career chapter 2 - end -

experience which gives the 'cider' taste stays for a long time 

Resignation tendered.

Contract signed.

In 4 weeks, I'll be finishing off with the 2nd company of my career life.

It was a short, bittersweet experience of 15 months. 

With every journey - good or bad - that we go through in life, we should get wiser, grow stronger, and gain something out of it.

Thinking back, because of this job...

- I moved out of my comfort zone in the eastern suburbs of Sydney - the place I called home for the last 8 years since arriving in Australia.
- I was exposed to and get to know a new side of Sydney - the north and northwest suburbs.
- I made some new friends due to the new geographical location that I'm in.
- I met a team leader who taught me patience and allowed me to show my skills due to his incompetencies.
- I made a few 'close' colleagues due to the small company size. We gossipped, we teased, we had timtam and popcorn time-outs, long lunches and tea breaks, we enjoyed the days out of office for site inspections.
- I became more approachable and accustomed to the small-talk culture because people are more closely-connected in small companies compared to when you have 250 people in a company, you'd have more acquaintances than friends.
- I kicked start my engineering chartership after 7 years, just because it was enforced upon us. I wouldn't have started it otherwise.
- I learned that startup companies could be a pile of mess even if they do have an established parent company.
- The 7 main things that keep people from quitting: money, career growth, significance, work scope, support, people, and environment. I only scored 1/7 for this company unfortunately.
- I had the opportunity to interview people, which allows me to experience interview session from the other side of the boardroom. Apart from skills and characteristics, FATE too plays a part in landing you the job offer.

That's about all I can think of for now.

Cheers to a more colourful journey ahead. 

city2surf

when there's a will, there's a way

After living in Sydney for almost 10 years, I finally became one of the 80,000 citysurfers this year. 

Running has never been on my tick-off list, what more a 14 km run.

When our company decided to sponsor the run this year, I thought if I don't do it now, I don't know when's the next time I'd come this close to being part of this event.

I signed up without hesitation, and thought I'll worry about the training later. Lol.

Everything has to start somewhere else it will never happen isn't it?

While most people at work were already 'secretly' training during lunch, I was falling behind.

Blame it on winter. Haha.

It involves a lot of mental and psychological strengths to just get myself to change into sports attire and go for a run.  

Since it requires so much 'mental and psychological' efforts from my side, it makes more sense if I'm doing it for a cause than to be training and running blindly.

Perhaps, I'll be more disciplined with the training if it's for a cause? Hehe.

I decided to raise fund for CanTeen - to help teenagers who have been affected by cancer in one way or another. 

Thanks to my fellow supporters, I managed to raise $612.25 on the night before the run!

It did make a difference.

On the day of the run, I arrived 15 mins before the start time. 

Had to use the toilet before the run.

With an event of 80,000 participants, I was 'surprised and not surprised' by the fact that the queue for the toilet was less than 10 mins, there was no queue-cutting scene, there was sufficient toilet paper and water in the portable toilet unit, and it didn't stink as I thought it would.

I was 'surprised' because the organiser and 80,000 participants managed and behaved well above expectations.

'Not surprised' because this is what you can expect from the people here.

The crowd was at a standstill before the start.

At 9.05 am, it started moving slowly towards the starting line. 

Along the way leading to the starting line, there were jumpers and sweaters laying around on the ground.

I thought what's wrong with these people.

Did they all forget their jumpers?

Did they leave their jumpers behind and were gonna come back to pick them up after the race?

It's not one or two, it was more than 20!

Up to a point, there were a couple of huge plastic bags filled with clothing.

Massive task for the lost-and-found crew - I thought. Lol.

After moving slowly with the crowd for at least 15 mins, there's finally enough room for people to start jogging. 

But it was still pretty tight. You could easily trip on someone's long legs from behind.

The crowd dispersed after about 1 km into the run.
That's when I started noticing people in costumes.
There were superheroes, frogs, bees, bunnies, people who dress like old grannies, people in tutu dress, etc.
They were having so much fun dancing and jumping around with music blasting in the background.

Wonderwomen!

Couldn't help but to stop and take photos of these Wonderwomen. 

Couple in mix-match stoking and a daddy taking his toddler for a fun-stroll.

This guy in football jersey, with handbag and umbrella. 

Apart from cool and funny people, there were also weird people.
Like this guy with handbag and umbrella.
Looks like he's on his way to get some groceries.

