So I’m Working to Become a Tour Guide Now… Wait, What?

Mannnn, the last time I posted something on Medium was in 2020.

And right now is 2024, that was literally FOUR years ago!

Where have I been to, you may ask?

Keep reading.

(and oh just a little disclaimer: unlike my previous posts, I did partially write this post with the help of A.I. The same applies to the feature images in this post. Sadly, I couldn’t articulate my thoughts well enough to put them into writing form these days, so even though most parts of this post were directly from my personal experiences, I don’t really have the energy and proper mind to even put my thoughts into the writing form properly. This will also apply to my future posts moving forward. Hope you guys don’t mind 😅)

So, What’s Up, You?

Long time no see, you all!

It feels like just yesterday I was diving headfirst into the world of content writing, and now, here we are, four years later. A lot has happened in the meantime, ngl.

I’ll be honest, the past few years have been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. There have been moments of triumph and moments of doubt, periods of intense productivity and times of complete burnout.

So, I apologize if I haven’t updated this blog for quite a while (welp).

I didn’t even know what to write here when I was literally in a position where I was not the best in terms of my career.

A Mid-Life Crisis, or a New Chapter?

Be honest with me. Are you okay, at the moment?

Honestly, I don’t even know!

I mean, I’m 27 right now, but it’s not even a happily-ever-after kinda life at the moment. I would have thought that I would be able to make it to what I do all this while, only to be in this current depressing position (sad, I know).

I’ve been a freelance content writer since 2019, and while it’s been a fulfilling experience in many ways (to be fair, it’s such an understatement), it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

There have been countless late nights, stressful deadlines, and moments of self-doubt. It’s a constant hustle, a never-ending pursuit of the next big client.

And while I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, whether dealing with clients based in Malaysia and outside of Malaysia, or even getting those random writing assignments, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something.

There’s a part of me that yearns for more, something tangible, something that allows me to interact with people on the ground.

I’ve always been passionate about exploring new places. Penang, the city where I live, is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious local food.

Occasionally, I would also venture out beyond Penang, going all the way to Kedah, Perlis, Ipoh, and even southern Thailand like Hat Yai and the small town of Songkhla! I went to these places without even driving btw (I don't even have a car, tbh).

Sharing these experiences with others, and guiding them through the bustling streets and hidden gems, seems like the perfect way to combine my love for travel with my desire to help others.

Plus, let’s face it, sitting in front of a computer all day can get a bit monotonous. It was a loud call for me to get out there, meet new people, and breathe some fresh air.

You Can Say That It’s A Bit of a Career Switch, Huh?

Well, true that. Kinda. I mean, for me, it’s a big change. A significant pivot, in fact.

I’ve spent the past few years trying my best to hone my skills as a content writer. Not that I really enjoy it, but I guess I got on with it.

But at the same time, I’ve always felt a pull towards something more tangible, more interactive, where I can connect with people on a deeper level, share stories, answer questions, and create unforgettable experiences.

What I Like to Do Behind the Scenes

While I’m busy hustling and grinding as a content writer, there’s another side to me that many people don’t see.

I’m somewhat of a social butterfly, always eager to meet new people and make new friends, offline and online.

One of the coolest things about the digital age is the ability to connect with people from all over the world. I’ve met some amazing friends online, and a few of them have even visited me in Penang.

It’s been incredible to show them around my city, share my favourite local spots, and create lasting memories together.

Now, I’m not the best driver, especially in the chaotic traffic of George Town. In fact, I haven’t been driving on the road for soooo many years.

So, most of the time, we often rely on public transportation, particularly the Rapid Penang buses. (I’ll make a separate post on this one, if you want to know more on navigating the Penang buses).

It’s a great way to get around, and it allows us to soak in the sights and sounds of the city. Plus, it’s a much more relaxed and enjoyable way to travel.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super cheap for foreigners too? (And free for me as a Malaysian citizen! hehe)

Of course, no trip to Penang is complete without indulging in the local cuisine.

I’ve spent countless hours exploring different restaurants and food stalls, trying out everything from spicy laksa to sweet cendol. While some dishes have become my favourites, others haven’t quite hit the mark.

But hey, that’s part of the fun!

It’s these little moments, these behind-the-scenes experiences, that truly enrich my life.

They remind me of the importance of human connection, the joy of travel, and the simple pleasures of good food.

After all, you can’t go back to time just to recreate such memories, ya know 🙃

Bam, Back To the Reality -_-

As much as I love these adventures, they’re often fleeting moments in time. Eventually, the fun comes to an end on that day, and I have to return to the reality of my daily grind.

