This delightful account draws from a conversation with Nian Yang-yi, a 34-year-old former barista now serving as a quality control specialist in Taiwan’s coffee trading world. The words have been translated and edited for brevity and lucidity.
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From Coding to Coffee
I embarked on the study of computer science and information engineering at university. My motivation? A keen desire to steer clear of human interaction. The world of programming was ideal: a retreat into coding, debugging, and solitude. Initially, I was convinced this path would lead me to my future.
Fate, however, had other plans. In my third year, an unfortunate sports mishap resulted in a retinal detachment. Following surgery, the doctor’s orders were clear: rest and avoid eye strain.
Becoming an engineer immediately seemed impossible due to the strain it would place on my eyes. Hence, my strategy was simple: secure alternative employment for a few years, allow my eyes to heal, and then return to coding.
Discovering a New Passion
I found myself in a café by pure chance. Initially, I wasn’t fond of coffee and avoided it altogether. My boss and colleagues, however, nudged me towards it, brewing a cup for me daily.
Reluctantly, I tried it. Suddenly, everything clicked. Brewing coffee felt akin to coding: striving for precision, efficiency, and effective descriptions to convey taste to others. I delved into sensory skills and flavour communication, which thoroughly absorbed me.
The Evolution into a Coffee Enthusiast
I toiled as a barista for a decade. Even outside of work, coffee remained a passion — tastings, events, and classes filled my time.
At first, coffee seemed straightforward. If my customers and colleagues relished the drinks, it appeared I had mastered all there was.
Yet, as I ventured out more, I realized the vastness of coffee’s realm. The more one studies a topic, the more one understands the depths of unknowns. This revelation led me to transition from the café to a coffee trading firm, learning about the entire supply chain.
Coffee Transformed Me
Coffee moulded me into a different person. Initially, I avoided interaction. However, as a barista, understanding customers, chatting, and connecting became essential.
It was challenging at first, with conversations often stuttering. Over time, I became adept at comfortable interaction, listening, and sensing emotions.
In 2022, I began volunteering at a community café run by Believe in Next Generation, a nonprofit. Here, coffee serves as a medium for gathering and storytelling, especially among village elders.
Financial Balancing Act
Some engineering chums envy my career pivot until salary becomes the subject. They earn double or triple my wages.
I’ve pondered whether to pursue practicality over passion. Most in my age bracket are acquiring cars and homes. Yet, the coffee industry brings me unmatched joy and peace.
Presently, I reside with my parents in New Taipei City, sharing a mortgage with my sister. Monthly, I contribute about 15,000 Taiwan dollars towards it.
I economize on leisure, traveling triennially, and most of my discretionary spending goes toward coffee courses. I save around 10,000 to 15,000 Taiwan dollars monthly, seeking additional income through side gigs like judging coffee competitions.
Some choose high-paying jobs to fund personal interests. Others, like myself, turn passion into a career, albeit at a financial cost.
I pondered beginning anew; however, the choice would unwaveringly remain — coffee.
Would you fancy sharing your tale of trading your dream job for passion? Kindly contact Huileng Tan at htan@businessinsider.com.