Nova FM cheer zone

There were live bands and music stations scattered throughout the 14 km.
People blasting music from the balcony of their home.
Kids setting up mini fundraising stalls outside of their homes - selling cupcakes, energy drinks, and bottled water.
People helping to spray water on runners, from a hose outside of their home.
People from around the neighbourhood bring their kids to be part of the supporting-crowd.
People having BBQ in the lawn of their house with beers while cheering on the runners.

one of the last photos taken before finishing the run - reluctantly

14 km was over in a blink of an eye. 

I wished it was longer. Haha.

my 1st ever medal from running.

My target was to complete the 14 km in under 2 hours.
Clocked in at 1 hr 48 mins - including 118 mins of running, time spent taking photos, grabbing and gulping litres of drinks, applying sunblock (4 times), distributing sunblock, etc etc.
Most of my colleagues did it within 90 mins.

I later found out that it's common for people to donate their unwanted clothing at the starting line.
The jumpers on the road were 'act of charity'. Not that people were forgetful. Haha.
My colleague donated a bag of clothing too.

These are some of the thoughtful plans/services provided:

Free public transport for the day for all City2surf participants to ease traffic congestion.

Free sunblock and vaseline at the emergency booths throughout the run.

Sufficient toilets - cleaned and replenished frequently.

Gear drop service which transports participants' belongings to the finish village.

All you need to carry with you are mobile phone, an ATM card, and house key.

Don't even need earphones for music as there were music and live bands in the background throughout the run.

Something they should improve on is to come up with ways to minimise the number of cups used.

If each participant used 10 cups, there'll be 800,000 paper cups disposed in one event. 

Feel like crying for the earth. :(

Nevertheless, kudos and many thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and relevant authorities for the success of this event.

City2surf is not just a mini-marathon. 

It encourages people to run for a cause.
It brings people together - runners, families, supporters, volunteers, party-goers.
It turns the otherwise busy and congested streets into a party zone.

It makes an ordinary Sunday healthy and meaningful.

I got home with a medal, jelly legs, sore muscles, blisters under my feet, and blood stain on my sock.

The S Health app shows 31,746 steps, 26.04 km, and 1265 kcal burnt.

Was expecting sunburn but I wasn't even tanned. The free woolies sunblock at the emergency booths work wonders!

I kinda understood now, the true purpose of marathon.

Not much for the medal and social media attention.

It's more about the satisfaction and sense of achievement at the end of the run.

The feeling of completing an impossible task. 

Of breaking and pushing through the limits.

quarter-life crisis

first-world problem

25 was when quarter-life crisis struck me for the first time.

Being new to the workforce with much more to learn from the veterans...
Having savings which allow me to be jobless for a year or two but not enough for anything bigger...
Being surrounded by friends whom I knew for less than 4 years and most were still in uni...
And being in a relationship which I'm not sure of its future...
Basically, everything's not here nor there.

Hence, came the doubt of whether I'm at the right place at all.

The questions which came across my mind were:

Do I like my job?
Is this what I wanna do for the next 10 years?
Do I follow my passion or continue doing what I'm doing for the sake of making a living?
What's my passion?
What are my life goals?
Where would I be in 5 years?
Where do I want to be in 5 years or 10?
Am I mixing with the right circle of friends?
Should I expand my network, mix with a more mature bunch?
Should I move back to be closer to my family?
Have I made full use of my life thus far?
When should I settle down?
What do I do with my savings?
Is it too much to dream of buying my own property?
How and when do I wanna retire?
Am I happy where I'm at?
Is life all about earning, living, saving, repeat?
If I die tomorrow, does anything still matter?

There were good and bad days.
I'd see my boss work till 7pm and wonder is this the life I want.
I'd look at my colleague who leaves at 5pm sharp to pick up his kid and shudder at the idea of settling down and having kids.
I watched the sushi-maker at a Japanese shop make sushi and thought maybe I'd be happier and more stress-free with a hands-on job like this.

Some days I'm grateful for my engineering job and the money it pays.

Some days I think it's meaningless spending 12 hours a day (including travel time), 5 days a week on work.
Some days I'm proud of my job and the difference it brings to the wider community.
Some days I'd think maybe going back to Msia for good is a better idea, some days I'd be like better not.

It's a constant never-ending cycle; until the mind is determined to get itself out of the cycle.

So I decided to take 3 months break.
Away from work.
Away from relationship.
Away from the confusing environment.
Went on a backpacking-style holiday to Hanoi.
Took care of my newborn nephew.
Did nothing for the rest of the break.

After 3 months...

