Sometimes life surprises you when you least expect it. Just as I was preparing for a part-time lifestyle (as some of you read in my earlier post), an unexpected opportunity landed on my desk: a role in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the higher education sector. The combination of the right industry—education—and the right geography—South-East Asia—was simply irresistible for Isabelle and me.
After successfully navigating the recruitment process, I came to HCMC in June for a scouting trip. The mission: discover the city, find an apartment, meet my future team, and get a feel for the campus. I must say, the openness of my line manager and HR department made this transition a very welcoming one.
Fast forward to today, and as the pictures and videos I share here will show, it wasn’t too hard to leave behind eight months of “holiday and transformation” (see my 75th Chapter) and get back to work.
Life on Campus
I am lucky to work in a truly inspiring environment at RMIT Vietnam, located in the quieter District 7 of HCMC. The campus is modern, full of life, and—yes—even though the coffee machine is 200 meters from my desk, it does wonders for keeping my caffeine levels in check and encouraging me to drink more water.
Every day, I walk past students heading to classes, showcasing their projects, or practicing sports. Coming from 36 years in Oil & Gas, being so close to our “end-customers” feels refreshing. It is energizing to see this new generation at work and to feel part of their journey.
My role is within the ITS Department, where I lead the Project Management practice. It’s early days—only one month in—but already rewarding to see the team eager to grow in maturity and learn new approaches. Having such motivated co-workers around me is a privilege.
The campus itself offers everything: restaurants, food courts, doctors, and of course, green open spaces. It feels like a small city within the city, where work and daily life blend smoothly.
Health & Wellbeing
On a more personal note, I visited my new hospital for a check-up. My blood test showed an improvement in triglycerides (still some way to go), while my diabetes remains under control and stable. The local food, the walking I do on campus, and even in shopping malls are helping me stay on the right track.
Family & Looking Ahead
As positive as this experience has been so far, there is one big challenge: being away from my family. It is the first time I’ve had to live six weeks without Isabelle, my mum, and Woody. Needless to say, I am counting the days until they arrive. Soon, we’ll rebuild our home here, and I can’t wait for the boys and friends to visit too. Sharing the beauty of HCMC—and hopefully Vietnam more broadly—will be another exciting chapter.
Looking ahead, this move is not just about work. It’s also about projecting our lives for the next couple of years and setting the stage for retirement options further down the line. We’ve done this before—in the UK, Malaysia, and the Netherlands—but each new country brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Starting over is never simple, but it is always exciting.
Closing Thought
September marks the beginning of this new journey in Vietnam. I feel grateful for the opportunity, energized by the work, and eager to see how this adventure unfolds—both professionally and personally.
Stay tuned, as the coming months will tell if moving 10,000 km away from home was the right decision. My gut says it is.
Before leaving you, let me share some food I could enjoy…
