The kids are alright

05 Jun, 2026

The biggest reason why I wanted to go to Jakarta for that role that I ended up leaving anyways was because I wanted to be a guide, or a mentor of some sorts, and to build a team. I’ve now got a decade of work experience, give or take, but never yet had the opportunity to build a functional department from scratch in the ways I wanted.

I always say that I only arrived at this point because of my past managers and bosses who shaped and guided me. They gave me fair feedback, connected me with inspiring figures, and taught me how to meet deadlines tighter than Kim Kardashian’s corsets (😂). They let me take on huge responsibilities even when I was eighteen, without any sort of degree. They led with kindness and compassion, and even then I knew: that is the kind of boss I want to be. That’s the kind of team lead that I want to be.

These past few weeks, since rage quitting my head of content role, I have been in the café almost all day, every day, and I have started to realize that maybe the team I wanted to build has been right in front of my eyes the entire time. Why the hell did I go to Jakarta? Why didn’t I open my eyes and embrace the kids here?

In the span of two years, since this café has opened and operated, we have grown from zero staff to two part timers and two full timers in the café, plus one full-timer in the roastery. They’re all still young — some haven’t even reached 20 — but their progress amazes me.

I remember being at that age and struggling to keep my life together, especially with a baby. I remember being that age and having petty fights with my friends who were in a different stage of life than I was. I remember feeling so lonely and wishing that I had someone to give me advice so that I wouldn’t have to look up stuff on Reddit or the Internet or forums or wherever else. I remember being lost.

Interacting with all the staff that work at my café today, I can’t help but feel so grateful, almost to the point of tears, that we have such good kids working with us.

Regardless of how many years my café remains alive, I’d be so grateful and proud and relieved if these kids feel like they truly gained something valuable and meaningful from their time with me. I hope they look back fondly on their time with us.

Though even now I remain sorely tempted to scroll through LinkedIn for a job that can help cover our expenses, this year I’d like to try and stay focused on growing my kids.