Soft Skills, Hard Lessons: What a Working Holiday Really Teaches You

Beyond packing and paycheck, a working holiday can sharpen life skills that no classroom can teach. These are the underrated lessons that make you more career-ready.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-26 at 3:12 AM

Updated on 2025-03-26 at 5:27 AM

What do pulling long shifts on a tomato farm, navigating foreign roads solo, and living out of a van for months have in common? They all teach you lessons you won’t find in a textbook—but they’ll stick with you for life.

On the BBK Network podcast, Joselyn Lau from Hiredly joined the discussion on what young Malaysians actually learn during a working holiday—and how it can impact their personal and professional growth.

Spoiler: It’s more than just “finding yourself.” A working holiday won’t magically “fix” your career, but it can give you the edge in soft skills that matter—independence, grit, communication, and adaptability. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re what future employers look for in rising talents.

1. Independence You Can’t Fake

Whether it’s managing your own finances, securing accommodation, or dealing with visa issues, working holidays teach you to handle real-life challenges without hand-holding.

💬 One guest shared how she learned to change car tires and handle repairs herself—a skill she never needed back in Malaysia.

👉 Related read: How to Become More Independent in the Workplace

2. Confidence from Doing the Hard Stuff

Joselyn highlighted how working in unfamiliar environments helps build confidence—especially when tasks seem simple, like making coffee or assisting on a boat.

It’s not about the job title. It’s about what you take away from the experience.

👉 Related read: How to Build Workplace Confidence

3. Emotional Resilience

From dealing with difficult bosses to adapting to fast-paced changes, soft skills like resilience and stress management are often developed the hard way.

One returnee noted how being respected for “low-status” jobs abroad gave her emotional strength and helped her redefine success.

👉 Related read: How to Reassure Employees During Tough Times

4. Exposure that Expands Worldviews

A major takeaway from the podcast? Working holidays aren’t just about exploring foreign lands—they expose you to new cultures, work styles, and people.

Even if you come back to the same industry, you’ll return with broader perspectives—and that’s something every future employer will notice.

👉 Related read: Why Employers Value Cultural Awareness

If you're looking to grow in all the ways that matter—whether locally or globally—consider joining Hiredly’s Young Talent Community. It's where ambitious professionals swap real-world advice and insider opportunities. Or take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover roles that match who you are beyond the resume. Your next career step starts at Hiredly.

Check out the full BBK episode here

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-26 at 3:12 AM