Career break 2023 to recharge and reset for career

Two years of working internationally while attaining other certifications gave me richer insights to navigate my career direction. This career break gives me more opportunities to direct my incoming career paths as well as my personal life.

I captured my journey in this long post. Separate posts on each section will be published soon. Let’s get ready and enjoy reading.

Last assignment at Immunization, Vaccine and Biological (IVB) Department, WHO Headquarters

2022 was particularly important as my dream of working at WHO Headquarters finally came true. I dreamed of returning and working at HQ ten years after graduating from medical school, as I had my internship in 2018.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, I was ready to revisit Geneva for my personal travel, attending the Geneva Health Forum (GHF) 2020 on 24-26 March 2020. I have prepared my travel arrangements. I had my flight tickets to Geneva, Switzerland, with a transit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and visas for both countries. I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. This means that while attending the GHF 2020, I also planned to visit my brother, who was posted at the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai.

Following the WHO declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Indonesia has also declared the pandemic. Unfortunately, due to this pandemic, I needed to cancel my travel one day before departure. I also had no option to cancel because the airlines rescheduled my flight from Dubai to Geneva, which then caused my stay in UEA to be no longer covered by my 96-hour transit visa.

After two years of delayed traveling, I was fortunate to return to Geneva, and WHO paid for all my travel because of my short-term assignment. I got an offer for a staff maternity replacement for the Technical Officer for Integration at the Immunization Vaccine and Biological Department (IVB) Department. Thanks to Ms. Laura, who shared with me this opportunity. It was such a fantastic experience working at the global level. The global level served a different role in the program: to set the standard to develop a guide and/or guidance for the countries to implement the immunization program. It was a new experience for me, coming from the country level and a multi-national experience. All of them have shaped my career growth.

During my nine months of work at WHO HQ (it was initially a six-month contract), I managed to do the following main activities:

• Coordinated finalization of the guide “Considerations for planning integrated campaigns: Immunization and Beyond” (partially done)
• Provided inputs to “Considerations for integrating Covid-19 vaccination into Primary Health Care through Immunization Programmes for 2022 and beyond”,
• Facilitated and co-chaired the global technical consultation meeting to digitize personal health records on 17-19 January 2023 in Geneva with Digital Health and Innovation (DHI), Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Aging (MCA), World Health Emergencies (WHE), and IVB Departments.
• Co-supervised finalizing of the practical guide: Strengthening implementation of home-based records for maternal, newborn, and child health: a guide for country program managers, to strengthening the implementation of Home Based Records (HBRs) for MNCH program managers and policymakers at the global, regional, and country levels.

I also had the chance to work together across the department within WHO HQ, at the country and regional levels, and with other organizations such as UNICEF, GAVI, CDC, and the Health Campaign Effectiveness Coalition. I completed my assignment in March 2023.

3 Continents, 9 countries

While I am based in Indonesia, during my career break, I have spent my time on my Umra, spiritual journey, and traveling to other countries such as Middle Eastern countries (i.e., UEA, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), European countries (Germany, Albania, France, and Switzerland) and Asian countries (i.e. Malaysia and Japan). It gave me time to reflect and reset for the next challenge I would need to take and optimize the contribution for the next career progression.

Tour de Middle East

I had my Umrah, the spiritual journey, in 2014, almost a decade ago. Therefore, I decided to have another one before returning to Jakarta from Switzerland. Saudi Airlines offers a stopover visa, which gives sufficient time to perform Umrah. I have booked my flights as follows:

• Zurich (Switzerland) to Dubai (UAE)
• Dubai (UAE) to Doha (Qatar)
• Doha (Qatar) to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
• Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Jakarta (Indonesia)

It was mentioned that I could get a 96-hour stopover visa by flying Saudi Airlines, but I didn’t get it. I tried to apply for my Umrah visa with a different channel, and finally, I got a regular 90-day Umrah visa. I was so blessed I could stay over until the Eid Al Fitr 1444 H. I remained in Mecca and Medina for 38 days to perform my Umrah and Full Ramadhan and celebrated Eid Al Fitr in Mecca.

2^nd trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Before coming to Jeddah, I have decided to visit Dubai and Doha. Understanding the other parts of Arabic countries in the Middle Eastern Region is like a starter for my spiritual journey. It was a five-day UAE trip to enjoy Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I spent most of my time visiting museums and mosques. I also had a quick reunion with Ms. Nina Gerlach, a Consultant who supported the development of Strengthening implementation of home-based records for maternal, newborn, and child health: a guide for country program managers. This was our second meet-up after meeting in Geneva to finish the guide.

