There’s a Child is Everyone

Pardon me on this rather random topic. A thought struck me moments earlier that prompt me to pen this never before post. Perhaps, that thought faithfully brought me back to my childhood for a moment, and subsequently leading me through a imaginary journey of toys, cartoons, games and what not.

There's a Child in Everyone

I am a firm believer that there is a child in everyone. I remember when I was younger, alongside with my brother, we owned tons of toys, bought lovingly by families and relatives who doted so much on us. But, both of us were not the only ones armed with these entertainments, my mum had one too, initially. Then it grew to two and eventually to a collection of a few. And her collection, Barbie Doll.

Mummy's Favourite Toy!

At that tender age, I could not apprehend why my mother has a toy too herself. It was not when I grew up into my teens that I realized the child is her caused her to own that Barbie Doll only when she was an adult, of course, this was accompanied by a history. She was poor when she was young, and toys then were considered a luxury. By that purchase she made for herself when she was an adult, I instantly linked it to the fact on how badly she wished she had that Barbie Doll when she was younger. I remembered how sternly she warned us not to touch her toys (all because she knew how boys would strip that Barbie off her clothes and bite her hair off like a dinosaur).

Looking back now, I too realized my mother was not the only person who expressed the child in her. Even my grandpa did. I am not sure if it has anything to do with his aging condition, but he too behaves like a child at times. Perhaps, with the cycle of having being taken care of as a child by parents, to caring for his own children as a parent and eventually back to being care of as an adult by his own children and grandchildren, it is natural.

Back to the highlight of this post, I thought hard to myself in my childhood, along with my playmate and friends, I did really enjoyed my childhood, and too, unknowingly bring along those interests with me, even until today. 

Childhood - Those Carefree Days...

From Power Rangers to Digimon, from Baa Baa Black Sheep to Pokemon, you name it, I love them all. To think that I changed my CCA during my secondary school days just to ensure I get to watch my Pokemon every Saturday is enough to show just about anyhow how I love my cartoons, toys and games. Even until now.

Speak to my significant other and she will gladly tell you stories on how I chose my game over her. Even my dad can vouch those stories with a particular incident where I was playing Neopets just hours before my GCE O Level exams. Imagine the anger.

Childhood Friend/Foe

Apart from those toys and game, I must say, there would not be fun without mates. My brother was the one who ‘fought countless war’ with me in Digimon, the one who sit so closely with me during every Saturday and Sunday morning cartoon time and of course, the one who got both of us caned with fights over toys as well. Apart from him, I’m fortunate to have friends with the same interests. One person in particular of course. He know who he is. From Neopets to Pokemon to Maplestory and now, Sudden Attack. I could easily call him a virtual best friend because we seem to spend more time virtually then being out together doing anything other than gaming.

Nevertheless, it was the above mentioned moments that make me feel life has been fun so far. Like I said, till today, I still yearn to own a Pokemon plushie, I still feel excited over watching old times cartoons and definitely I would want my kids to be as happy as how their father was in the past.

Games, Toys etc may cost money, but the happiness, interests and sometimes, passion that those tangibles brings, is definitely priceless, one that only like minded people would understand, truly.

CHILDHOOD IS PRICLESS. PERIOD.

Invasion of Hammy

Before I proceed to be happy about this post, I have to rant, all because of a very selfish and cruel act. In today’s world, I wouldn’t believe anyone who would abandon their pets in the most nonsensical way ever possible. I mean, who is the right mind would abandon their pets all because of Vesak Day, a day whom Buddhist believe is ‘giving life a chance’. If ‘giving life a chance’ would mean abandon your pets, logically, isn’t one killing it instead?

Whatever it is, if I’m ever going to meet the person who abandons those pets, I’ll make sure I give them a good lesson, mark my words.

That aside, back to the happy topic. And so, I found one hamster (Grey coloured winterwhite) after performing a nervous search along the corridor. Perhaps, some would termed it as ‘meant to be’ after a night of the hamsters breaking out from their pathetic box left by some idiots.

