brother is heading off to Nelson, New Zealand, to start a new chapter as a Restaurant Manager.

Looking at him at the boarding gate, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that got him here. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight.

The Long Road to “Finding the Path”

For many years, I watched my brother struggle with that heavy question we all face: “What should I do with my life?” He spent a long time searching for his true calling, pivoting through different roles and training tirelessly. He put in the hours learning to be a barista and undergoing hotel and restaurant management training. He was building his toolkit for years, even when the destination wasn’t clear yet.

A Modern Job Hunt: Grit meets AI

The way he actually landed this opportunity is a perfect story for 2024. He turned to ChatGPT to help navigate the daunting world of international job hunting.

  • The Strategy: He used AI to identify companies and sponsors in New Zealand that were known for looking for talent in Thailand.
  • The Hustle: He kept applying and submitting his resume to those specific company lists.
  • The Reality: He faced a mountain of rejections. Many didn’t reply; some replied once and then vanished.
  • The Breakthrough: Out of all those attempts, only one stayed in touch. After a video call and a final interview… Bang! He got the job.

Overcoming the Noise

Beyond the technical skills, what I admire most is his mental strength. He had to conquer his own fears and—perhaps more importantly—tune out the “noise” of other people’s opinions.

With the unwavering support of my sister-in-law, he stayed focused. He didn’t give up, and he finally broke through.

To My Brother

I am incredibly proud of him. After years of searching and struggling, he’s finally on the path he chose for himself. It’s a reminder to all of us that persistence, combined with the right tools and a strong supports, can lead to incredible places.

I’ll be cheering him on and supporting him from afar. New Zealand isn’t just getting a manager; they’re getting a man who knows exactly what it means to work for his dreams.

Good luck, bro. You earned this.