In Dubai, I visited the Museum of the Future with Nina. Thanks to her, we had our museum ticket in advance. It was a school break, so the tickets were fully booked. The museum was terrific. One of my favorite spots is the robotic section. The museum has displayed animal robots, electric cars, and many others. I was also impressed with the Arabic calligraphy around the building. During the hot autumn in Dubai, I spent one day off in the hotel to finish my last assignment for the Policy Design and Delivery Course – A Systematic Approach. I also had my morning run with Nina.

I also met a new love (I will keep his name private, Mr. X) in Dubai. We first met in Geneva last January 2023. He visited me after his duty travel trip to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum. We promised to meet again in Dubai on my way back to Jakarta. We spent our dinners together while I was in Dubai.

In Abu Dhabi, I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which a miniature of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been recently opened in Surakarta (Solo), my hometown—I also The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi – the model of the Louvre Museum in Paris. To avoid any hustle, I took a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, organized by OceanAir Travels. I met young Muslim friends from the UK. We connected and explored the tourist attraction together.

 

Reunion with Dr Azhar and family in Doha, Qatar

My exploration of Islamic Culture continued in Doha. I enjoyed visiting the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). The MIA has been presenting temporary exhibitions illuminating the heritage of Islamic cultures across the globe.

I also had the chance to meet Dr. Azhar and his family in Doha. They are a Malaysian couple I have known since I was a medical student. Last year, I worked in Malaysia to support the COVID-19 Vaccination rollout. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, we could not meet in KL. After my assignment in Geneva, I promised to have a stay-over in Doha on my return to Jakarta.

In between my time in Doha, I bought some Abayas in Souq. After Doha, I went straight to Mecca for my Umra. I purchased four sets of customized Abayas in my size. The shop was so efficient. The Abayas were within two days of collection. I also took a half-day desert Safari trip with a Camel ride, sand boarding, and an inland sea tour organized by Ocean Tour. I can see Saudi Arabia across the inland sea.

Umrah Spiritual Journey: A comeback after ten years

An Umrah is every Muslim dream. I longed to return to Mecca after my last Umrah in 2014. It was a fantastic journey. What’s in your mind will become a reality in Haram Land (Mecca and Medina). That’s why I kept positive thinking during my stay. It was mentioned that my plan to stay for four days in Mecca was extended to 38 days in Mecca and Medina. Alhamdulillah, I got longer Umrah visa which enable me stay during Ramadhan and Eid Al Fitr 1444H. For me, it’s like winning a prize. A prize from Allah, by His invitation only, to worship in Haram Land for Ibadah and perform my Umrah.

I had my first Umra on 16 March 2023 and continued my journey to Medina on 18 March 2023. I joined and traveled from Jakarta for 29 days, Full Ramadhan Package since 26 March 2023 from Medina, and performed Eid Al Fitr in Mecca. Unfortunately, I had an issue with the accommodation; the tour had promised to provide four-star hotel accommodation; however, they only offered a 2-star hotel. Thus, I had to book my own hotel in Medina from 27 March – 2 April 2023, which caused an extra cost. 

Apart from that, the journey was terrific. It is every Muslim dream to have Umrah, particularly during Ramadhan, as it is a blessed month. The last ten days of Ramadhan are blissful. In addition, a prayer at Al Masjidil Haram equals 100,000 mosques, and a blessing in Masjid An-Nabawi equals 1,000 mosques—unforgettable stories in Mecca and Madina, which were like a lesson learned in life. I prayed for success in my career and love life. I asked Allah for his enlightenment for a marriage proposal when I was in Dubai. I promised to answer his proposal after I performed my Umrah.

In Mecca and Medina, I met many friends, such as my former colleagues, doctors’ friends, and medical student from Gadjah Mada University.

European Autumn Trip 2023

Germany, my third home

I had a short period to get my Schengen visa after my Umra. The visa appointment at Jakarta’s German visa application center was fully booked. I got my appointment on 21 April 2023 and was rescheduled for 25 April 2023. Thanks to Mr. Acep Sumantri, the consultate general of RI in Frankfurt who helped me in getting my visa done with back and fort of document processing. The German visa application center at VFS Global was not efficient. They requested me to submit the missing document : hotel booking in France. I did that multiple times both sending them by email or in person submission at the center. But, the system still asked me to submit. Due to this error, I got my german schengen visa late.