Unfortunately, only one was found. The day Ah Bin (the name I gave him to rhyme with my alias that my parents so lovingly gave me) entered into the warmly abode of mine, it was 1 May. Of course, having lost two hamsters painfully few years back, my mum was the happiest to have found this little cutie. Straight away, within hours, my mum came back home with a brand new cage for Ah Bin.

It took Ah bin only mere hours to get used to his (I assume it’s a HE) new home and sure it was all fun for him. He resembles ShooBing (The grey winterwhite who left us about a year plus ago) totally. This of course, remind all of us in the family of the heart-warming ties we had with ShooBing. The only difference is, Ah Bin bites. He’s like performing a ‘Ah Bin Strikes Back’ each time someone attempts to grab him. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed his biting. Which probably explains why he is one hell of a eater.

And so three weeks on, some miracle happened. Another hamster appeared in front of my house one fine morning. This time round, it is a white cutie, BUT, she was looking real frail and weak. Immediately, I relate her to the missing hamster that was supposed to be found three weeks ago. Without any delay, Monoko (her new name) was in the same cage as Ah Bin. Oh boy, wrong decision. Without any second, Ah Bin bites her until you could hear the most painful scream ever let out by a hamster. Monoko seems to be crying out for her life. DAMN! They can’t stay together, I thought. Seems like separation is the way to go.

When I returned home, I had two cages with two hammies inside. One white winterwhite, and one grey winterwhite, exactly like old times. It is as though god is trying to give us back Miu Miu and Shoobing. Naturally, they are all safely under the great care of my mum. Probably, that’s the best present she ever received this year. I’m glad, yet afraid at the same time. Glad because they shall be a great companion for my mum once again like how two other hammies used to be but afraid because if they were to be gone again, it’s a terrible pain for my mother.



But whatever it is, it’s a good fairytale ending for the hamsters because their lives are now safe until the day god decides to bring them to a better place, to join my forever beloved Miu Miu and Shoobing!

Selfish or Selfless. Think Again.

Many times, we seek convenience in our daily lives so much so that we seek it at the expense of others, directly or indirectly. Quality of life has caused us to take many things for granted. Things such as not needing to climb the stairs to your house because there’s always a lift serving you to your heart-warming home, or even a sheltered bus stop to shelter you from hot burning sun rays or hard splashing rain pour.

Learnt from a lesson as simple as the recent accident which caused innocent lives, it is totally uncalled for. This should never have happened if people were more considerate. Imagine how your patience could come a long way. Surely few seconds doesn’t kill. Dashing the red light and causing innocent lives, how will that go with you for the rest of your life if you are still alive? Luckily and deservingly in a way, he paid a price which I’m glad he did anyway.

There, you don’t only take away the lives of the innocent people but also the loved ones that is involved. Imagine how the family can survive long term with the sole breadwinner gone just like that. It’s a harsh reality that’s definitely hard to take. Even an outside like me finds it hard to swallow. All I felt deep in my heart is unbearable pity and heart-wrenching emotions.


Sometimes, I wish we could be more humane to spare a thought for others. I had my personal frustration too. A smoker happily smoking in the lift while I’m inside too, can you imagine the amount of 2nd hand smoke I inhale in that enclosed area? At times, I just feel like confronting that person, but then again, many times, by the time I realized it, that idiot has already left the lift while I’m happily stuck in there inhaling what I shouldn’t have. Will it kill you to either finish your cigarette before you take the lift, or smoke only after you exit the lift? I’m definitely not against smokers like how some people curse “Smokers Die Young!” but I’m definitely a “Inconsiderate Smokers Die Young’ person.

Show more patience, show more consideration, spare more thoughts and perhaps, this world can be a better place for everyone to live in. Isn’t it?

Diminishing Single-hood

Love. Till now, this word remains a complicated one. Behind the façade of this four letter word, there lie tons of complications definitions behind it. This word carries some of the most painful emotions on earth, yet at the same time, it unleashes some of the greatest moments of one’s life.

