I used to be an ordinary employee — a store manager working in retail, managing both glasses and hearing aid sales.
I enjoyed my job and found meaning in helping customers, but something inside me always felt out of place.
As an introvert, constantly managing people and worrying about others’ expectations started to drain me.
Deep down, I wanted to live at my own pace and create something meaningful through my own hands.
That thought led me to start a small blog called English Journey in 2022 — a place to share what I was learning through English.
Moving Abroad at 35
My interest in English kept growing, and the idea of living overseas became stronger.
In 2023, at the age of 35, I made the decision to leave my job and study abroad in Canada.
It wasn’t an easy choice — leaving behind a stable career felt risky — but I wanted to choose a life that felt true to me.
Living in Canada has been full of challenges and small victories.
I’ve met people from all over the world and learned more than I ever could have in Japan.
Still, there were difficult days — like losing a job after only three days because of my English.
There were moments when I felt lost, wondering why I came here in the first place.
But those struggles taught me resilience, and now, I can say that coming here was the right choice.
Discovering a New Path in Digital Marketing
While studying Digital Marketing in college, I realized how much I loved combining creativity with analysis.
I began working as a freelancer, helping local businesses with SEO and content marketing.
It felt rewarding to see how words, structure, and empathy could actually help small businesses grow.
Today, I work as an SEO Specialist and Copywriter, supporting local companies in Canada while continuing to grow English Journey.
My goal is to connect people through content — whether it’s through marketing, writing, or storytelling.
I still make mistakes and keep learning, but that’s part of the journey I want to share.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it’s never too late to start something new.
Every challenge, mistake, and small success becomes part of your story.
I hope mine can encourage someone else who’s thinking about taking their first step.