January 1994

Just returned from a four-year-university sojourn to the US, also a four-year sabbatical from Singapore. Learnt to appreciate things about Singapore that I used to complain about, but also found a lot of learning points being with people of different cultures and personalities. Received my first journalistic pay check (US$60!) for an article I wrote for a magazine about the experiences of an international student from Kazakhstan. 

First half of 1994

First months of not being a student for the first time in my life was awkward. Not quite sure what, where, why and how? Armed with degree in journalism, still didn’t feel adequately equipped for the real world – yet. Ran around looking for freelance journalism jobs while looking for the ONE that will keep me gainfully employed in long term.

Important to gain whatever experience you can get in your field of choice – even if responsibilities are limited, and pay is pittance. Landed a gig with GO – a teenage magazine – to do movie and book reviews.

Second half of 1994

Aunt Lil brought home a pamphlet of Asian Business Press from a career fair she attended. Looked promising with editorial trainee programmes for graduates. Trade publishers involved in wide ranging industries like aerospace, travel (sounds like fun!) and IT.

Went through five rounds of interviews including a writing test. Passed! Began immediately on three-month editorial training programme. Graduated from the editorial training programme and lucked out with timing, landing the prize job as reporter of Travel Trade Gazette Asia. Reporting to two lady editors who appear dynamic and inspiring. The head honcho is based in Hong Kong and is therefore elusive to the newbies here in Singapore. After receiving warning not to get her cross, I am told of the wonderful opportunity management has given me to spend two months in Hong Kong – with her. Brrr…

Life is sometimes all about being at the right place at the right time. I’m thanking God for my right place, right time moment once again.

1995 –1999

Love my job as a travel trade reporter, covering the travel industry, seeing the world, and talking to (and learning from) very important people who inspire and incite industry changes. Working under my two lady bosses, I learnt how to think on my feet, seize opportunities, work outside the box, expanding myself beyond what’s expected. This is what they are about.

What I like most about the job? Being constantly in a learning mode. I feel like I am back at school – taking notes, listening to gurus of the trade. The hectic travel schedule was adrenalin boosting, until child number one came long. Then it got a bit more difficult.

1999 – 2001

Mother of two now. Still enjoying my job, although travel schedule has had to be curtailed. Still on occasion rewarded with a trip or two which ends up being a nice getaway from the usual mother routines. Again, reminded of blessing working with bosses who value people and are therefore willing to accommodate for changes in my life.

Worked various arrangements throughout the first years of motherhood. On some occasions, worked from home several days a week. Additional benefit of working within a small, local set up where rules exist, but flexibility around them allowed.

2001 – 2004

Migrated with the team to a new set-up which entailed moving back to the big (did I mean bad??) corporate world of stainless steel lifts, marbled lobbies and carpeted conference rooms. Corporate policies mandate that I go back to regular office hours. Left with little choice but to hire full-time helper at home and leave children alone at home. Definitely not ideal so mulling options.

Changes afoot at the office. Economic conditions following SARS are impacting all businesses. We are not spared. My sifus are moving on, taking this opportunity to branch out and explore new roads. What do I do? Biggest work decision ahead of me. Hung around for another year or so, swallowing pay cut and subjecting self to air of depression at the office.

No more motivation left to go another day to the office. Took biggest leap of faith at work and abandoned full-time employment to go solo. Got full support from mentors and encouragement from close industry contacts – the investment I have made into the travel industry, having stayed close to it for more than 10 years, has paid off.

Remember now the importance of networking and deepening domain knowledge in ONE trade. Depth of knowledge and width of contacts critical for me, now that I am venturing out without the corporate safety net.

2004 – present

Can’t believe this is my 8th year as a solo warrior. Kids are growing up within my full view which is definitely a big bonus! I now have part-time responsibilities as a family chauffeur, tutor, and still working the industry. Perfect!

Sometimes I miss the adrenalin rush of working full-time and being fully immersed in work. (I didn’t say this) I even miss the deadlines and intensity of working out challenges with work and work mates. But am very grateful for my current arrangement because being with the kids and watching them grow (sometimes in pain) far exceeds anything else I could ever achieve or experience at work.

Having managed myself for the last 8 years, I’ve had opportunity to discover more of myself, my passions, my strengths and weaknesses. It will be a big open world for me when my kids need less of my time and guidance, and I can once again venture out there for myself.

Till then, I will trudge on, as always with Carpe Diem as my modus operandi.
 

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