I’m one foot into ‘marriage’, unofficially, although I passed my ‘fairy tale’ dream of getting hitched at the tender age of 24. In just a few mere few years time, I will not be able to enjoy the freedom of Single-hood, along with other ‘perks’ that Single-hood brings.

Nobody will fully understand the importance of this Single-hood until they are totally exempted from it. I guess that’s the irony of life. When you are single, you wish you were attached. When you are attached, you hope you are single. There is no best of both worlds in this harsh reality.

 I’m still very much a single person even though I’m attached. I guess the day I considered myself NOT SINGLE (how scary!) will be the day I wore that wedding band and say my wedding vows meaningfully.

With our very own beloved abode bought and we very much know what’s next. For me, it contains a larger responsibility to ask for her precious hand, because this would mean a lot to not just the two of us, but those who loved us and we love. Our topic nowadays revolves around the milestones that are so near yet so far.

We realized and learnt a lot about what’s in store for us, still, at the back of our mind, we have, there’s definitely more that we are unaware off. The thing about marriage is, it’s not that simple as we used to think it is. It involves a lot, and a lot more if you are someone who wants to make it even more memorable and enjoyable.

Marriage talks and seminars opened out mind, widen our perspective and definitely aid in some of the planning. I long forgo the want to lavish the whole process but I still acknowledge the need to make this milestone worth the tag of ‘once in a lifetime’. They say marriage is a huge responsibility which acts as a test to a couple, and if that is the case, I would say getting married is a pre test, a pre-requisite that a couple has to pass before embarking on the lifelong journey together. And for this, I’m all prepared.

Weird Office Rules

I’m pretty sure every single one of us has a ‘dream boss’ in our heart. One whom had the heart of graciousness and one who showed empathy towards you while at the same time, provide guidance and utmost patience in whatever you do. BUT, that can only exist in dreamland.


The truth is, we are always stuck with imperfect boss. There are a lot of types of bosses. Some good, some bad and some, beyond hopeless. More often than not, it is the rules or guidelines laid down by the bosses that reflect greatly on the type of boss they are or can become.

Allow me to share some of the weirdest rules laid by bosses which bound to either nod autonomously or simply just let out a sign of relief:-

 - Your boss doesn’t allow you to take MC: WTF is such rule. Obviously, the reason why one is taking MC is because he or she is sick, and you expect the poor soul to work even though he or she is sick? And what’s worse, he or she could spread the virus to everyone else including you. Definitely something a Boss shouldn’t allow!

 - Your boss doesn’t allow employees to date with anyone within the company: Frankly speaking, this is reasonable to a very small extent but then again, it’s human rights than it being violated here. We are living in a 20th century where we are FREE TO LOVE. There’s no stopping when the cupid comes knocking isn’t it. Are you telling me you are control the number of times you sneeze or yawn per day? DUH!

 - Your boss insist you not talk AT ALL during work: How is that even possible in the first place? Unless you are telling me you are working in a workplace where voice or noise will cause harm or death, if not, that is ruinously rubbish.

 - Your boss doesn’t allow you to go toilet for big or small business: So what? Am I doing to pee into your mouth or shit on your face?

- Your boss doesn’t allow the usage of mobile phone AT ALL: Yes, your boss is going to take every single responsibility should something happened at home, NOT! Crap.

 - Your boss insists you work OT very single day: Your boss must be thinking just because he has no wife means that his employees shall not be allow spending time with their loved ones too. Simi Sai!

- Your boss will only allow your to change your stationary only if it is completely spoilt (beyond usage) and completely used up: Imagine your boss ensure your ink has been used up completely before he stingily allow you to replace it with just one pen.

- No personal belonging on workdesk or anywhere visible in the office: You’re telling me to be naked in the office, isn’t it? LOL! Now every cubicle and employee will look the same.

- You have to answer your office phone within one ring: This sound like a test for policeman who needs to be trained for alert and agility. Now, even if you are shitting, you can’t shit with a peace of mind.