Unfortunately, I only got a nine-day Schengen visa as per my itinerary. I planned to have a day trip to Frankfurt in Germany. I reached Frankfurt on the morning of 17 May 2023, and I left Frankfurt the same day. It was a crazy experience. I already had a schedule to visit Albania, a non-Schengen country I could enter once I had my multiple Schengen visa. My passports were stamped with all Schengen visas I visited but without Albania’s.

Albania, hidden of Gems.

Albania was the first European Balkan country I visited. I found out that it has 80% of the Muslim population. It was a fantastic experience. It was different because I could hear the Azan during the five-day prayers. Something that I always miss when I stay in the European countries. Again, one of the reasons to visit this country was to join my love while he was on a duty trip. As this was my first time, I was anxious to travel alone. I contacted Mr. Murdi Primbadi, the diplomat at the embassy of Bulgaria, Albania, and North Macedonia. He introduced me to Mr. Abdul Pakaya, the chair of the Indonesian Students’ Association (Perkumpulan Pelajar Indonesia /PPI). Mr. Abdul ensured I had a safe stay in Tirana, and he took me sightseeing around its city center and Durres between my bonding time with my love. My love was busy with his work during daytime.

A visit to Tarascon, a small county in South French for my friend’s wedding

I returned to Europe after my assignment at WHO HQ mainly to attend Laura’s wedding in Tarascon. I have confirmed my attendance, along with my love. However, at the last minute, he could not join me in attending Laura’s wedding. This was my first time attending a European-style wedding in a chateau in France—C’est magnifique. I joined the celebration of the two souls finding their loved ones. I learned that European style weddings last long, from the wedding oath to the dinner celebration and last but not least, the dances until midnite. Laura was stunning in her white wedding dress. Both she and Mike, her husband, looked so lovely.

My long journey from Tirana to Tarascon paid off. I started my early morning flight from Tirana to Marseilles with a transit in Belgrade. Upon arrival to Marseilles, I continued my train ride to Avignon. From Avignon, I took a 30-minute drive to Tarascon. South France was beautiful; I only enjoyed the view from my window seat. Next time, I should spend more time exploring this area. But, at least this time, I could explore another part of France, Lyon, on my way to Geneva. I met Ms. Charu Mehta, a former colleague at the WHO Country Office in Indonesia who is currently working at the WHO Lyon Office.

A bid farewell to Geneva

I spent a few days in Geneva before flying back to Jakarta. I squeezed my time to meet up with some friends at WHO HQ and my Indonesian friends.

Asian Countries Trip 2023

PLC Capstone in Malaysia

This career break also gives me more time for my learning and development. I continue completing Public Leadership Credential for Harvard Kennedy School (PLC-HKS). After finishing all the six-courses, I took the capstone to earn my PLC credential. In between my capstone, I travelled to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to meet my love on 7-11 June 2023. He was on her duty travel so we decided to meet up there. Although i spent most of time working on the capstone’s assignment, we still had good time.

After I completed my capstone, I also met my former colleague from WHO Representative Office Malaysia and enjoyed the dinner with them.

I also met the newlywed Filipino couple I met in Switzerland, Rozanne and Eric. I was invited to their wedding in Salzburg, Austria, on 28 March 2023, but unfortunately, I could not attend the wedding since I had my Umra.

We had our brunch one day before my departure back to Jakarta. I set up a time to have a double date with my love. But, unfortunately, he could not join us. He only had a video call with Rozanne and Eric while we were enjoying our brunch at Bloom, Kuala Lumpur.

Birthday Celebration in Japan

Starting in 2022, I began to give myself a birthday present by visiting a country I had never visited. I spent this year’s birthday in Japan for multiple reasons.

• I fulfilled my promise to visit my sensei, Dr Yuho Horikoshi, my predecessor as WHO Representative of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. I continued his work to support the country for COVID-19 vaccination roll out
• attended a reunion in Yokohama with Ms. Fazatia, my former flatmate in Yogyakarta when i was medical student
• Watched Gion Matsuri on my Birthday, 17 July, while wearing a Kimono

I booked my last-minute flights from Jakarta to Tokyo. It was a great deal using All Nippon Airways (ANA). I got a bundle of international and domestic flights for a great price. I visited six cities in Japan from 11 – 19 July 2023: Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Investing in Foreign languange learning

Retaking French Intensive Course – B1 level (intermediate)

I learned French faster when I took offline classes than when I took online courses. I got motivated by my young classmates who were studious. They have to get at least B2 certification for their higher education in France. I took my course from 14 September to 20 November 2023. I took the B-1 DELF test, but I failed. I need to improve my speaking. In French, the speaking is different from what we speak. I must redo the test before learning the next level (B2). Although I did not pass the test, I felt more confident in speaking and writing compared to before taking the course.

