Diestra, one of my online friends, often asks about my work life. He says my story inspires him to find a boss like mine.
Do you believe someone's story can help you manifest your dream job or boss? If yes, this is for you. Here’s everything about my working life.
Part 1: The BeginningOn July 19, 2022, I got a DM from someone I didn’t know. He wasn’t following me, and I had no idea who he was. He casually asked if I could help him create educational content.
I said, “Sure. Tell me what kind of writer you're looking for and what project you’re working on.” Our conversation moved to WhatsApp, and after a bit, he asked for a Zoom call.
That Zoom call was one of the most impressive discovery calls I’ve ever had. He was kind, open, and respectful. When it ended, he sent me the money he promised. That man was Mr. Wit, who later became my boss.
At first, I was just a freelance copywriter. We never met in person and communicated minimally. I’d send my work, and he’d use it.
Part 2: A Toxic Job and A Life-Changing Lunch
In October 2022, I started working full-time at a clinic in Jakarta as a content writer. My boss there was harsh, shouting at everyone, including me. He didn’t care if we were sick. I ended up almost passing out, had nosebleeds, and suffered from severe migraines that led to an MRI.
One day, Mr. Wit called me. He asked how I was, if I was open to working on another project, and invited me to lunch. I agreed, but I told him I could only meet for 30 minutes because I had to get back to the office.
We had mie ayam, and during lunch, he asked me about my new job, if I liked it, and if my boss was a good person. I told him honestly that my boss was cruel. I felt like I was developing PTSD from the constant stress.
Mr. Wit then asked, “Would you consider moving to my office? I’m leading the marketing department, and I need a copywriter.”
I hesitated. I had just started my new job, and it felt too soon to leave. He assured me that during the probation period, I could leave without breaking any contract.
At the time, I was still with my ex-fiancé. I told him about the offer, and he was worried I might be getting played. I wondered the same thing. Mr. Wit was still a stranger to me.
Then, one night, I was molested at the clinic. That’s when I realized I had to escape. The next day, I walked into Mr. Wit’s office as his new copywriter—no interviews, no tests. I just showed up. We can call it the power of orang dalam.
Part 3: New Beginnings and More Challenges
Mr. Wit not only became my boss but also kept me on as a freelancer for his personal business. I was happy at the office. Most of the people were good, but I’m shy, so it took me three months to start feeling comfortable. During lunch breaks, I usually stayed at my desk and ate my packed lunch.
Mr. Wit knew I was shy, so he often made the first move to chat and even made me coffee. He loved giving me challenges, knowing I enjoyed work that pushed me. Most of the things I worked on were things I loved.
However, there was one person, DD, who bullied me. She treated me badly—yelling, stirring drama, gossiping, and forcing me to do her work. She felt entitled because of her position.
Normally, I stayed quiet, but when Mr. Wit was on long leave abroad, DD treated me even worse, thinking no one would defend me.
One day, DD started picking a fight again. This time, I stood up for myself. I was furious. On my way home, I called Mr. Wit, crying. I shared everything with him, from family problems to love life, even seeing a psychiatrist. He listened, but without me knowing, he went off on DD.
The next thing I knew, DD’s contract wasn’t renewed. She was yelled at for two hours.
Part 4: A Second Life-Saving Moment
Then, the office closed down, and Mr. Wit and I could no longer work there. At first, our relationship started to fade because of my mistake. I stopped working for his business and looked for a new job.
I briefly worked at a large company, but again, I had a boss who was inhumane. He treated me poorly, and I lasted only 14 days.
It had been 3 months since I last contacted Mr. Wit. I called him, crying, asking how I could leave the company without facing penalties. He said he’d consult a lawyer to find a loophole in my contract.
We found the loophole, and as expected, I was fired. It wasn’t me breaking the contract. Because I was sad, Mr. Wit invited me back to his business, this time as a full-time employee, not just a freelancer.
He had already helped me twice when I needed it most. I’m deeply grateful to God for sending such a kind person into my life. Aside from my ex-fiancé, he’s the only person who chose me, supported me without question, and has always been there for me.
He’s the one person I can truly trust, even though we have no blood relation. He’s the one who protects me.
Part 5: A Safe Place and Unconditional Support
Now, it’s been two years since I became a full-time employee in Mr. Wit’s business. Oh, and I have another boss who’s a woman, but she’s private, so I’ll keep her out of this.
Both of my bosses are incredibly kind. My coworkers are also good people. They don’t know about my regressive behavior (I mean, sometimes I act like a kid), but they never mock me for it. They actually spoil me, calling me “nona,” “sayang,” or “baby,” even though I’m not the youngest.
They never question why I take sick leave, which is often. Sometimes I even take unlimited leave. At a regular office, I’d probably get a warning or even fired. But here? Nothing. They just understand.
Mr. Wit’s philosophy is simple: “If you’re tired, take a rest. If you’re burnt out, go grab a coffee.”
It’s a hybrid job, so I’m rarely in the office. They even let me take time off if I get invited to teach offline.
From November 2024 to February 2025, I was really sick. I spent most of my days in the hospital, working only one or two days a week. Not once was I questioned, and I still got my bonus.
I’m so grateful. One day, I told Mr. Wit, “I want to work for you forever. Thanks for always having my back.”
I’ve been lucky to have someone like Mr. Wit in my corner, offering the professional guidance and stability I needed to thrive in my career.