Somehow, I’m glad none of the above happened to me and I really do hope it will never happen to me. And for those who encountered any of the above, probably, it’s time you head for a greener pasture, because I’m pretty sure for you, the grass is definitely greener on the other side.

Carrying Girlfriend's Handbag - Gentleman or Gay?

It caused such a huge uproar not long ago when some Stomper (apparently, too free to mind his/her own business) stomped into STOMP with pieces of evidences of a guy carrying his girlfriend's handbag,

Comments from Netizens soon followed, most of which were supportive of the perception of this Stomper. Whether these comments comes from a girl or guy, to me, it doesn't make much of a difference. It's these comments that make me feel, pathetic.

I grew up feeling loved. Loved for the fact that my mum carried my school bag to school for me, whether it is fetching me home or fetching me to school. This gesture, to me, is love. The love that parent gave to the child, for not needing to carry this physical burden.

Likewise, I grew up with this mentality - when I do grow up, it will be my rightful duty to carry my mother's handbag when she's older, and when what used to be her role, is switched to my duty now. Even if it's for a moment of seconds where she just needed someone to carry her bag for her, I'll gladly do so.

I brought this perception along with me as I enter into my relationship. To me, it's only right to carry your girlfriend's handbag, or rather, it's only right to ask if she needs you to help her with her handbag. It's a GENTLEMAN to do so in fact. To me, it's listed under one of the many etiquette to do. I never knew it could be such a big deal for showing love in the most gentlemanly manner.

Imagine this, guys like us don't usually carry a bag when we are out, and so, whenever we brought along with us for that date (such as water bottle, cardigen etc) are all thrown into HER handbag. And so, there you go, walk as freely as you can while she has one of her hands holding that useless hand of yours and the other hand tussling with the physical burden of that handbag.

I can't imagine how guys could abandon the thought of even helping your girlfriend with her handbag when it's utterly heavy just because of your seemingly ego and pride. To me, not helping your girlfriend with that is ever a bigger deal (a disgraceful one).

For once, I hope I could see more Gentlemen on the streets rather than pitiful girls with red marks on their shoulders (as if carrying your future child isn't bad enough). As for me, I stand by my belief that being a gentleman to your girlfriend is far more important than the intangible pride and ego that cost almost nothing.



PS: I'm a proud handbag carrier!

Derby of all Derbies

As far as I can remember in my years of supporting the Devils, never once has Man Utd came so close to a record breaking title, yet so far because of the inconsistency as well as the presence of the next door neighbors.

To put it simply, it’s now or never. It harnesses even more truth when the match possibly proves to be a victorious one or a heart-wrenching one to either one. To be honest, this season has been a roller coaster ride for the Devil fans. Starting with the season slowly, and eventually being dumped behind by the Blues by mid season. The hard fought spirit gradually gave us a light of hope beginning of this year up until a point where we could literally feel the trophy. But now, it’s all to fight for. Blame it on the inconsistency if one must. I don’t remember feeling so disappointed so many times during my years of supporting them and I must say, they never fail to disappoint at times they most should not have.

For once, I can better understand the meaning of ‘comeback’. It’s never easy to sustain the momentum, especially with a squad full of good players vying for top spot. It wasn’t until beginning of this year where the tables were turned around. The introduction of Paul Scholes was a pure shocker. Nobody expectted him to play, and definitely not me of course. Just when the midfield crisis is starting to deepen, Scholes seems to be the angel amongst the darkness. However, I dare not harbor hopes, because it all seemed too far, then. Anything that happens after that is a fairytale. Wins after wins in games he played, Rooney formed a near perfect partnership with a rising Danny Welback and from there, we see how Man City feels threaten for the first time this season and since then, things were going our way. I That’s the thing about this beautiful game. Nobody can say it’s over until the final whistle is blown.

Nobody can said who’s going to have the title until the title has been won literally and in 12 hours time, I’m about to watch one of the greatest derby of my life, dubbed the Derby of all Derbies! I have such huge faith in them and I could feel what it is like being in the shoes of the players themselves. Having said that, all I wish is, come 5am tomorrow, I’ll be having one of the sweetest dreams of my life.

