About Me

Tim Kosten

Self-taught Developer | Automation Enthusiast | Southeast Asia Explorer

"Turning challenges into opportunities—whether it's coding, cooking, or conquering Hyrox."

Why This Photo?

You’re probably wondering why I’m leading with this sweaty, exhausted photo of me after a Hyrox race. Well, it’s because this moment means a lot to me. At the end of October last year, I signed up for Hyrox, a sport that mixes endurance and strength, to push my limits. I had just over three months to train (with a month-long holiday thrown into the mix), and that tired face is the result of sticking it out, even when it got tough.

That same drive is what took me to Thailand and Laos on my most recent solo adventure.

A Solo Journey Through South-East Asia

I didn’t plan much for my solo trip to Thailand and Laos—just booked the first and last few days and figured I’d fill in the rest along the way. What I found was more than just beautiful places. Mornings started with runs and swims, days were spent exploring local markets and neighborhoods, and evenings often turned into late-night conversations with people I’d just met.

Laos, with its slower pace and warm people, left an even bigger impression. Riding a scooter alongside the Mekong and watching the sunset made me wish I could stay longer. Even a few rookie mistakes, like underdressing for an overnight train in ice-cold air conditioning, turned into stories I wouldn’t trade for anything.

This trip wasn’t just a holiday—it was a reminder of why I love exploring new cultures and connecting with people. It’s also why I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and finding new paths forward—both in life and in my career.

Exploring new cultures has always been a passion—one that ties back to my roots and my love for cooking.

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Beyond Work and Travel

When I’m not diving into projects or training for the next challenge, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or mixing up a fancy cocktail just for the fun of it. I love cooking—whether it’s trying my hand at something completely new or recreating the flavors from my favorite trips. There’s something about chopping, stirring, and seasoning that feels both creative and grounding.

My Indonesian roots definitely play a part in that passion. I’ve always loved the rich flavors and spices of Indonesian dishes, and visiting the Pasar Malam festivals is a tradition I try to keep. Nowadays, a trip to the Pasar Malam has almost turned into a tradition of its own, with many of my friends tagging along—I've somehow managed to ignite their love for this festive place packed with amazing food and shopping.

Of course, it’s not just about cooking—I absolutely love eating all that delicious food just as much. For me, it’s the whole experience: sharing a meal, discovering new flavors, and enjoying good company. Someday, I’d love to visit Indonesia itself and explore the food, culture, and the places my grandfather used to talk about.

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The journey So Far

After finishing gymnasium, I went straight into IT but dropped out after a year, unsure of what I wanted. I spent some time working, took a gap year, and then tried a fast-track program in Biology and Medical Laboratory Research. I enjoyed the study but found the career path too monotonous, so I quit during my final year.

After another gap year, I enrolled in Trade Management for Asia, determined to finish a degree. By my third year, I was close—just a six-month cultural exchange in Japan and my thesis left—when COVID canceled everything a week before my flight. With no clear path forward, I started working instead.

Not finishing my degree is still one of my biggest insecurities. But I’ve realized that learning doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. That’s why I’ve thrown myself into self-teaching—whether it’s mastering Google Apps Script, Python, or exploring no-code and low-code platforms. I’ve built automation tools, streamlined workflows, and taken on projects that keep me moving forward.

In the end, it’s about staying on the path, not how you get there.

Skills & What I’ve Built

I’ve spent the past few years building a mix of tools and automations—from Google Apps Script projects that simplify workflows to Python scripts and no-code solutions for more complex tasks. I’m currently working on showcasing all of these on this website, with plans to include GitHub repositories, n8n workflow examples, Loom video demonstrations, and direct downloads for anyone who wants to try them out.

Whether it's automating routine tasks or designing custom solutions, I enjoy turning ideas into something practical and useful. Stay tuned—there’s more to come!

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