3rd Years In The Rat Race

Yesterday marked my 3rd working years which was also my 3rd years with Mesiniga Berhad. Times sure fly when I noticed that my last post is dated more than a year ago.

Needless to guess, things changed and I changed too. Be it better or worse, here am I, finally found some time, space and heart to ink some memory here. I am waiting for the terrible traffic of KL to subdue actually, at Bursa Malaysia my biggest and most important client.

By the way, I was officialy aged 27. Just 3 years shy away from the number you know what.

As said, I am still with Mesiniaga Berhad. If you do remember or have been following my previous posts, I am working on a big project on Bursa Malaysia and was very hype and passionate about it. I can assure you, it was as dramatic as how it was written in reality. So, how am I now after all those hypes and drama?

All I can say is, I am glad that I chose to endure all those challenges and the rewards are sweet.

I got 2 major increments on my paycheck at 27% and 50% respectively which makes my salary now double of the amount I get when I joined the company. I got to personally meet my company COO when my General Manager lobbied me to him for my outstanding performance on the project. This is where I got my biggest increment. I got promoted to System Analyst and entruted to lead a big module with full trust from the customer and management. And I got selected as one of my company 50 top talent, and will be polished for future management role.

I am glad that I could get this far in just 3 years.

As a matter of fact, the stepping stone that molded me into what I am today, is a mentor of mine which is also my collegue. He was the one who hard sell me to the management when I am still a nobody in Mesiniaga, nurtured me and finally gave a big opportunity to prove myself.

All nights will come to an end and sunshine will always appear no matter what. True enough, when one managed to survive the ordeals, good things will always come at the end.

Guys, my intention is not to flash my "trophies" to the world though it seem like it. I just need a place to pour my happiness and hypes so that I can revisit this feeling in the future when I came across this archive. When comes to works, things become secretive and complicated. I can't be sharing all this to my colleagues. Hence allow me to do it here.

Will try to update more next time...

Do you want, a Time Machine ?

It was a Sunday night, and because I am taking a day leave tomorrow I have decided to sleep late today. All TV shows were boring and there is not much updates from social media perhaps because it was a moody Sunday night.

Therefore, I went through my assorted photo collections that were captured via my SLR. I am particularly hyped and excited when going through photo collections of my Uni Time. Especially those mini-traveling moment with my close friends.

I have went through all of those photos.

I laughed alone in my room. All the fun memories were flashing back one by one as it felt like just happened yesterday. Out of hyped, I quickly threw out few comments on a FB group chat in hope I would spread my excitement around. However, the result was not a good one.

And I am finally brought back again to harsh reality. Those good times were a past.

And I understand that. I am always a person that could accept facts and reality. But I am too, a person that would sometime revisit my past memories for a good-o-laugh.

There were more than a time, when I am lying flat on my bed with eyes closed while waiting my brain to pass out. I hope for a chance to revisit my past and to relive it again.

Maybe via a Time Machine.

So, before my brain pass out on me, I could usually imagining a story that will be started mostly from my secondary school time till..... I forget cause I have finally slept.

But most of those imaginary story, is to revisit those good time and how to make it more perfect. That's is the key of whole point. Make it a perfect storyline.

But today, when I was trying to have another round of imaginary time machine before I felt asleep, it does not go as smooth as previous. Something just popped in my mind.

It was a simple question.

A question that sound like "Are you sure if you are able to relive your past, would you be able to produce and re-experience all of those sweet memories?"

That is when my mind started to wander for quite a time. And I have decided to spring out from my bed to blog this down.

At his point of time, if somehow a time machine appears in front of me. And this machine would have setting for me to decide what date I would like this world to reverse and with a push of button, everyone of this earth would relive the past once again.

But me would have an exception, which is my current memories would not be wiped out. Which mean I will be aware that I am reliving the past.

So, would I push the button or not?

An hour back, I would definitely push it without due consideration. But now,

No Thanks.

