The nice people and those who caused the problem

I mentioned about facing some challenges in my career, and most crucially, my "lifespan" in my current job. I was kind of "played out" by some silly things people did (and not my fault or choice), which has caused my worst fears to come true. But I shan't talk about the story as it will only raise my blood pressure and get me all upset. Quoting someone, I was "hard done by".

Anyway, this post is more about the good things I've seen out of this situation. I'm glad that I've found some kind souls, whom I'm not even that close to, but who seem sincere in trying to offer me some help. Like the highest authority whom I could approach (yes, I wrote in a "complaint"). Contrary to rumours, she was very personable and has promised to personally look into the matter. That posed some relief to me.
Also, one of my colleagues has even helped me to drop a note to a couple of colleagues for any "lobang" for me and even sent me alerts of plausible positions. Actually, it was very strange how this started as he suddenly asked me one day if I would be interested in looking for other positions. I don't know if he had heard anything about my problem. Anyway, I'm glad there are these nice people around in the organisation...it makes the situation more bearable.

Of course, I'm also glad that I have a couple of friends whom I had confided in and who would keep me in prayer. Hope I had not been too burdensome in loading all the details on you, even though you might not fully comprehend the situation.

Also strange that someone else asked me today if I'm already a permanent staff. Must be because the news of people getting converted to permanent are coming soon (heard July/August), but obviously, I've been left out because of this silly situation that wasn't caused by me. He was very surprised and agreed it was a bad turn for me and maybe I should take some precautions and do some planning just in case.

Talking about planning, I wouldn't say I was purposely doing any planning, but an opportunity presented itself as in maybe to upgrade myself. See my earlier post about taking a Masters in Arts & Cultural Management. I don't know if that will eventually come to pass, but maybe it can be a backup some day. Also, a discussion the other day gave me some hope, but that might be just talk only.

Oh well, I've done what I could of the situation and am leaving it in God's hands.

Mid-year review

I didn't make many resolutions this year coz well, I guess I wasn't in much of a mood. But I am glad to say that I've completed 50% of it (though it's quite a cheating resolution) :P

Half a year just flew by and it's been quite a challenging year for me in all aspects of my life - physically, emotionally, professionally and spiritually...and I believe some of these have become interlinked. It's like a battle to survive. What would have happened if I were not a believer?

I shan't or can't go into the details here, but so be it. I've discovered I do not dare to do certain things now or am not motivated to do them; sometimes it's just a matter of doing something for its on sake, or maybe to push or keep myself occupied.

I don't know how the year will end for me, or if I will find new direction. But things around just move on don't they? Regardless.

Arts & Cultural Management

Due to the recent focus on the Arts & Cultural Strategic Review (ACSR), my organization is focusing on arts & culture and I had the privilege of attending a short course on Modern & Contemporary Asian Art History at LaSalle.

Ok, this post isn't about that module, but my attention was drawn to their Master of Arts in Arts & Cultural Management. Tempting.

This isn't the first time I'm considering something similar. I had considered a WSQ in Diploma Arts Management which was offered a couple of months ago by Emily Hill Institute for Creative Enterprise. But their classes were in the day, so I couldn't possibly take time off work for it. Anyway, I was having mixed feelings then.

This time around, the prospects seem more plausible with evening classes and takes 3 semesters. But the entry requirements seem pretty daunting especially for someone who's been out of full-time school for 10 years. Besides the basic degree requirements (my results have never been that great), I would need 2 letter of recommendations (professional & academic) and probably have to pass through an interview. What's more, and probably of a challenge, is that one would need to submit his/her research proposal for the application. I'm not sure if this is a common practice, but submitting a dissertation proposal even before taking the course? Well, I'm not sure if I can come up with a researchable interest topic. Fees are at $27K (for now). Intake in January.
I also found out that applications open in August. Yikes! Can I actually submit a proposal by then, among other things?

I wouldn't say the ACSR had any part to my consideration. I've always been kind of in the arts and at some point, I did do some form of arts management work in my organization, though it's more on the collection aspect. So maybe this would be a natural choice, and not really a specific subject specialisation. It could also mean any phase in my life.

Well, I'm not sure if I will get admitted if I apply (that is if I really do get down to sending in my application), but I'm leaving it in God's hands. If it's his call, He will make the way, as He did for my current job. He led me and opened doors for me for my Masters in Library and Info Studies previously, so if it's meant to be, He'll do it again. Got to pray about it.