At First, I Struggled to Believe in Myself
At first, I struggled to believe in myself.
But deep down, I knew that never giving up was the only way forward.
No matter how many challenges came my way, I kept chasing my dreams.
Hello, everyone! I’m Vina, also known as VENUSY. ☺️✨
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
Today, I want to share a raw and real story about a time when I pushed forward fueled only by determination and perseverance.
Ugh… Do we really have to hear this serious stuff? I just wanted to relax 🙈💗🙈💗
Haha, I get it, but hey, this part is important too 🤣💖
This phase of my life was like fighting against the current—trying to force things to happen, even when the universe had other plans.
But looking back, every struggle, every setback—they were all part of the journey.
👉 I hope you enjoy this as a form of entertainment as well 🤣🫶💝
About VENUSY.
My real name is Yuka, but during my time as a cabin crew member, I worked under the name VENUS. Yes, I actually had that name on my badge!
Oh, and no—it’s not from Sailor Moon , that magical girl anime loved by dreamers around the world 🙈💖🌙
The English name “Venus” was inspired by the idea of radiance and joy. People often told me my smile was as bright as the sun—or even like Buddha’s glow!
Later on, I refined it into VENUSY.—a name that still carries the essence of light and joy, but with a personal touch. The ‘Y’ stands for Yuka—me 💖
Some friends still don’t even know my real name 😂
People often tell me I don’t seem like a typical Japanese—some even say I have an Italian or Mexican vibe 🙈✨
At my core, I may look like an adult, but deep down, I’m just a curious, adventure-loving kid ✨✊✨
The Road to Becoming an International Cabin Crew
Since middle school, I dreamed of becoming a cabin crew member. Finally, I achieved that dream in my 30s, but the road there was long and full of struggles.
A Highly Competitive Industry with Strict Requirements
Particularly for someone like me—30s, with no prior experience—it was an extremely competitive and challenging process.
The airline I joined only recruited Japanese crew once every six years.
Even among my classmates and colleagues, those in their 30s had previous experience as flight attendants. I had none.
The Missed Opportunity and Regret
When they last recruited in 2012, I was working in Berlin, Germany, with a work visa. A former colleague in Germany told me about the recruitment process at that time.
But back then, I thought:
“Thank you, but I haven’t done anything yet… I don’t think I can make it.”
So I didn’t even try.
If only I had given it my all in my 20s…
I regretted that decision countless times afterward.
Breaking the Illusion
But deep down, I knew—I lacked the confidence to even try.
I had placed flight attendants on a pedestal, thinking they were almost godlike. That belief made me put unnecessary limits on myself.
But once I stepped into that world, once I achieved that dream, I realized—it just became my new normal. No matter the title, whether it’s a flight attendant, a CEO, or anything else, once you’re in it, it’s just life. The illusion of something being “special” fades, and you see it for what it really is—just another reality, just another way of living.
The fantasy disappears, and all that’s left is real, everyday life.
The Airline Industry Feels Like an Audition
The requirements vary by airline—age, height, language skills, grooming, etiquette… especially in Asia.
In Asia, the airline industry is incredibly strict. It felt more like an audition than a job interview.
Unlike many Western airlines, where the focus is more on experience, in Asia, requirements like age, height, and grooming play a big role.
I had always set my sights on one of the top Western airlines, drawn to its global presence and unique work culture. But in the end, life had other plans, leading me to an opportunity with an Asian carrier. Looking back, it was a path that shaped me in ways I never expected.
The Selection Process That Makes No Sense
Failing or succeeding didn’t mean someone was better or worse. It was all about chemistry with the interviewers, how well you connected with other candidates, and the overall fit with the company.
It’s a world that often makes no sense 😂
When things get tough, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking:
“I’m not capable enough.”
“My dreams are just dreams.”
I felt this way many times in the past.
I used to tell my closest friends, “I want to be an international flight attendant so badly!” while, deep down, I couldn’t even take myself seriously.
Before I knew it, I was in my 30s. My resume, which had once been accepted, was now getting rejected.
“Maybe it’s time to give up.”
I met many people in their late 20s who had convinced themselves it was already too late—and gave up on their dreams.
Losing Yourself in the Uncertainty of a Dream
When you’re chasing a dream without any guarantees, it’s so easy to lose yourself.
Breaking Free from Self-Doubt
I had moments when I wondered:
“Who am I?”
While my friends were out having fun, I was locked away, studying English—struggling to improve, yet feeling like I was getting nowhere.
Preparing for airline applications felt like an endless audition.
Resumes, research, cover letters, customized photos, professional headshots…
I traveled between Tokyo and Osaka multiple times, retaking my airline application photos over and over—each time hoping it would be “perfect.”
But every rejection chipped away at my motivation, making me want to escape reality.
Overcoming Challenges & Embracing My Journey
In the end, the key was simple:
Believing in myself.
When I finally decided to trust myself and my path, everything started to flow.
I met inspiring people, took control of my life, and eventually, I landed my dream job.
Looking back, I realize every struggle had a purpose. Even the moments of doubt and frustration were stepping stones leading me here.
Today, I cherish every part of my past—the challenges, the regrets, and even the pain—because they shaped me into who I am now.
My Definition of “Cool”
To me, being truly “cool” means:
✨ Giving your best until the very end. ✨
It’s okay to fail. But quitting halfway?
That’s the uncoolest thing you can do.
One of my favorite quotes from Slam Dunk’s Coach Anzai (from one of Japan’s famous anime) always kept me going:
If you give up now, the game is already over.
I repeated that to myself so many times, often with tears in my eyes.
Interesting… So your entire method was just sheer willpower? No calculated strategy? 😽💗
Yup, that’s exactly it! 100% fueled by stubbornness 🤣🔥
Life is Short. Go After What You Love.
Life is too short.
So why not go after what excites you?
Even now, I continue to live a life full of adventure.
Every challenge, every setback—it’s all part of the journey.
And I promise you, one day you’ll look back and think:
“That was fun.”
“That was a great lesson.”
Because in the end, everything becomes a story worth telling 💖
👉 Explore More Adventures Here
Shifting to a Life of Ease & Joy
That said, my journey didn’t stop there.
After years of chasing dreams with sheer determination, I realized that true fulfillment doesn’t come from just pushing forward—it comes from embracing the present moment and treating myself with kindness.
So now?
I’ve shifted into a life of ease, balance, and joy.
No longer bound by pressure or rigid expectations, I let things flow naturally, enjoying each step of the journey as it comes.
🌿 This shift changed everything. 🌿
Thank you for reading;) I hope my journey gives you even the smallest spark of inspiration.
Thank you & LOVE ALL 💖
VENUSY.
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