Start Learning Arabic

As a Muslim, I can read the Quran. However, I am still learning to translate Arabic to Indonesia. Staying in Saudi Arabia for a month made me realize that I should have been able to speak Arabic for smooth communication. I did learn Arabic in elementary school, but I forgot since I did not practice speaking except for reading the Quran. I decided to take an online course consisting of 20 hours of learning. The teacher is studying for his doctoral degree in Cairo, Egypt. Unfortunately, I could not focus on learning it because I was learning French for my B1 level DELF certification at the same time. I need to retake the class again particularly if i move in an Arabic speaking country.

Working out for healthier life

Staying in Indonesia with many delicious makes me trapped in gaining my body weight. I am tempted to eat a lot, enjoying the various traditional cuisines. Gaining weight also affected my health, mainly the menstruation cycle. I returned to the gym, working out with my fitness couch. I invested in my health by having regular exercise. I started weightlifting and cardio. This time, I began my cardio with walking instead of running because my heart beat faster than before. I worked slowly in the first three months to keep my target heart rate for exercise on track. I walked and swam in between my weightlifting sessions twice a week. I began lifting light weights and continuously working on my strength with a progressive overload menu prepared by Mr. Davis Alexandre, my personal trainer.

I did not lose weight, but I am stronger and in shape. Below are some of my favorite menus of my weightlifting with progress

	First session 28 August 2023	Last session 5 December 2023
Leg extension	29 kg 10 x 2 rep	45.35 kg 10 x 2 rep
Leg curl	29 kg 10 x 2 rep	43 kg 10 x 2 rep
Leg press	86 kg 10 x 3 rep	154 kg 10 x 2 rep
Smith squat	10 kg 10 x 3 rep	20 kg 10 x 3 rep

Writing a book

One of my plans during my career break was to write a book on my experience working in an international organization, mainly the UN, and traveling abroad. I was requested to share it with the newcomer students or CIMSA at my university and CIMSA members, particularly on how to start working internationally. One of my key successes was being active internationally with CIMSA, which is affiliated with IFMSA, to expand my network. I like to motivate other people to work at the international level. I have my personal website, but it has been inactive for the last two years. I have many things to write down, but I was busy with work. I paid out my hosting domain for almost two years. Therefore, I plan to write again and compile my story into a book.

Again, the plan was just a plan. I was still busy during my career break investing in my personal development, such as completing my PLC course and taking a French language course while having my ‘ME’ time with my family and friends. My travels kept me busy. I regularly commuted between Jakarta and Solo to visit my parents.

Instead of writing a book, I reactivated my personal website, finatams. I launched new writings on my education and medical school’s life. I will continue writing about my experience from my medical school time until my last assignment at the WHO HQ.

Managing my Airbnb

I owned an apartment in Jakarta. I stayed there from September 2017 to March 2021. I left my apartment uninhabited for almost one year during the pandemic when I started my work abroad in Malaysia. Last year, I was severely homesick in Geneva because I missed my “homey” apartment in Jakarta. Due to my temporary contract, I had difficulty finding a comfy place to stay in Geneva. I moved in and out six times in Geneva until I settled in. I wondered why I left my comfy apartment in Jakarta useless (uninhabited) when people may be looking for accommodation. Jakarta is a big city with a high volume of visitors every year. Once Jakarta reopened for tourists, the demand for accommodation increased. In addition, I want people not to have difficult experience like me in finding a comfortable place to stay in Jakarta. Therefore, I decided to rent my apartment via Airbnb: La belle apartment de Fina.

At first, I was joking about renting it out, but many guests booked my apartment. Now, it’s the second year I am hosting Airbnb as a super host with 5-star service quality. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Ms Rita Salima, who helped me manage my property with the help of Ms. Hikma when I was abroad. I fully take charge of my Airbnb while I am back in Indonesia.

Rekindled with my past life at medical school

IFMSA Reunion 2023 in Bali, Indonesia on 1-3 December 2023

I was active in student organizations named CIMSA and IFMSA during my medical study. I took part in some of the events, including national and international ones. After my graduation, I still attend the annual alumni reunion if the schedule suits me. I participated in the IFMSA alumni reunion in Berlin in 2019 after attending an alumni seminar at Charite Universitatmedizine Berlin, where I got my master’s. The IFMSA reunion was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022. Although I stayed in Europe, I could not attend last year’s alumni reunion in Barcelona, Spain. Hence, it attended this year’s reunion in Bali, Indonesia.

