My name is Huan, and I am a test engineer. Following my graduation, I pursued a career in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of Shanghai, where I engaged in a daily race against time. Over several years, although I gained strength and experience, I also faced increasing exhaustion. The arrival of family responsibilities, including children, introduced new levels of anxiety and uncertainty into my life. Consequently, my family and I decided to relocate from Shanghai to Wuxi.
One year ago, I had the opportunity to secure a remote position that aligned with my career aspirations. Initially, the reality of this role fell short of my expectations. However, through a period of adjustment and adaptation, I managed to find a balance, bringing both my work and personal life onto a stable and fulfilling path.
The Growth Story of a Young Professional
In the early years following my graduation, I was employed in Shanghai. To minimize expenses, I resided in a location distant from the city’s core, commuting exclusively by subway. The urban rhythm of Shanghai is notably brisk, inadvertently propelling those of us pursuing careers there forward at a comparably rapid pace. Shanghai, as an inclusive and progressive metropolis, provides a rich array of opportunities and platforms for young professionals to showcase their talents.
During my initial job interview in Shanghai, I was asked why I chose to venture here. I responded that Shanghai offered vast potential, and I aspired to explore limitless possibilities for myself. While my response may have reflected naivety at the time, it genuinely encapsulated the vigor of youth and a hopeful outlook toward the future.
Throughout my tenure in Shanghai, I evolved from a novice in the professional realm. Although I would shy away from labeling myself as a consummate expert, I developed the capacity to autonomously manage my responsibilities and consistently deliver results. My experiences in large corporations instilled in me the importance of meticulous planning and thorough follow-through, underscoring the necessity to remain grounded and pragmatic. Conversely, my time in startup environments taught me the unpredictability of plans amidst constant change—sometimes leading to the shelving of completed products, which triggered feelings of loss and questioned my sense of value, a challenge I grappled with for an extended period. This journey from inquiry to problem-solving facilitated my growth, enhancing my analytical perspective and depth of understanding in addressing complex issues.
Working Remotely, Enjoying a Slowed-Down Lifestyle
Working remotely allows me to savor a slower pace of life. Before having children, I enjoyed a considerable amount of personal freedom. Even in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, I found myself unmoved by its dazzling splendor. My evenings and weekends were typically spent exploring culinary delights, socializing with close friends, enjoying solitude, or practicing yoga. Over time, I realized my preference for a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle, which prompted my husband and me to consider leaving Shanghai for a second-tier city.
The arrival of our child intensified this longing, spurring us to expedite our plans. We ultimately chose Wuxi, a city not far from Shanghai, where we wouldn’t have to adjust to a new climate or undertake a major relocation. Wuxi, with its moderate size and pace, felt just right.
Upon moving to Wuxi, I didn’t immediately seek employment but instead took the opportunity to enjoy a professional hiatus. Previously, in Shanghai, my work kept me busy, and I spent hours commuting daily, leaving my child primarily in my mother’s care, which left me feeling guilty.
This break allowed me to make up for lost time with my family, decorate our new home, and spend precious moments with my child, also alleviating some of the burden on my mother. It also served as a much-needed vacation to lessen the stress accumulated from years of continuous work. Having never taken a break since graduation, arriving in this more relaxed city provided the perfect chance to slow down and unwind.
However, the initial months without work were manageable, but by the third month, anxiety began to creep in. I feared becoming disconnected from society and losing my source of income. Consequently, I decided it was time to end my sabbatical and start job hunting. Fortuitously, at that juncture, Shinetech extended an interview invitation to me for a remote position I had long coveted, which I gladly accepted.
From Self-Doubt to Self-Assurance
The entire interview process went smoothly until the final stage when I was about to formally join the company. I could hardly believe that I was going to start working remotely. When the brand-new computer and contract were delivered to my home, I opened the package with a mix of excitement and caution, embarking on my remote work journey in a joyful yet slightly nervous mood.
For me, remote work represented an entirely different working style. Without colleagues sitting beside me, without casual lunchtime chats, and without the option to grab dinner together after work, I initially felt a bit out of place and even doubted my ability to excel in this remote position.
Fortunately, the advantages of remote work, along with a gradual adaptation to independent work, helped me slowly adjust to this new way of working and its rhythm. Regardless of the weather, I no longer had to rush out early in the morning; I was freed from the ordeal of commuting, and my life became more organized. After a fulfilling morning, I would start work by turning on my computer. Once my tasks were completed, I could step out of my study and take my child downstairs to play. This new routine afforded me more time with my child, achieving a better balance between work and life. Especially the sense of accomplishment from independently completing tasks or collaborating remotely with colleagues to solve problems overcame all inner uncertainties.
I remember once when my child was two and a half years old and needed to be hospitalized for pneumonia for a week, I brought my computer to the hospital and stayed there with my child and mother. Every day, I would open my computer and work in the hospital room while my mother took care of the child. Often, people looked at me curiously, and one day, a doctor finally asked, “What do you do for work that allows you to work from the hospital?” My answer caused envy among those around me.
Although I was deeply worried about my child’s illness, I also felt a sense of joy and gratitude. Facing the suffering caused by illness, remote work provided me with great comfort and security, giving me strength and resilience amidst life’s challenges.
Now, my child started kindergarten, and my workday is undisturbed during school hours, eliminating the need to close my door and work in isolation. I focus on completing my daily tasks efficiently during these school hours and open my door again when my child returns home from school. Remote work has allowed me to become a better version of myself and a better mother.
Growing at Shinetech
Since joining Shinetech, my most significant impression has been the emphasis on human-centricity, from the leadership to my colleagues, there is mutual respect. The company fosters an environment of trust and motivation among employees, as evidenced by its remote work policy and individual account system. In my work, I experience the intense preparations before going live and the joy of client affirmation after successful launches. There’s no culture of overtime or complicated interpersonal relationships; instead, I feel a strong sense of teamwork and mutual assistance.
Not long ago, our project initiated an automation testing phase. However, the technical know-how was primarily held by the automation team, with no one on the project truly mastering these frameworks and technologies. Leveraging my background in automation testing and coding, I took the initiative to take on this responsibility. My prior experience in a startup taught me that when resources are scarce, we must actively seek them out ourselves. Together with our QA members, we reached out to the automation team, eventually consulting with the automation architect. Through meetings, coding, submitting pull requests, reviews, and refactoring, we faced some challenges but witnessed the process of creating something from nothing. I also acquired new knowledge from the experts. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to know. Throughout my career, I remind myself to remain humble and committed to lifelong learning.