Inspiration
Here’s How a Construction Worker Became a Data Scientist.
We never know where solutions to our problems hide until we open our hearts and minds.
The Head of a Sleepy Traveler Fell on My Shoulder During a Train Trip
The initial conversation led to a lifetime opportunity for him to move from the construction industry into the data science field.
This is a story of a migrant who became a data scientist after working as a construction worker overcoming his constraints with a growth mindset.
First Encounter with a Wounded Soul
I was using the public train after an exhausting day to go home. Train trips save me commute time, allowing me to do work or enjoy reading with my laptop computer.
I was lucky to find a seat on the crowded train and delve into my daily reading.
A man who looked around his 30s was sleeping next to me. I even heard the snoring sound, but it did not bother me due to the noise on the train.
Besides, I put my headphones on background music to have a pleasant reading experience.
After around ten minutes, the man fell over my left shoulder. The situation shocked me instantly. First, I thought he had a heart attack.
But his eyes were openly looking confused and sad.
An Authentic Conversation
I asked whether he was alright.
The man apologized sincerely, saying he had a hard day at work. He looked extremely tired and overly melancholic.
I asked him how his day was. I was happy to stop reading and listen to his concerns.
In a few minutes, his sleepiness disappeared, and he started the conversation. He introduced himself and asked me to call him Piotr.
Piotr mentioned migrating to Australia from Poland three years ago. His boss in construction work fired him after a third warning for his poor performance at work.
His voice sounded sad and concerned.
Two spoiled teenage girls sitting across us eavesdropping giggled. They made irrelevant comments that disturbed the man and me. Piotr asked them to mind their business. They stopped.
Revealing the Situation
Piotr was well-educated in Poland, with a master’s degree in physics. With false assumptions, he believed he would find a good job in Australia and support his low-income parents in Poland.
Thus, he took the risk of migrating to a country that sounded promising to him. However, his qualifications in an area not in demand and his lack of local experience did not allow him to find a relevant job for his education.
Piotr had no option but to work in construction to make his living and survive. Initially, the construction job was doable and helped him to pay his bills.
In addition, he had no chance to continue his education due to the immediate financial difficulty that he needed to deal with.
After a year, the job became more tedious as Piotr started losing his energy. His performance suffered. Unfortunately, his employer ended his contract.
The same issue happened in his second job. He paid more attention to his third job but lost it too. He felt desperate due to his physical constraints.
A Clue to the Causes of His Problems
He confirmed eating energy-giving food, but to his surprise, he had no energy to do his physical work. I wanted to understand his eating regimen but was hesitant to ask.
However, he started giving examples that gave me a clue.
He said, for example, that he consumed a large pizza with lots of cheese, meat, and vegetables with a bottle of beer at lunchtime. But he had no energy to do his physical work.
He felt awful. His boss thought he was lazy, but he was not.
Apparently, his diet was the primary cause of his energy deficiency. But, I refrained from making comments or suggestions not to add fuel to his metaphorical fire.
The train trip took over an hour. He sounded like a genuine person with whom I could stay in touch. Before saying goodbye, as I wanted to help Piotr, I gave him my business card.
He was a new consequential stranger in my life for a potential friendship.
Next Encounters with Piotr
A few weeks after our first conversation, Piotr contacted me.
We had a long coffee break in the city.
During that time, he gave me more information about his background and the hardships of the last three years in Australia.
He also shared his dreams which touched my heart.
Next week, I introduced Piotr to a social worker who supported migrants with professional qualifications. This introduction opened a window to his life.
The social worker helped him get a study payment from the government for a year to complete a one-year graduate diploma in information technology and a few short courses in data science.
Since he learned a lot about computers and data management during his physics degree, he accomplished his study with high distinction.
New Career and Inspiring Lifestyle
Upon completing his study, Piotr found a well-paying job as a data scientist.
He joined my professional circle, and we developed good friendships and professional relationships.
Piotr was much happier than we met over a year ago.
However, his lack of energy was still noticeable. He had no idea his diet was the cause of his energy deficiency.
I introduced Piotr to a holistic doctor who specialized in chronic fatigue syndrome. He was able to afford the cost. The specialist correctly diagnosed him and created a solution plan.
The physician referred Piotr to a qualified dietician creating a customized diet for him. The diet particularly solved his Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, minerals, and other nutritional deficiencies.
As I suspected, Piotr’s diet was the major cause of his chronic fatigue syndrome. As soon as his diet was fixed with support from the dietician, he felt abundant energy.
With increased physical and mental energy, Piotr performed better at his job and completed further studies in his discipline, opening him a remarkable career.
He gained financial freedom and had a chance to support his poor family overseas by moving from construction work to a data science profession.
More importantly, Piotr helped many migrants who faced similar difficulties.
Final Words and Takeaways
A simple and authentic conversation opened new windows in Piotr’s life.
We never know where solutions to our problems hide until we open our hearts and minds.
The good part was that Piotr accepted his difficult situation and took personal responsibility for improving it with support from others.
He understood that circumstances do not define us. There are many options in life. The important thing is to think outside of the box and search for solutions.
This story’s key takeaway was the optimistic approach to life with an open mind and commitment that can produce desired results.
Authentic conversations might open new doors to everlasting relationships creating new opportunities. Seeking help and support when needed is essential for a happy and healthy life.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
I enjoy documenting my travel stories, such as this overseas trip to Singapore, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Boston.
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