After a few days of exploring the city and socializing with friends, it’s back to the computer screen, the endless stream of WhatsApp messages, and the pressure to meet deadlines.

It’s a stark contrast to the carefree days of sightseeing and food-tasting (sighhh).

A Freelance Writer’s Constant but Eventual Dilemma

Back to the freelance writing thingy.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a content writer was the constant need to write about topics I had little to no personal experience with.

Clients, more often than not, expect you to be an expert in the field you are writing on, be it technology, finance, or whatever topic that you are assigned. In my case, it was education technology, human resources, eCommerce, digital marketing, you name it!

Sure, you can rely on online research and expert interviews to gather information, but it’s difficult to truly connect with your audience when you’re not genuinely passionate about the subject matter.

Over time, this can lead to burnout and a loss of creativity, well, at least it happened to me a few times 💀.

The Illusion of Expertise

People often say that all you need to be a successful freelance content writer is the ability to research.

While research is undoubtedly an essential skill, it’s not enough to truly excel in this field. Sure, you can gather information and present it in a coherent manner, but that doesn’t necessarily make you an expert.

To captivate my audience and deliver the value of the written content, you need to have a deep understanding of the subject matter. You need to be able to think critically, analyze information, and offer unique insights.

While research can help you fill in the gaps, it can’t replace genuine passion and expertise.

But Was I in That Position?

While I could research and write about a myriad of topics, I often felt like a fraud.

I was constantly juggling multiple projects, rushing to meet deadlines, and sacrificing my own well-being. It was a constant struggle to maintain a high level of quality while also trying to stay sane.

I started to question the value of my work.

Was I truly making a difference? Was I contributing to something meaningful? Or was I just churning out content for the sake of it?

I have to admit, I had ZERO experience or prior work experience in such fields (and I literally mean it).

So, how did I manage to pull it off?

Well, a lot of it was sheer determination and a willingness to learn. I spent countless hours researching, practicing, and perfecting my craft.

But even with all the hard work, there were times when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I was making the right decision.

However, I persisted.

I reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere. With dedication and perseverance, I knew I could overcome any challenge. And that’s exactly what I did.

Well, It Didn’t Last

But that didn’t last forever, honestly speaking.

As time went on, the constant pressure to produce high-quality content started to take its toll. The thrill of learning new things and exploring different topics gradually faded, replaced by a sense of monotony and burnout.

I realized that I needed a change. I craved something more meaningful, something that would would allow me to share my own experiences and insights.

And that’s where the idea of becoming a tour guide started to take shape.

Wait, Tour Guide?

Yep, you read that right. “Tour” “Guide”.

Read that OUT LOUD.

But Don’t You Think There Are Way Too Many Tour Guides Out There, Especially in Penang???

That’s a valid question.

Penang is a popular tourist destination, and there’s no shortage of tour guides vying for visitors’ attention.

It’s a competitive market, no doubt. But I believe that with the right approach and a genuine passion for sharing stories, I may be able to carve out a niche for myself.

I mean, there’s no guarantee that this would be a success. But, worse come to worse, I just evolve into something else again, I guess? Just like what I did with content writing.

For years (since mid-2019), I’ve been navigating the competitive world of content writing. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging every day.

And don’t get me started with the A.I. revolution that everyone is talking about right now (fun fact: I partly wrote this post with the help of A.I. too, btw).

While it’s been a rewarding experience, it’s also been a relentless grind. The pressure to produce high-quality content, meet tight deadlines, and constantly adapt to changing client needs can be just too overwhelming.

I’ve found myself questioning the sustainability of a long-term career in content writing.

It feels like a constant battle against algorithms, ever-changing freelance writing trends, and a growing number of competitors. And while I’ve had my share of successes, it’s hard to shake the feeling that I’m fighting a losing battle.

So with this change to delve into the Malaysian tourism industry, I’m not just looking to give tourists a generic, one-size-fits-all experience.

I want to offer something more personal, something that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. I want to share the hidden gems, the local secrets, and the stories that make Penang truly special.

This Is Just the Beginning

I started taking the tour guide license in mid-November 2024 (which was about two weeks ago). So, it’s still too early to tell whether it’s gonna be worth the gamble I’m risking on.

But yeah, there you have it. A glimpse into my life and my plans for the future. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.

But through it all, we literally can’t escape the uncertainty and trust the process along the way.

As I embark on this new chapter as a tour guide, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

I don’t know exactly what the future holds, soooooo we shall see how this goes along.

Stay tuned for my next blog, if you are still interested in my current journey :)

Oh, and do let me know in the comments too if you are also struggling in the same situation as me 😅