I decided that I shall go back to being an engineer because it's a better-paying job than a junior sushi-maker. Just joking Lol.
The aim was to save more money, at least financially prepare myself for future endeavours. Perhaps retire by 40?
I also thought I should live more like a working-adult and less like a student to 'feel' belong and more connected to the life of a mid-twenties.
I shall also pay more attention to national and world news/info which I should be concerned of: taxes, property, finance, politics, budget, health, etc. Knowledge has to grow with age. Otherwise, it's called being ignorant and living in denial.

I stopped doubting my career path.
I had an aim with my savings.
I became picky with friends.
Invested more time on the right people and less on the not-so-right ones.
Sydney will be the place to be. Unless circumstances change in the future.
Most of the my doubts were answered and direction set.

5 years on...

30 was when the crisis struck me again.
This time at a different level, not as serious as before. Lol.
My career path is kinda fixed.
There's no more questioning about passion and interests.
There is a balance of young immature friends, fun and happening friends, stable and successful friends, and long-term trustworthy friends.
And also some friends/ex-colleagues/colleagues from work.
Settled with one property.
I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The questions are now:

Am I progressing well enough in my career?
Should I bother being a chartered professional in my field?
Would I stay long enough in this field to make the chartership worthwhile?
What do I do with my savings?
Who should be my beneficiaries?
What other things - investments, small business - can I venture in?
Can I retire by 40?
Have I spent the last 30 years well? Could I have done better?
What can I do now so I don't regret at 40?

Hahaha.
Perhaps I think too much but it's good to know I'm not the only one.
It's a common first-world problem.
The ones who think will get somewhere, the ones who don't will stay put forever. 
The way to get over it is to face the questions, find answers for the 'why, what, who, how, when', and execute upon them.

If we know how to drive, and there are roads to travel on, rest assured that we'll end up somewhere.
Those who refuse to learn how to drive and refuse to pick a road, will hence stay where they are for good or worse.

I know how it feels like to be doubtful and doubted as I was once there myself.
One advice to people who have symptoms of this crisis is, gratitude.
Counting blessings and recalling the things you're grateful of are ways to remind you that you're already doing well and you're good where you're at.

seize the moment

don't take moment and opportunity for granted

Within a couple of weeks, I've heard news of people's loved one passing away due to heart attack/stroke. With no warning nor goodbye. Three of them.

They reminded me of how unpredictable life is and how chaotic it could be at times. 

And then this quote came along.

The women, concerned of the amount of calories they consume, waved off the dessert cart.

For they thought they'd have chance to come back to it another time - dessert can wait - the ship then sank. 

Such is life. 

Seize the moment.

As now, then, and later won't ever be the same.

As now is now, then is past.

As later is a product of now. 

Moment - seize, reminisce, and not freeze.

money vs friend

only lend money to friends if you don't mind not getting it back

Money is a sensitive issue.
It has the ability to ruin, rock or make relationships complicated.
That's why people often say we shouldn't make money an agenda when it comes to relationship with people - be it family, friends, or your significant other.

How much do you have?
How much do you make?
Would you lend me some money?
You still owe me 50 cents.

Also because of its complicated nature, money can be used to gauge how strong is your relationship with another person or how much you trust each other. The stronger the relationship, the more you won't see money as an issue between the two of you. You're more willing to reveal/sacrifice without a second thought.

Recently, I have a friend who asked if he could borrow $600 from me.

$600 is a fairly small amount to borrow for 'emergency'.

$600 can also be easily cashed out from a credit card or overdrawn from a debit card.

Why would a professional with a permanent full time job not have $600 in his bank account?

Why just $600? And why me?

What if I didn't lend it to him and he ends up in a bad situation?

What if he really needed this badly?

When asked what happened, he refused to elaborate.
'Something came up suddenly, but nothing serious.'

I respect his privacy but don't I deserve to know what my $600 is for?

I asked a couple of trusted common friends about what they think about borrowing $600 to this friend of ours.

One said he doesn't mind borrowing but he wants to know what is it for.
One said no, because of past bad experiences of lending money to people.
Fair enough.

I could have asked a few more friends but I decided it might be bad for his reputation. It should be between the two of us to start with.

Eventually, I lent it to him.
I also prepared myself for the worst, that I might not be getting the $600 back.
If the worst happens, it's a $600 lesson of Don't Borrow Money to Anyone. Once and for all.

Someone who has the courage to ask for $600 without the slightest thought/respect that people ought to know what their money is gonna be used for - is quite a disrespectful person, in my opinion.
Just because I know better to respect you, doesn't mean you can take advantage of it and put me at a disadvantaged position. It's like taking a friend for granted.