Working The Japan Way

I was mentioning how the end of a chapter spells another beginning back last month. Time sure flies and I'm already near 3 weeks into my job. I must say, I'm rather impressed with myself, at how fast I managed to adapt to this whole new working environment. But definitely, I wouldn't have done it without the support of my girlfriend, that's for sure. She made me realized what's 'pillar of my life'. Aside for the relentless support, if not for the fact that the culture shock this Japanese company brings, I wouldn't even dare to consider it as a huge feat.

Interestingly, I got a culture shock on my first day of work. I don't know to feel glad or sad to be honest. The fact that I got a shock made my first few days of work tough, real tough. I reckon if I would have come from a more Asian and open company prior to this, things would probably be slightly easier for me. Perhaps comparison was at fault for this shock.

Therefore, I make a survival manual as to what you could possibly expect working in a Japanese company.

Unique Working Environment

You get low partition between each other  in this huge space in a single floor. In this classroom style working environment, you get literally low or NO privacy at all. Everyone can see what you are doing at your desktop. Everyone can see when you're the first person to leave the office. Everyone can see if you doze off during your work. And when I mention everyone, I really mean EVERYONE, all 100++ of them.

Because of this unique style, my boss sits just beside me, and he's probably just half an arm away from me. Oh, did I mention the only person who has a room in this entire company in the president? Yes, you hear me right, even Vice President, General Managers and Bosses sit in such open environment, so it's a literal truth that everyone can see what you are doing, even your big big big big big boss.

'The Phone Plays Music?!' 

This is definitely something new. And possibly the only thing you'll experience only if you are in a Japanese company. Our office phone is apparently customized so that our phone will ring at 9am (which is our official working start time), 12pm (lunchtime), 1pm (end of lunchtime) and lastly 5.45pm (official working end time). They will play such nice melody for a mere 30 seconds before it stops and the phone is definitely very punctual. Unchained melody?

Cleanest Toilet Award 

Yes. You guessed it. How can I leave toilet bowl out. They see toilet as importantly as any other equipment or accessory in the office. And you won't be able to find a single squatting platform anywhere in the office. There's only toilet bowls. They are cleaner than most toilets you find in Singapore. And trust me you know you're in a Japanese company when each time you enter the toilet, the cover is closed. You open it up when you want to use it, and you close it back when you are done using it. Speaking about toilet manners. A good way to start from here definitely

Company's Greatest Asset

No doubt, when you are in a Japanese company, you get one of the most amazing mentality you could possibly see in the workforce. Thankfully, I was able to be part of this. We have seen how Japanese had the never say die attitude when they fought the war back in our grandpa days. We have seen how Japanese worked together with each other to tide over the major earthquake last year. This is the spirit within them. They instill a mindset that each and everyone has a part to play in everything they do. This is no different in this company. If I fail in what is expected of me, it means my boss has failed. This is also the reason why bosses here never gives up on you easily. Call it ego if you want, but to them, if they are the ones who hire you, it means they have to prove that they have made the right choice, else, it will reflect badly on them. That is why, employees here are always learning because their bosses is willing to teach. This way, it attributes to us employees being a great assets of the company.

Workaholic

Japan, being where they are today with such advanced technology and economy, is by no means easy feat. The reason why they climb so fast on the economics ladder is because people there worked hard, literally. When I was back in Japan few years back, 11pm and I was in the bus coach cruising by office towers by the highway, all I see inside the building are brightly lit window panes. Indeed, people are still working at those hours. Their high suicide rates is also caused by the tremendous stress from work. Japanese worked hard. The employees in my company is the same. To them, a hardworking or good employee is one who works till late. Never mind if you are not doing your work efficiently or effectively, so long as you leave the office LATE, you are a good worker. Period. Dangerous for me, who still firmly believe in work life balance. 