The reason is, I have no confident and believe that I could re-experience those sweet memories and nostalgia again. It would impossible or just too hard.

Imagine I chose to start relive my 1st year in UM. What would I do?

I know what I will do, and for sure it will not be the same actions that I have took originally. I would be more outstanding and avoiding mistakes that I have done. For obvious reason, I do not think I would be fooled enough to revisit painful experiences.

And because of all those actions that I am actually over-writing my past. Would change everything in my future. Ho Lim would not be the same anymore.

With such a strayed course, there is no point of revisit the past anymore because it has defeat the initial intention of doing so.

Most probably I would have joined different gang of friends and would not be as fun as the friend I have now. Or maybe I would be tied up in a relationship early, and my entire 3 years of Uni Life, are just memories of me and her.

And maybe because of that, all of my close-friends today might become just a hi-bye friends in the future.

I would probably break-up and end up have nothing but numbers of hi-bye friends.

Now, when my common sense kick in. I am sure relive the past is not a good idea. And just like watching a damn good movie. No matter how good it was, it will never feel that good when you planned to watch it for 2nd time onward.

And because of that, instead of missing my past memories. I would appreciate and thanks for it had happened in my life.

And I do not need to relive it because it must be a perfect actions that I have took. I have no regret.

So friends, would you push the button on that Time Machine ?

Ride the Tide, Catch the Tornado

I wonder if there are still friends who check on my posting since I have abandon my blog for quite some time. If anyone is reading this, Thanks, for having interest in my life.

I am busy.

Busy with work of course. My first year of work is nothing compare to what I am going through right now. But it doesn't mean a bad thing.

It was actually one of the best thing happened to me! Let me tell you why.

My company took a hard hit on several fail project, most seniors with valuable experience left the company, New hires are poorly performed, and existing experienced employees are over-burdened with jobs that yet to find its replacement.

No, I am not being sarcastic nor saying the opposite.

I am just 25 with only almost 2 years of experience. In a healthy company, my portfolio would be a junior who still need to be prep for at least another 2-3 years before anything to consider. 

However, I saw a blessing in disguise. I saw the golden bridge in a strong tide and chaotic weather. And I decide to stand up and be counted.

At this point of time, it is not hard to be noticed by higher management. Their resources are scarce, they have very little people to trust. Most new hires are recruited with rush to fill the gap in project. At this point of time, it must be a moment of

"Is Now Or Never"

I am now embarking on a very large scale and value project. This project is so important because it will save my company reputation from its several failed project and will surely make the financial report healthier than it was now.

From a mere developer, I am entrusted with a role of System Analyst and had became one of the key person for this project. In a healthy company, it would took me 4-5 years to reach that level.

I have to admit, I was under immense pressure for first few weeks and had even reached a point of outburst and breakdown when dealing with customers. However, those were the past and I am glad that I could adjust myself pretty well.

Now, I am comfortable with my new roles and able to deliver my tasks with quality. If everything does go well. Next year, by the age of 26... would be My Year.

To my dear friends, we are fresh and have nothing to lose. When people are running away, we should also run, but toward the opposite end with Greater Speed !

Keep Fighting !

Bit spices of Working Life

After seasoned for a year and plus a little bit extra, fighting my own battle in this enormous battlefield of corporate world, I started to taste some spices of this mysterious corporate world. Every year, there will be this one particular day where people will get all mix-emotion thingy.

What else’s if it is not during the time when the company was supposed to announce increment and adjustment of individual payroll? This is the time to know best, “Are you been a valuable asset to your Company?” Or you are just “like many who are insignificant to your company vision and core business, and because disposing you will be cost too much, so.... maintaining your pay might be the cheapest thing to do”

For what I believe, the action and reaction are the most honest answer. If your salary didn't get revised/increased, that would probably mean that you are off from the right track in company. That would also mean that whatever efforts you have put in the past one year, may not seem significant to your company vision (provided that you are not slacking off jobs). Which in crueler word, you might be the expendable one.

