Life is like riding a bicycle….to have a balance you must keep on moving

I left my first job at a local NGO in Pokhara in 2008 to pursue my master’s degree in public health (MPH) in Institute of Medicine (IOM); Kathmandu. Had I remained satisfied to my bachelor’s degree; my job in a NGO and my carefree life at Pokhara; I would have never been at the place where I’m today. “A journey of thousand mile begins with a first step” and leaving a job in Pokhara and moving to Kathmandu for master’s degree was my first step in a mile-long journey of life. After completing my MPH I joined one of the most reputed INGO in the field of HIV in the role of program officer with my station in Dhangadi of Kailali district. This was one of the most remarkable milestones in my career. With in three years tenure in this organisation I moved from Dhangadi to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu. In three years of my professional career in this organisation I was amidst a super professional and high performing team constantly monitored and coached by supportive & care taking supervisors. There was nothing to complain despite some overpressure during some day of the week. After three years I decided to move to another organisation. Change is necessary for growth of individual and organisation. I think the desire for change at that time forced me to change this organisation. After this organisation I joined another renowned organisation working globally in the field of child rights and implementing global fund program in Nepal. During five years tenure I got everything a public health professional wants in his career. Delegation of important tasks to me by the supervisors; exposures in the national and international forums; trust on me by my colleagues and opportunity to take lead role in role out of some national level key activities sharpened my public health skills. I was fully satisfied in my role and giving my hundred percent. Despite having everything a public health professional wants sometimes I felt like something was missing. I don’t know why but the inner intuition in me was telling that after working more than ten years in the field on HIV and having so much experience it’s time to search for international job now. Though there was enough in my plate; I still had an appetite for international job. After one year of vigorous search I finally landed in an Australian organisation working in eight countries of Asia Pacific Region. It was like a dream come true for me. My first international job and staying and working outside the country for a long term for the first time. I was super excited. The first few months went very fine. I was with my wife and enjoying the extravagant and lavish life style in the fastly booming city of Asia. My employer is still processing for work visa and I may need to travel back and forth untill this is settled. And this sometimes force me to think “did I make right decision?’. Yes I have made right decision. Change was necessary and I did it. I sometimes relate this to the famous quote “Life is like riding a bicycle. To have a balance you have to keep up moving. If you stand in same place for long you are likely to fall.” Absolutely true…..I have moved for balance. So no regrets………..Standing still in same place for long takes you nowhere.