Manners

Manners to the Japanese is extremely important and it has to be observed in the work place. Mobile phones has to be switched off, no speaking loudly, be considerate towards colleagues and superiors alike..etc...the list goes on. The way the bosses (Japanese mainly) speak to each other already shows how much manners mean to them. To them, what manners you display shows alot about yourself. A good place for me to turn less couth I suppose.

Punctuality

Punctuality matters more than anything else. Every seconds counts here. If you're late, be prepared to be on the target list of your superior. The Japanese are VERY VERY particular about punctuality. To them, if you cannot even observe punctuality, how are you even to manage your work. To them, if you have poor time management, chances are, you are not going to be good at managing the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to you. This is definitely no joke, especially for someone like me.

I'm sure there's more to what was mentioned here but basically, the gist of it is here. And if you noticed, most of which actually attributes one to be a better person, not just a better employee. I'm sure this workplace will expose me to much more than I can learn and hopefully, I can really be a better employee and person through this valuable opportunity given to me.

Before It's Too Late

Have you ever been fall into the trap of procrastinating? Have you said these sentences such as "this can wait", "maybe later" or "perhaps next time then" to yourself before? Have you ever imagine the consequences that it brings if we don't perform certain action or said certain things on/at that very instance we wanted to?

As we walked our very next time, breathe in the very next breath, utter our very next words, the clock ticks. Time is a silent killer that carefully robs time from us. We grew older every single seconds, and as much as many wish, most yearn to grew wiser, smarter, prettier, much more loving etc, all by the seconds. But, the harsh truth is, we all age. We all become forgetful and full of wrinkles when we grow old. No denial. That is the normal and rightful process we all will go through.

But, what if the unwanted and unexpected struck? For example, an accident, a disastrous calamity or a terminal illness strikes. No one human being has the capability or ability to stop that from happen, because we are no magicians. And when that happens, will "this can wait", "maybe later" or "perhaps next time then" be too late? Think again.

If you want to tell that person you love him or her, say it, even if you are surrounded by eyes looking at you. If you want to buy that favourite food for someone who loves it and patiently waits for you back at home, do it. If you need to finish that work just so you can go home on time to accompany your family, finish it. Time waits for no one. Like I've said, we may be no magicians yet, what we can do or say can make magic to the loved ones that we care so much for.

For if we wait to do something, it might really prove to be a little too late. Live the moment and indulge in it, and not live the future with regrets. I'm a firm believer of expressing my love through actions and words, because I don't wish to take time for granted. If I am not sure if I can live the next minute, I'd better say what I would feel and wish to say for the next minute, before it's too late...

Transition Period

It's been slightly more than a week since I left my company of three years. Life has been pretty much slack. It's been really months since I last updated about my life. Everything has been pretty much mundane and it's more on work that I can talk about rather than anything else happening around me.

Me and the girl celebrated our 2nd year together. It was a long way coming around and we are more certain than before to really make our future work out. You can say we are already planning for our marriage and we have already started saving for it. It could be happening as soon as late this year, that's how FAST time flies, actually. 

Dates has been rather routinal. It's either movies or simply just slacking out butts off TV shows and foods. That's how boring Singapore is as you can see, and that's the reason why we always can't wait to get out of this small boring island. The girl would definitely be the happier one to do so but because of our marriage, this will have to wait as well. But we were at least heartened with the fact that we have a short trip to Kuala Lumpur coming up and a long one in the last quarter of this year, most likely to be Korea. (Can I see my Ji-Yeon in Korean please?? =p).

Job was postponed till 19 Mar. That gave me a huge reason to let go of things a little and go wild. And look what I did to my hair. I've always wanted to tried an ash dye on my hair, and finally, I went ahead to do it, after much consideration and hesitation. It turned out fine in fact, although the bleach apparently scares off some of my ex colleagues and friends.

It has been quite a large amount of me time. Definitely making up for the loss of that largely due to the heavy workload leading up to NATAS. I'm definitely glad it has all ended now. For sure, I'm missing the fun I had with my colleagues and it will be on my agenda to visit them soon, before I start work of course. Like I've said, I've spent more time sleeping, catching up on my shows and soccer. Now I'm so free, I feel like doing something. Something productive and add on value to myself.

