Sunday, May 30, 2010

What do you want to do?

I don't know.

I really don't know.

Do i really need to know?

Job week had consistently been memorable throughout my 4 main scouting years. Yes, I did earn much each year during those 4 days of going door to door, discovering treasure troves of generous contributors and utilising my strategy of pulling at people's heartstrings. I'm sorry, I didn't intend to brag. I recall going to my favourite hotspot- Lincoln lodge, the condominium right behind United Square in my secondary 4 year. It was a place full of expatriates and warm, friendly people- definitely unforgettable. From the top floor, I descended, ringing each apartment's doorbell. At one particular door, an indian lady opened and immediately, I sold my story on job week. She paused for a moment and cracked her brain on ideas of jobs to give me. Not long after, she gave up and called out to her spouse for any ideas as well. Eventually, she simply invited me in hospitably like an expected visitor.

Not wanting to let me off jobless, she had decided to get me to teach mandarin to her young daughter who was occupied in one corner with her toys. With a glass of coke with ice, we carried a conversation that led to the question on what i wanted to do. At that time, I thought probably investment banking since it seemed like an appropriate choice but then again, i conceded that I still wasn't too sure. Without hesitation, she shared that it was totally alright. She admitted she was 26 before she finally discovered where her passion laid in. Her job then in JP Morgan was where she was concluded her search for a career she was contented with. Not many know their desires until they visit the corporate world long enough. And that would take much time.

Advice may narrow the choices but only experience will decide.

"I am a simple man," revealed the then Chief of Staff-Joint Staff of the Singapore Armed Forces, BG Chan Chun Sing. In the closed door session with OCS cadets, he chronicled his life, how he came to be and accepted his calling. He was offered the SAFOS scholarship after his JC days and accepted it even though he wanted a different career. From there, the rest was history. He had no complains, no qualms about not having the liberty of choice. He is a great example of one who obliged without doubt to an organisation he had no idea of what to expect.

He showed that one can choose to find contentment in any job.

With these 2 tales in mind, I've decided to take my time to discover my passion. And if I don't find it, I will remain contented with my life despite whatever outcomes I face.