Starting a new life meant closing down the old one. It meant allowing oneself to be free of any burdens that may hinder one from being able to make free choices. My burdens which held me captive in Munich were my job, my flat and all my material possessions in that flat. I knew I did … Continue reading Story of a Sabattical – Letting Go
Gratitude
I was twenty-six years old. A happy, shiny, restless girl who was enjoying the life to its full extent in Munich. I was a student, having many international friends and taking everything that the city had to offer. I had a student job, a nice little cute student dorm to live in and lots of … Continue reading Gratitude
Story of a Sabattical – The Beginning
It all started with letting go. I had to learn to let go. It was not easy, at the same time it was my first step towards a happier self. In 2013 I moved (back) to Munich from Cologne, Germany. I had studied in Munich, I had a history there and my friends, who have been … Continue reading Story of a Sabattical – The Beginning
Thank You ThoughtWorks
I owe you this ThoughtWorks: Thank You. Thank you for bringing me back to who I once was. Someone who believed in herself and in what she did, who is passionate, joyful and full of energy. I came to ThoughtWorks (TW) because of a good friend's recommendation. He said "Pinar I know you are going … Continue reading Thank You ThoughtWorks
Buenos Aires Querida
I am on my way back from Buenos Aires to Barcelona. It is the third time that I am on this route and it is the first time that I am not heartbroken to say goodbye. Still, secretly in me, I am wishing if only I had one more week... Each time I leave Buenos Aires, … Continue reading Buenos Aires Querida
The Beautiful Truth
...is the name of a movie I haven't yet seen. I read that it is a documentary about a doctor's quest for curing cancer through alternative methods. Dr. Max Gerson is his name. The quotation you will read in the next lines is from this movie. I stumbled upon it by chance when looking for … Continue reading The Beautiful Truth
User Story Mapping
I read a wonderful book, User Story Mapping by Jeff Patton. If you are a Product Manager in an Agile environment and are to read only one book, then make it this one. It is not only eye-opening, insightful and full of content, it is also funny. I laughed and learned a lot. What is … Continue reading User Story Mapping
Self Compassion
If you are like me, you also lack self-compassion. It means you do not love yourself enough and accept yourself the way you are. Probably you are also a perfectionist which goes hand in hand. Ironically, you can be a very compassionate person to others. You can feel their pain as well as pleasure, have … Continue reading Self Compassion
My/Your Next Job
I now have been in an intensive process of looking for a job, applying, interviewing etc. Much reflection and experience have accumulated, which I want to share. I hope it helps you if you are going through the same process. Here is what I learned for myself: Knowing who you are: It is as simple … Continue reading My/Your Next Job
Would You Do a PhD?
It has been 5 years since I completed my PhD. After a very long time, this morning I returned to my thesis to read the Acknowledgements section I wrote back then to feel and understand why I chose to do a PhD. At this very moment, I can only say I am a happy and lucky … Continue reading Would You Do a PhD?
Reflections 