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For many Malaysians, leaving a stable office job to pick fruits overseas may sound like a step backwards. But for Devika, it became the very thing that pushed her forward.
At 28, Devika had already built a promising career. A Public Relations graduate from SEGi University Kota Damansara, she started her career in PR agencies and later joined the corporate world as a Senior PR Executive.
But somewhere between work trips and routine, Devika began wondering if there was more waiting for her outside Malaysia.
Leaving the office life behind
The idea of working abroad had been planted by her mother when she was younger, but for years, it stayed as a “one day” dream.
That changed in June 2023 when Devika was sent on a work trip to Sabah and Sarawak. It was her first time flying alone, and by the end of it, something shifted.
I felt fulfilled, content and proud that I could handle myself in unfamiliar places.”
That confidence led her to solo trips in Langkawi, then Da Nang and Hoi An in Vietnam, where she met an American traveller who was working while travelling.
Once she returned home, Devika searched for similar opportunities and came across Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa. She then applied for one and had it approved on Aug 13, 2024.
While her immediate family supported her, Devika admitted she was hesitant to tell her extended family, especially given the fact her plan involved regional farm work.
“Some questioned why I’d trade a desk job for fruit picking, but my parents never held me back and I received their blessings to go ahead,” she said.
Devika flew to Perth on Dec 26, 2024, and checked into a backpackers’ hostel. Although Australia is an English-speaking country, she had never lived abroad before and had a rather tough time settling in.
“The following days were spent opening accounts, figuring out public transport, looking for work and asking strangers for information.
“I got onto wrong buses, moved between accommodations and was unemployed for about two months. Still, I was determined to make it work as I owed it to myself to try hard and succeed,” she said.
Picking raspberries and herself back up
After weeks of applying for farm jobs, Devika landed a raspberry picking job in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, in March 2025. She was relieved because completing regional work meant she could apply for a second year in Australia.
At first, she saw the job as something she had to get over with. Instead, it became the experience that made her not want to leave.
“I lived in a sharehouse with 11 backpackers from Italy, France, Taiwan, Japan, India and Indonesia. Together, we celebrated birthdays, cooked meals, played games, went on drives, spotted kangaroos and became like family.
It was a new kind of happiness I had never felt. Every day felt like a never ending holiday,” she said.
Financially, Devika said the move was worth it, but only because she was willing to take chances. Apart from raspberry picking, she also worked as a dishwasher, waitress and an all-rounder at a shop selling dresses.
She later discovered “work for accommodation”, where lodging is provided in exchange for help with tasks like cleaning, cooking or house sitting. Devika now lives with her employer while working at the dress shop, handling supplier communication, stock purchases and salary matters.
With these jobs, she has more than doubled her previous corporate salary while eliminating rental costs altogether.
What she would tell other Malaysians
Looking back, Devika said Australia changed her physically, mentally and emotionally.
She lost 10kg, became more active, learned to cook with fresher ingredients, and gained more confidence communicating with people from different backgrounds.
More importantly, the experience taught her that real life skills often come from being thrown into uncomfortable situations.
For Malaysians hoping to apply for the same working visa, Devika said financial preparation is important and advised applicants to build a network as many opportunities come through people rather than job ads. She added that while Malaysians often place more value on desk jobs, many blue collar jobs in Australia can offer good pay and flexibility.
For now, Australia remains her base for work and future travels, while Malaysia remains home for family, friends and food she says cannot be replaced anywhere else.
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