Don’t get me wrong about this, I am not saying that people who is not entitled to raise/promotion is not good enough. What I mean is that the right people might be in the wrong place. Just like asking Michael Schumacher to change Tyre instead of helming the cockpit.  

If this is the case, what would be your next move? Would you negotiate with your boss and resort to resign as ultimatum? Or would you put yourself low enough to beg your bosses and bombarded him with all sort of difficulties and inflation you are facing? Or are you the one who really know your true worthiness and decided to put it in other place?

Ah! I leave out one important move, which is most recommended by the employers. Work extra harder, prove your worthiness and try again next year. For people that have been work like bull and upon receiving this feedback, I am sure they will take it as an insult more to an advice. Thing is, if one have been work like bull throughout the year, and have decided to double the bull-eh for another year which turn out to be another disappointment, one could imagine sort of psychology and mentality damage it could inflict.

For what I think, salary increment/adjustment is the only way to gauge your future in this company. One can work like bull and superman, but if all the efforts were pour in area which is not within company’s core business per Se  the boss will not really going to care that much. Which mean, a coffee/office boy can cut the paper, post the mail, make coffee and prepare files thrice as fast, but at the end of the day, he might not get a fair share of increment just because his efforts were not significant in bringing money on the table.

This is one of the time, where you have to stand up and fight for you future. This is a big and will be a long dreaded war for everyone. And in war, there is no fair and square. Like the famous saying from ‘God Father’, it is just business and nothing personal.

One can’t blame the boss for not increasing your salary. He got an account to watch and he will always try his best to keep the payroll minimum while increasing the revenue for the company. It is his job to do so. As obvious as it may look like, the boss is fighting his own battle too. So there is nothing personal. So, if you are really a key person in the company, he would definitely offer you an increment/ adjustment/promotion without fail every year even in difficult time, just to secure you in the company.

For my case, very soon enough I will know my position in company. I have been thinking a lot lately, mostly about my performance in the past one year. Well, my next move would be a lot easier to decide after the result is known. One can’t change the surrounding but always can change itself. Hence, may the luck and wealth with all of you as well. Till the next updates,

Take care and lot of Wealth.

2012, Through Heaven and Hell

  It has been a while since I last pen down my blog. Works have been taking up most of my active time and concentration. And now, thanks to a nice and hot StarBuck coffee beside me, I have enough caffeine in my blood to colour my blog a little more. Once in the while, it feel good to have this affordable luxury.

People always tend to visit their history once in a while, when their mind are free. Just like me now, thinking back my journey a year back. The year of me stepping out from schools and start in limbo into my first career in life.

It was a very tough year when all the flashbacks streamed my mind. But the year ago ‘me’, somehow did not feel that worst. Perhaps it is my optimistic behaviour that always screened me from all the tough time. I am blessed indeed.

There are things I am proud of, such as my choice of company “Mesiniaga”. One year has passed since, and my desire to be with this company is still burning strong. Because I know this company can definitely bring me a better place.

2012 was also a years where I have to let go once in a life time opportunity to work and live at least once at the legendary New Zealand. It was a tough choice, between starting my career early or prolong my carefree life for another half a year or more. For the obvious, I have started my career early.

2012 was also a year where I have received both worst and best news in life. It was the year where I was surprised with humongous amount of house loan debt. Being the eldest son, I have limited choice but to step out early into corporate world in order to ease my parent’s burden.

This is also a year where out of desperate measure, I have decided to take up a business opportunity where I am not really proud of. It was a business where majority of people will have negative perception on it, and it is none other than a multi level marketing business. “Amway” is the company name. It is a good company with great product and the business can be really rewarding if one could managed to survive the challenges. However, direct selling business is still not my forte though I have working real hard to adapt to it.

Anyhow I have survived in this business for almost a year and have built quite a numbers of depths in my group. I must admit that during that time, I have learnt a lot of thing such as communication, reading people mind, team work and some sales skill. But at the end of day, I am not enjoying one bit doing sales and convincing people.