It was great to see a bunch of IFMSA folks across the globe attend the reunion. We had a series of lunches and dinners to gather and share our updates while remembering the old days. This year, we had 18 people coming from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. We had lots of fun in Bali.

Reunion at Jogyakarta at Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata’s inauguration

I was happy to see many familiar faces I met during Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata’s Professorship inauguration. Prof Yodi and I were both German alumni who graduated from Charite Universitatmedizine Germany. Prof. Yodi is the dean of the Faculty of Medicine Public Head and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University. He is the former chef of the Asia-link TB Foundation and Director of the Center for Health Service Management (Pusat Manajemen Pelayanan Kesehatan/PMPK) Gadjah Mada University. Thus, I met many former colleagues such as the former Tropmed (previously called Asia-link TB Foundation) team, the public health department’s professors, and staff (in many centers such as PMPK, Master of Hospital Management (Magister Manajemen Rumah Sakit/MMR), etc.). They were part of my journey during my medical school.

As I was active with CIMSA, I did lots of fundraising to fund my activities and travels to attend medical student meetings at national and international levels and organize local or national events. It includes part-time jobs at PMPK and Tropmed/Asia Link TB foundation.

Squeezing as many meetings as possible for networking

Between my personal learning and development agenda and my family time, I maintained my friendship and networking by having as many as reunion i can squeeze in.

DAAD Indonesia Alumni Meeting Jakarta, 26 November 2023

DAAD Indonesia resumed its annual alumni meeting in 2023, which was stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I was in Indonesia, I attended the meeting on 26 November 2023 to catch up with other alumni. Only a few alumni in my 2012-2013 batch could participate in the meeting: Vega, Mia, and Fahri. I could also meet other alumni, DAAD Indonesia staff, and the Ambassador of Germany, HE. Ina Lepel. I am so honored to be part of the DAAD alumni. After graduation, There are many opportunities to attend the annual alumni seminar to update my knowledge.

End-year gift: Alumni Seminar in Berlin 2024

Following the DAAD Alumni Seminar in Indonesia, I applied for a travel grant to attend the Alumni Seminar on “Decolonising Global Health with a focus on Decolonizing Biomedical Sciences, Research, and Education,” which will take place in Berlin, Germany, face-to-face, from 25 – 28 March 2024 supported by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) . It is a joint project by the Institute of International Health (IIH) at the Charité Center for Global Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the QUEST Center for Responsible Research of the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH).

I received the award notification just one week before my IFMSA reunion. I start planning to apply for my German visa. The organizer mentioned that the German visa application was fully booked globally. So I need to apply early. I aplied my visa straight away after my Bali trip.

Apply German Schengen visa twice in 2023

It is unbelievable that I need to apply for my German Schengen visa twice in 2023. First, for my European Autumn trip last May 2023, and the second is for attending the DAAD Alumni Seminar next March 2024. I wish I could get a more extended Schengen visa to avoid applying again. I only got a nine-day multiple Schengen visa.

Aspiration for next career plan

This career break is priceless. Not only can I navigate my next career plan, but I could do the things that were postponed due to my hectic work. Most importantly, I have a clearer idea of where I want to continue my work.

Regarding working at the UN, I want to diversify my working experience at the regional level (RO). I will not stick to working at WHO, but working at other relevant UN bodies such as UNICEF or UNFPA might be an option. I will also challenge myself to work at other international non-profit organizations. With that, I will enhance my role at the three levels of the organization. As I have worked in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions of WHO, two regions of WHO, I also want to work in the other regions. There are four other regions: Eastern Mediterranean, America, Africa, and Europe.

I also recently earned my public leadership credentials (PLC), which gave me more insights on evidence-based decision-making, public policy development and implementation, and being a great leader. My knowledge and experience will boost my eligibility for a leadership position for my next job. I also have great mentors who support me in achieving my career plan aspiration. I am on my way to achieve it. I am looking forward to my next breakthrough. I love to challenge myself for keeping up my learning curve high.

Related posts :

1. The Public Leadership Credential (PLC) at Harvard Kennedy School
2. DAAD Scholarship, a life-changing experience
3. WHO Internship in Child and Adolescent Health Department (CAH), Geneva, May-June 2008 (repost)