Ask and you shall get.
If you guys have been following this space for awhile, you will remember that I do my yearly summary during the last week for each year.
I can't believe how long I have been doing this. Yes, it has been 10 freaking years. Can you believe it? Ten freaking years! If you have been reading since the very 1st edition in 2010, congratulations!!! You have wasted a good 10 years of your life by my side. I can't thank you enough for doing so.
For those who missed it and wish to catchup: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
2018 was a rather depressing year as I've shared last year. To quote me from a year ago,
"Maybe I am just jaded or maybe it's mid-life crisis some may choose to call it. Regardless of what it was, it has to stop. I need a change. Not too sure how to achieve it yet but I hope help is on the way. And when I say help, I mean myself. Nobody can change me. It's probably all on me. "
I am not the most religious person but I always believe in a higher power. I've no idea who or what it is but my prayer was answered once again. I got the change I needed. A change that brought me new energy and new targets in life. I asked, and I got it.
I stopped almost entirely with paid content. I stopped almost entirely with all the PR events. It is not because I am very busy but I just wasn't in the right headspace throughout the year. I do not know how to express this part of my life but I just feel that I am pretty much done using my personal voice to sell things for others. Good news is I am a lot more active writing things online be it on my own space, Facebook page, or even just contributing articles to various online sites.
Erm, as for Instagram, I am feeling very strong fatigue not just in terms of me posting but also in terms of users uploading and engaging with Instagram posts these days. I can't say for sure but I guess most users are using IG Stories more than IG's original function. I might be right or maybe I am just giving an excuse for my lack of posts this year.
I also stopped travelling. I had a lot fewer reasons for me to be travelling with my life's new arrangement. Do I miss it? Maybe. Do I wish to travel again? Not really. Did I even travel in 2019? Yes, I did went to Bali and I'm proud to say that the picture I shot was actually featured on some 10 over different travel sites. #weirdflexbutokay
Anyway, here are some of the crazy things that happened this year. (Not in any specific order.)
New Job New Me at NTUC. #Everyworkermatters
My journey with NTUC has been a hell of a ride so far. The people at work are great. I probably can't ask for more. Actually, maybe I can, no harm having more hot colleagues right?
Not to sound like I am carrying balls but NTUC is really less rigid than I imagined. I guess I am one of those lucky ones that have very supportive bosses and colleagues. NTUC might be an organization with loads of legacy but yet at the same time is very willing to innovate and evolve with time.
I actually asked for more projects and opportunities throughout the year. Despite me being a very new staff, I got pretty much most of the things I asked for. Of course, I hope this has something to do with how convincing I am as a person and also the way I pick my battles and not just because I am handsome.
I've a full list of people that I wish to thank after these 10 months of working at NTUC but I guess I will save it for next time. Meanwhile, I just want to say that I really appreciate everyone here with me and all the opportunities are given.
There are a lot more exciting changes coming 2020 and I can't wait for it.
New Job at Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Being an educator has always been something I see myself doing in maybe another 10-20 years time. However, I never back down from a good opportunity.
A friend of mine was helping his friend to look for a part-time lecturer and he thought I might be a good candidate. After reviewing my own schedule and getting approval from my bosses, I decided to use my personal leave to teach at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I wanted this so much, and yes I got it.
Yes, you got that right. I am now a lecturer. Probably the last person that you imagine working in NTUC or as a lecturer. BOOM! I am currently working at NTUC as well as a lecturer.
Yes, I am very busy but it is very fulfilling. I don't think I am any worse at work and in fact, I think I am doing better and more motivated with the additional responsibilities and work. I know, I'm crazy. The students are lovely and it's so fun teaching them.
One of the most common questions that I get all the time is regarding my tattoos and working at these established organizations where public image matters. I guess I am lucky that I am born in an era where tattoos are seen as art. That being said, I can't stress enough that I am not encouraging anyone to have tattoos all over your body. I did plan the shit out of my life and I am glad it worked the way I wanted it to. Here are some tips for you;
1. Do your tattoos on spots where you have an option to hide. Ngee Ann Poly does need me to hide my tattoos in classes. I am working with a group of youths in their formative years and I personally do not wish to misguide anyone too.
2. I only had my sleeves tattoo very late in life. No doubt I said that they are being appreciated as art, but the truth is there are industries that still see it as a stigma. Thus, I only started having these many tattoos when I am sure of the industry I will be at and also my career path. So do think twice before committing to any tattoos.
New Ink of 2019
What can I say? I am a big fan of star wars and my favourite movie vehicle of all time has to be the millennium falcon. The lines are so fine and I love it. It was a birthday present to myself.
Not exactly asking when I paid for it, but yes, I got it as well.
New Family Member - not quite, but coming soon
Seth is an amazing child. He has grown up so much within this 1 year. He is so sweet and witty. Just the way I wanted him to be. In fact, 2019 was a very special year for us. Due to my wife's pregnancy, we spent a lot more time together. I mean we have always been close but I feel like we connected even more since we were spending a lot more father and son time with the wife out of action, suffering from her morning sickness.
I digress.
After long planning and discussion, we finally decided to try for our 2nd child. I asked, and I got it. I can't wait to meet him (yes, him again) in 2020.
Seth is going to be a brother!
New Friends, new relationships
Nope, don't worry, I did not get myself a new girlfriend or wife but I got a lot more friends. Not just new friends but also deeper relationships.
Many of my friends like to say that I have many friends but I choose to correct them that I am just well connected. I am going to be shameless and just say it. I am a person who is pretty good at meeting new people. I also have to admit that I am not exactly good at keeping friends around me for long. I choose to believe that it has nothing to do with my fun-loving character but more often because I am a very lazy person when it comes to maintaining a friendship.
However, I also choose to believe (once again) that I did better this year. Here are some of the friends that I like to thank for sticking around. Don't be sad if you did not get a shoutout. I already said I suck at this. Just remember this, although you are not mentioned, I still love you. And also means that we should hang out more often.
The Boys.
Started off as basketball kakis but now they are just like family. We spent so much time hanging out. These boys are 15 years younger than me on average.
The Old Boys
Probably the strangest relationship ever. I met these old boys on a gaming Facebook group and the rest is history. We text each other more than we text our wife and girlfriend. That's how clingy we are.
The Chimi's Gang
Chimi's is this place that serves good drinks and food right below my office. I met them earlier this year simply because they are just right below my office. It is a great place to connect. What started off as a customer/business owner relationship soon turned into a friendship. And also because of these dogs (we call everyone dog there.) I have been drinking a lot. Yes, 2019 is a very very bad year for my health.
The Office Sisters
I do not know about you but I probably spent more time with these ladies than my own wife. I love my work and silly shenanigans. I think we successfully made working at NTUC look very chill and fun. And we are the office sisters because I am the only guy in the team.
OR am I?
What will 2020 be like?
2019 was a great year. I'm given more than I could ask for. I really don't think I can complain much or at all.
2020?
It will be yet another crazy year.
Greater job responsibility. Hope that everything goes well.
New Child. Most importantly, be a healthy one.
GE is coming. (No, I am not going to be MP but I mean it is a big deal since I am a Singaporean after all right?)
I can see all these coming.
What else will I ask for?
WEIGHT LOSS OF COURSE!
Happy 2020!
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