On the other hand, I offered to help a friend who's been behind on credit card payment.
=_="
No, I'm not filthy rich.
I just wanted to help a friend pay less on credit card interest.
Although the amount is more than $600, I didn't need a second thought as I'm certain I'll get my money back. I've got nothing to lose.
This friend also has nothing to hide so I'm clear of what I'm paying for.

For the one who took the $600, this will be the first and last time.
Besides teaching me not to lend money to anyone, it also taught me that it's hard to trust someone who doesn't trust you in the first place.
Never ask for help if you're not ready to be naked with your stories; it only leaves people with more doubt about you and your personal values - that you aren't an honest person.

Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need more. The money or the friend.

So, he who borrows money from a friend and doesn't bother explaining himself, must have valued the money more than the friend?

I'm glad that I'm at a position which allows me to help them financially.
It's a blessing to be able to help.

awanmulan

deep conversation brings you closer to one another

Spent a night with my girl friend at Awanmulan in Negeri Sembilan during my short trip back to Malaysia.

Why Awanmulan?

So my dear friend threw me a list of 9 retreat places in Malaysia, and told me to pick one.

There are all over the peninsular. Pahang, Penang, Selangor, KL, Negeri Sembilan. 

Selangor and KL are out because that's too close to home. Lol. 

Pahang and Penang are kinda too far. 

Out of the 3 options left for N.Sembilan, I randomly chose Awanmulan. 

She went like, 'Ok. I'll book it tomorrow.'

We are similar in a way where we dislike being dilly dally on our decisions. We tend to decide promptly and let 'come what may' take care of the rest. 

So when the owner Mr.Teng asked how did we come about Awanmulan, did we hear from family/friends/news/blog?

I said we saw online and picked it randomly. Haha.

entrance which looks kinda dodgy.

The road leading to the estate is narrow and seems to fit only one (non-standard) traffic lane at a time. Fret not, cos Malaysians are known to be able to survive any road/traffic conditions - especially traffic jams and flooded roads. Lol. One-lane road is just a small potato.

It's only about 1.5 hours drive from Klang Valley area. 

We arrived about 2.30pm at the gate. 

The gate was locked. The 'guard house' was empty and looked creepy. Haha.

After a few missed calls, Mrs.Teng finally picked up the call. 

Apparently, you would be asked to describe the 3 signs on your right before they come down to unlock the gate for you. 

3 signs - Dusun, Cabinz, and Shorea.

Being a Tuesday, we were the only guests that day.

Mr.Teng happily showed us around the different cabins in the estate. 

He is one proud father whose architect-son designed all the cabins in the estate. 

We didn't have our phones with us during the introductory 'tour' so no photos were taken. What a shame.

We booked the Sasterawan for RM550 a night.

There was supposed to be wifi provided but I couldn't locate any during our stay.

But it's ok. 

Wifi isn't one of the reasons we came here for. 

Phone network was pretty unstable too - duh otherwise it wouldn't be called a forest right. Haha.

Room wasn't air-conditioned but ceiling fan was provided.

Being in the middle of a forest, the night air was cool so you don't really need an aircond.

I wouldn't even use the ceiling fan if I were on my own - but I guess my friend would suffocate without it. Lol.

the bed

Very clean toilet and shower.
Towel, sarung, and shower gel were provided.

For ladies especially: no hairdryer.

the toilet. wallpapers are from magazine/newspaper cuttings.

open-roof outdoor shower.

This is where we chill, cook, eat, and dance with the insects after dusk.

the verandah

Forgot my swimmers!

Since there were only us that day, Mr.Teng allowed me to go into the pool with sarung. 

He also humorously said, 'Make sure your sarung don't float up when you jump in.'

Hahaha. Ok noted, uncle. 

Please make sure you have your swimmers with you if you intend to swim.

Alternatively, you could join the hiking trip (at some costs) provided by the 'locals' of the forest. 

Of course, you'll need sneakers for that which we don't.

We dipped in the pools for about 3 hours until sunset. 

Dip. Not swim. Haha. The sarung will be floating everywhere if I swam.

There were mosquitoes everywhere, even when we were in the pool. 

Involuntary blood donation of some kind.

the smaller pool

the bigger pool. hardly any blue sky in Msia.

the bigger pool

sunset from the pool

one of the cabins

garden outside the owners' home.

The cooking facilities were quite complete - induction cooker, kettle, microwave over, steamer, fridge, etc.
And also a mini BBQ pit, charcoals, fire starter, and matches!

The only things missing were the ingredients - BYO please.