I've always wanted to start something on my own. Through my own ideas. Had a few here and there every now and then, but never had the time to execute it. Perhaps, it's high time I kick start it and hopefully it leads me to somewhere somehow.

Meanwhile, at the back of my head, I'm eagerly waiting for my new job to start. I'm excited of it, at the same time, feeling that little bit of worrying deep down inside my heart. I'm not sure how this new job of mine will affect my lifestyle and life as a whole, probably due to the fact that I know I might need to work late and work overseas more often than before. But it is something I'm confident would fly my career higher and I'm certainly hoping it would. Probably, it could already be the start of everything....

Taking Granted

I'm pretty sure most of us had fallen in the trap of 'taking things or people for granted'. It's probably one of the worst thing that can ever happen to a human being, because for all we know, the consequences could prove disastrous.


I was once a victim of this trap. An incident that has nearly cost a hefty price tag. We often live in the world where love are easily obtained by those around us, from our parents, our significant other half, our friends etc. But little did we realize that it's hard maintaining a relationship/friendship/kinship and finding one.

It sometimes hit me how I could boss my mother around and she willingly does everything for me, all because she love me. It's a simple as that. My duty could too be as simple as showing her the amount of due respect and appreciating what she has done for me. Being the most important person of my entire life, I know that should I ever take her for granted, I'll definitely live with regrets. I've learnt to stow down a little and start to appreciate what she has done and in return, hoping to make her happy too.

All I'm trying to say here is, don't take someone you love for granted, be it someone as close as your mother or someone who's merely a friend. It takes two hands to clap. I've seen and personally encountered how fragile friendship can be once tested, but once a friendship can passed that, there hardly exist any boundaries at all.

Friendship takes efforts from both party. If it's just a one way traffic, it ain't going to work and at times, it's going to turn ugly. People always say sometimes, it's better to be late than never. I agree but one has to acknowledge that if you do it late, things will probably never be the same again.

Know who's staying the truest to you and give this person your all. Show your ugly self and you bound to get distance for sure....think about it..

End of the Chapter

As I left that very door, I looked back once more, imagining the life after the very next step that I was about to take. I knew it's going to be different, and uncertain, yet it paints a positive greener pasture for me. I left that place of three years plus with a tinge of mild emotions, yet leaving behind are the awesome colleagues whom have accompanied through the toughest times of my stint there.

As I carefully craft my farewell email, memories flowed through my mind endlessly, as though reminding me how much I had gone through, alongside the fellow warriors who fought tirelessly with me. Carefully not to miss anyone important people out, I acknowledge the fact that if not for these people whom I've worked closely with and for, I wouldn't be where and who I am today, my girlfriend included.

Perhaps, it couldn't be more timely that I choose to leave this time, having done my final battle (NATAS) with my fellow colleagues. It was a huge relief, to be able to complete it after much struggle, which brings me the heart to pity whoever is taking my helm, for I know the route the next person is going to take, won't be an easy one.

But then again, blame it on the management or the superiors if one must. If not for the lack of leadership and management, probably, things would take a brighter turn. Still, on a positive note, it is this negative circumstances that forces me to learn things the hard way, allowing a deeper understanding of what I ought to know, at the same time, making me realized I'm a much stronger person than what I thought I am, and eventually, leading to my departure to seek for better prospects and opportunities.

Three years plus is not a long time, neither it's a short one. I've met countless people and worked with many out of which, I"m glad there are colleagues who turned friends and I cherish this relationship for it is them who made my stay in there an awesome one. Finally, this chapter has ended. I'm sure it is time now, to take this short period of time to reflect and appreciate, before I start on my next new chapter...

Till then...

