2014 thoughts and reflections

Another year has passed and it seemed to have gone by in a flash. Somehow, I am prompted to take measure of the happenings and many thoughts just came to mind.

It has been a whirlwind year and I feel that it was really crazy. Has life become so fast-paced that we can't take a breather? Has the hours shortened or more things are expected as the world advances? In any case, I shall start with a happier mention.

I graduated this year with my new Masters in Arts and Cultural Management. Now thinking back, I wondered how I survived all the evening classes, readings and assignments in the past 1.5 years. I doubt I'll take another degree again, having received a Bachelor and 2 Masters. I must be getting old as it was physically very tiring as compared to my other masters 10 years ago. I was working too then and had to travel to NTU some more. This time, it was in town near my workplace but it felt more tiring. Anyway, I took this 2nd masters for interest and I learned a lot more about the industry. Not that I enjoy studying coz I'm a very lazy person. But I made some good friends along the way, and hope we'll still keep in touch.

I guess the more eventful part of the year would be that I took on a new role at work the day I handed in my thesis. Strange really that it all seemed like such perfect timing. The new role was challenging and I took a few months to settle in it, and am still learning. I took it on out of belief in what our division head had discussed, though the official implementation of the new scope for my role is still pending. I also did it out of passion for where I worked and really hope I can do something for it and the team.
Right now, I'm busier than ever and this year seemed even more than last year at my workplace. It's not really because I took on more duties since I did cover a bit here and there, but there have been more demands, even deadlines till the last day of the year. It's not just me feeling it. However, these past couple of weeks, it dawned on me that I have taken a big risk in that I might not be able to continue my professional track after this and totally forgo what my passion is in. I was also thinking to myself recently and am beginning to have doubts on my career progression (somehow I begin to feel the competition). I never used to think so much about it and hope to prove myself, partially also worrying if I'm a good boss to my staff. Fortunately, though I am still trying to let the thought set in, I was reminded that where I was was where God had put me. And whatever it is, if I have served my purpose and it was time for me to go, I will have to go.  What matters now is that I do my best, not just for myself, but in consideration of others. What I do now will have impact on the team and I really want to make it work, even if difficulties abound. I understand I may not stay here forever and need to groom others too in the event that I move on. Not that I am worried that my staff will overtake me. In fact, I hope to help them plan their progression. Who knows if I will stay on in the organisation in a few years time (not that I have plans to leave) as God may lead me elsewhere.
The only problem I have is my communication skills. I really have poor presentation skills (I get too nervous and am too honest...haha not good at packaging) and can't really deal with customers well especial in dealing with complaints and saying no. These might be my stumbling block.

New Beginnings

It's the start of 2013.
While last year felt like the end of the world with the shaking up of a few areas in my life (hmm...coincidentally it was the Mayan end-of-the-world year, which obviously didn't happen), this year marks a new beginning (I hope) as I step into the unknown of a myriad of activities that will be taking up a lot of my time. Well, not really "unknown" but uncertainty, of whether I can handle the situations.

First up would of course be my studies, which starts tomorrow. I'm not the studying sort and why I'm taking a second masters is crazy, but by faith I take it on, despite having lost some steam since I first considered it. Hope my interest will be piqued once again when classes start. It's also a new life as I become a student again, after almost 10 years since my last degree. At least it's more convenient now since my school is in town and not all the way at NTU like before, where I had to rush down after work too.

Secondly, with my transfer in September, work life has been more dynamic than before. I also foresee more responsibilities that will be thrown upon me and as a result, to rise up (or if a fail, plunge down). I already see one project at the door, as it seems imminent that it'll be passed on to me as the current IC is leaving, unless her bosses decide against it. I'm also supporting my manager as we both try to manage the going-ons at work where things crop up to be settled every other day. Quite a few major events are also happening this year, so hope we can manage. I don't know if I can cope with all these work stuff along with my studies. Everything seems to be happening this year. Stressed.

With all these happenings, I'm also concerned if I can work on our theatre blog. Not just finding time to watch shows, but also to write the reviews. I guess I would need to rely more on my co-writer for a lot of the reviews this year.


Well, the year has just started, so I don't know what else there's in store. Keeping fingers crossed that I would pull through the year in one piece.

Studying again!

I mentioned that I was going to apply for the MA in Arts & Cultural Management degree a few months ago. Well, I did and school starts in January!
I won't say I'm the studying kind coz I'm quite lazy and last minute when it comes to my studies, but I do believe this was a God-led decision. It's a long story. I could have backed out then as I was happy where I had moved to. But well, I was accepted into the course anyway, so I took it as a sign to continue with it, daunting as it is.

It's daunting in the sense that it requires a rather high level of commitment from me. I have classes 4 evenings a week! Nope, am not taking time off work; am still working full-time. And furthermore, I have recently been given heavier responsibilities with co-leading my team. Next year will also be a very busy year for the organisation with major events and I believe I'll be quite involved. Yikes!
Even though I do not have exams, the 1st semester alone has 8 assignments (2 per each of the 4 modules). I think the 2nd semester will be the same. Some readings have already been sent to us (think we have 10 in the class). I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but it's too late now! Hope I can cope.

Because of the packed schedule, I'm sad to say I will probably have to sacrifice a lot of show-catching, the first pinch being Mosaic Fest already. Hopefully there aren't too many acts I want to catch (no researching then!), although I had wanted to catch Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, but it clashes with one of my classes. On top of this, I can only travel during school holidays. Not that I travel that often, but you know it feels kind of restrictive. Looks like I probably can't visit my friend in Canada during the 1-week term break coz it'll be too short a trip and I might have to submit some assignments in the week after, unless....But we'll see.

Another commitment would be financially. It's not a cheap course, costing $9K per semester, which comes up to about $27K for the course, with the last semester not even having classes (meant for us to work on our thesis)

Really need God's sustenance to keep me well next year.