Clean drinking water was also provided.

There were only two sets of everything - two bowls, two spoons, two forks, etc etc.

No chance of sneaking in an extra guest.

We were not supposed to move the furniture around. *woops*

But we wanted to have dinner the 'steamboat' way. So we shifted the table a little but also 'carried' it back to its original spot after. 

Yes. To protect the flooring, carry the furniture. Don't drag them. 

Don't expect 5-star housekeeping or whatsoever. Wash after yourselves.

Thanks to the dedicated housewife who thinks instant noodle is too saddening on its own.

Our supposedly camping-style instant noodle dinner turned out to be a luxurious korean noodle with kimchi, mussels, octopus, enoki, and oyster mushroom.

our dinner

After sunset, the insects come out to play.
They come in all shapes, forms, and colours. At least they don't bite nor sting.

Initially, we were busy shooing them away.
After a while, we got accustomed to it.
The insects are 'calmer' if you don't try to flag them off. So I decided to sit still and be treated like part of the nature. Lol.

  

   

The iron-housewife didn't forget fruits from the to-bring-list. Must salute her!

vitamin C booze

The surroundings were pitch black except for the light from our verandah.
In other words, you can't do much here.
You're partially disconnected from the outside world, with no wifi, and surrounded by nothing.
The only 'thing' that could possibly entertain you is the person in front of you - that's if you went there with a company.
We actually joked that if we spent longer time there, we might get too bored and end up fighting.

We spent the night talking and talking, sharing stories and views on life while the insects accompanied us through.

Breakfast was provided and delivered at 8am - nasi lemak with instant coffee, boil your own water.
Rice was too wet but we're not fussy on food. So it's ok.

breakfast

We checked out before 12pm.
Had a little chat with Mrs.Teng before we left.
She's nice and friendly.
She told us to visit each time I'm back in Msia.
Hmm. Need to do some budgeting before that. Lol. It's not the cheapest place for a short getaway.
But I must admit, we did spend quality time there.

The first thing we did when we were out of the forest was to head to a saloon and have our hair washed and blown dry.
It's totally the housewife's idea though I'm starting to feel uneasy with my not-so-fluffy hair too.

Then we headed to Seremban for some beef noodles.
Nothing so special about it, except for the price.

RM8 for a bowl of clear soup noodle with beef.
RM8 for 10 beef balls which didn't taste beefy at all.
RM6.50 for a mini pre-packed coconut!!!

RM33 for this meal.
OMG!!!

And I thought bahkuteh was the most expensive meal. I was so freaking wrong.
I had to demand for a receipt with the breakdown of prices to be sure that we pay for the right items.

Seremban clear soup beef noodle - just noodles with beef slices, some shallots, and chilli sauce.
I repeat.
Clear soup with noodles, beef slices, shallots and chilli sauce.
RM8.
And not tasty.
You made my jaw drop.
Not coming back and not recommending it to anyone.

quinn seremban beef noodles

Coin meter parking still exists these days - at where a bowl of clear soup noodle costs RM8.
Technology isn't picking up with inflation.

Then we went to get some siewbaos and egg tarts.

Apparently, the egg puff was the famous one. But the wait was too long so we decided to ditch it.

We then stopped by at the Majestic Hotel KL for hi-tea before going home.
Luckily, we had our hair washed and blown prior! Hahaha.
Can't imagine us walking in with greasy and sticky hair.

It was indeed a 2D1N well-spent.
We don't need it often.
Just need to do it once in a blue moon with the right person.
Thanks for your time and company!

at a random gallery

friends you can be silly with

We stumbled across this gallery while on our way to Central Park. 

From outside the glass door,

Me: What's this about? Oh no, the 6th guy has a broken penis!

L: Omg...eww....

Me: Let's go in and have a look.

L: Ok.

After a close look,

Me: Ok. It's not just the 6th guy, they all seem to have broken penis for some reasons. Lol!
L: Haha.

After a closer look,

Me: Oh no, actually they broke their own penis. What the hell...
L: Huh?!
Me: See the 2nd guy...he's holding the broken part. It seems like it fits just right.
L: ..........

L: Eh, nola. The 6th guy's is not broken, it's just short. Haha.
Me: Not broken? Hahaha. Oh ya...how come so short? Ok. Only the 2nd one is broken.

We were too carried away by the 'short' stuff and forgot to behave.
We also spoke at very audible volume. Woops...

Luckily, it was almost closing time so there weren't many people around.

If the statues were real, the guys must be real sad and embarrassed. Lol.