I guess the desire to release my father from the debt burden have fuelled me to go this far. However with job workload become heavier, I become more exhausted as days gone by. I work hard and fast during working hour and run my business at night. I have very limited time to sleep. All of this madness has continued for one year which to my amazed, I have not seriously fallen ill. I guess the desire to release my parent from this debt trap is so great till I could force myself to do thing I hate so much, losing friend and face.

Until one day,

My family destiny has taken a great turn. Due to something happen, which I wish to keep it silent, my parent was able to clear the huge debt and even have enough for a comfortable retirement.

From that day onward, my shoulder has never felt so light before. And the only force to drag or push me doing the business, is no more. Since then, I have halt expanding this business.

Actually I have never regretted my decision back in 2012. As I believe in every decision and actions, there will be give and take. Just like the moment I have let go my New Zealand plan, I am blessed with this job in company, the one year of involvement in networking business, I have gain experiences, skills and a foundation that other place can’t get.

Now that I have all the time and energy in the world, I have decided to pour all into my career and see where it can lead to. But I job alone would not satisfy my inner growing greed in future. And I believe I will run a business some day with great dignity. It will be a family business which will be inherited to my kin one day.
 

For You

"For You"

If I talk real slowly, if I try real hard
To make my point dear, that you have my heart
Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know
Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know

If you love me with all of your heart
If you love me
I'll make you a star in my universe
You'll never have to go to work
You'll spend every day
Shining your light my way

If I talk real slowly, if I hold your hand
If you look real closely my love
You might understand
Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know
Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know

If you love me with all that you are
If you love me
I'll make you a star in my universe
You'll never have to go to work
You'll spend every day
Shining your light my way

Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know
Here I go, I'll tell you what you already know

If you love me with all of your heart
If you love me
I'll make you a star in my universe
You'll never have to go to work
You'll spend every day
Shining your light my way

Happy New Mayan Year 2013

Happy New Year to whoever is still reading my blog !

Months have passes since my last posts. Though a lot interesting stuffs are going on but I always lost the mood to put it in words when I got the chance.

If I could live up till 100 years old, then this year is my silver year. That mean I am handsomely reached my 25th birth year !!

Life have been so great and counting.  I have hell of fun doing my degrees and after that get hired by my current company which I am really having fun working on it till now. Almost one good year. I guess I am adapting to my new phase of life pretty well. And this phase of life will be a long ride. What will be waiting for me at the end ? I have no ideas. But I am very sure it will be GREAT !

Which mean I did not really decided or have a concrete plan on how I wanna drive my career train. I believe one decision you made today, might be the best for now but it might wont be the same 10 years later. So I will always be looking on my options when the time is right.

Right now, everything is seem to be set in really nice path. Great family, good career, and just lack of one particular element in life. This element seem so easy for others to acquire it. But it never been kind to me.

For years, I have been dying for it. A lot of crazy things I could do just to have it. But after all, it is still a stranger to me.

Right now, thought it will be a damn good thing to have it now, but I will not crazily pursue it anymore. Right now, I only need to focus on increasing my net worth, maturity and have a strong faith on destiny. When the time is right, the rightful one will come and I will know it, period.

On every first of January,  with my family we will go to Thean Hou temple for prayer. And as always, I will draw a lot to seek for advice throughout the year. And this year is no exception. so I got picked a lot in witness and blessing of my god mother 'Boddisatva Guanshiyin'. And it was a Good Lot !

With that, I am very pumped up for this year !

A lot of good things is coming soon. Such as Chinese New Year and my father birthday. Ahh ! and also my salary revision is coming. An increment will be a superb news ! And for tomorrow, is my first 12 Km marathon of year 2013. Thanks to a friend who reminded me about it. I have no fear and worry as I have been hogging the treadmill for past few months. So I am ever ready !! If my left leg did not sustain heavy injury months back, it will be great though. Anyway, I believe I am set to go !

Too much to update in one go. But updates I will.Too much great stuffs to share though and it will be too bad if I did not pen it down.