🐍🎉 Happy Chinese New Year 新年快乐 蛇年大吉 – Year of the Snake 🥟🎇

Can never get enough of these little pieces of love - says every expat who got to have the privilege of on-tap dumplings!

What 1,000 Dumplings (and 10 Years in China) Taught Me About Careers and Life

My two kids, now 17 and 18 (and somehow not kids anymore), spent their formative years there—seven in Beijing and three in Shanghai. Together, we dived headfirst into the whirlwind of a country evolving faster than I could figure out how to use chopsticks properly. And while our return to Australia brought us closer to family and Vegemite, the lessons from those years still shape who we are.

The Beijing Boom (and Dumpling Revolution)

When we touched down in Beijing in 2006, the city was at a fascinating crossroads. Western restaurants? You could count them on two hands. By the time we left in 2013, there were over 2,000 of them. But here’s the kicker: we still preferred the little local dumpling joints. Those weren’t just meals—they were memories in the making.

From Harbin’s frozen wonderlands to Chongqing’s molten hotpots, we explored every corner of China, one dumpling and train ride at a time. And yes, I can confidently say we consumed at least 1,000 dumplings during those 10 years. (Realistically, probably more. Let’s not count the buffet ones.)

What 1,000 Dumplings Taught Me About Careers

Living in China wasn’t all dumpling feasts and dragon parades, though. There were plenty of challenges: language mix-ups, cultural curveballs, and moments where I wasn’t 100% sure what I’d just ordered for dinner. But those very moments taught me lessons that apply not just to life, but to careers, too.

1. Stay Curious:

Curiosity kept us afloat. Whether it was wandering through Beijing’s maze-like hutongs or bravely ordering off a completely Mandarin menu (spoiler: it didn’t always go well), asking questions and staying open led to some of our most memorable experiences.

Careers are no different. Want to grow? Ask questions. Explore the unknown. Take on a challenge even when you’re not sure how it’ll turn out. Curiosity is the secret ingredient for creating a life full of opportunity.

2. Be Kind:

Kindness crossed every barrier in China. Strangers helped us navigate subway systems when we looked hopelessly lost. Neighbors invited us to share meals with their families, and dumpling vendors gave me tips on how to fold wrappers without totally destroying them.

Kindness works the same way in careers. Be empathetic. Lend a hand. It’s amazing how often doors open because someone remembers the way you treated them.

3. Be Persistent:

The first time I tried folding dumplings, it looked like I’d created something the dog wouldn’t even touch. But by dumpling #1,000? I wasn’t exactly a master chef, but I’d come a long way.

Careers work like that too. Whether it’s your first awkward job interview or the tenth rejection email for a project you poured your heart into, persistence is what keeps you moving forward. Keep at it. Your skills—and your confidence—will grow with time.

Here’s to China and Its People

China gave us more than incredible food (though let’s be real, the dumplings will forever have a special place in my heart). It gave us a treasure trove of lessons about resilience, curiosity, and human connection.

So here’s to Beijing, Shanghai, and all the remarkable people who made our time in China unforgettable. Thank you for showing us that the best growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, asking questions, and—most importantly—never turning down a good dumpling.

Happy Chinese New Year! May your year be full of adventure, learning, kindness, and—why not—1,000 dumplings.

Outside our apartment compound in Beijing