An Ending Spells Another Beginning

Alright, it’s confirmed. I’m finally moving on. It’s such a huge relief that nothing could explain my feelings when I did two things that further affirms that – penning down my signature on that employment letter and sealing that fatal letter and finally throwing it. I remembered how everything turned and proved too much for me last September and I’ve decided to source for a greener pastures after the last NATAS. I remembered quoting the exact words ‘Time to move on’ on the status on my then, Live Messenger window. For the past 5 months, I’ve been seeing that without any avail or progress in my job hunting. And now, finally, I can change that quote, to something more meaningful, something more positive and definitely something which I know can best describe how a chapter can end beautifully to make way for another chapter of challenges. In probably less than 30 days time, I’m going to leave this place where I’m actually grew attached to during my stint here for the past three years. As much as I hated the management, the managers and some unnecessary people, I realized I’m going to bring along with me a lot more that I can ask for when I leave this place in less than 1 month time. Till then, I shall recollect myself, to piece each memory back one by one, good or bad, in the midst of preparing for NATAS and prepare myself for this milestone to come.

Time to move on, finally?

To be honest, I never thought it would be that tough. Times like this are hard to bite the grit to move on. I always thought finding a job is as easy as 1,2,3 or A,B,C. Perhaps, the reason why I developed this perception is because finding job had been an ease for me through my life. From part time job through job agency to finding my first full time job within two interviews. In another words, it was smooth sailing. And it is also because of that, I realized the hard and harsh truth of working life. In such a competitive environment like Singapore, everyone wants a piece of everything. We, Singaporeans move on faster than most people from other parts of the world. Scandals and rumors get diminished very fast, consumerism changes its trends faster than ever seen before and we Singaporeans are hungrier and greedier than before as well.

Even employers see things the way the world is viewing, but the only difference is, in a more competitive manner. In Singapore, nobody is indispensible. Even my new boss says that. The fact is, there are companies who view their employees as assets, and for some, employees are just workers, workers who are just err…workers. Sad to say, where I am from, employees are viewed and treated in a biased manner. More often than not, many of us felt under-appreciated. But, there's nothing we can do about it. It's rice bowls that we can talking about here. However, having said that, there lies a boundaries no matter what. Employers are spoilt for choice. Imagine a position with almost 20 over candidates, and frankly speaking, do you even think if you get the job, you're the real one who can fit and live up to that job perfectly?

That is why interview is so important. Same goes for resumes and the countless versions of cover letter you have to come up with for job hunting. I realized resume plays a huge role in getting yourself even a chance to be noticed. Imagine just a minor word can make your resume nothing but a worthless piece of document. And once you got that chance, interview is the next big hurdle. It's all about selling yourself. Selling yourself tactically so to speak. No one asks you to speak on how shitty or badly your company is. No one asks you to say how many flaws and bad habits you actually have. The thing is, it's all about striking a balance between boosting your strengths and experience adequately and briefly mention your flaws and how it can actually be a strength at the same time.

After going through so many interviews, I've learnt. I've learnt that job aren't easy to find and it is very important that the next job you're going to get is a good one. I'm sure no one will go looking for a job with the intention of working for just one year or so, definitely not me at least. I'm looking to stay committed, and to get the best and most out of it. Afterall, working is a learning experience, one that adds value to your own self.

Probably, that is why I'm careful with my job search. And now, I'm hit by difficult choices, or so I thought. But no matter what, I'm kind of set on what I want, come what may, I'll take it with a positive note and bent on making and improving myself as a person, adding values to myself through the exposure and experiences I'm going to face. Whatever it is, I'm glad I'm finally leaving the shit hole I'm in, because where I am now, is full of poor management, poor working environment, poor leadership. If there's anything that would make me stay, that's probably the good colleagues that I've made over my stint there.

But having said that, I'm sure whatever my choice is, my colleagues will support me, same for those who cared and shared their most honest opinion with me. I too hope if it's time for one to leave, they can garner the courage to do the same as me. I've come to learn that there is simply no point sparing any thought for a company who doesn't appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of the employees, because ultimately, no one is going to care if at the end of the day, your bowl will be filled with rice for your tummy. It's literally a fight for your own self, in this harsh reality. With that, I prayed for a good year ahead and seriously hope my life will change the moment next week arrives.