Resignation
I have finally tendered my resignation to my current job, culminating one and a half years of jet-setting and doing projects. For those who do not know, my role is a Solutions Analyst in Exel, implementing warehouse projects. It is really a fun job cos you get to design the varied flows between IT systems, people and documents. I got to train others in the IT system, meet customers and understand their requirements, provide solutions, provide troubleshooting and not to forget, the privilege of flying around in Asia.
I enjoyed the most when I am teaching others. The joy is greater when my “student colleagues” start pointing out certain things that even I as a teacher would miss out. This process of transmitting knowledge, sharing information and learning from each other is exciting. No wonder people look at “teaching” as a noble career With Singapore’s transition from a manufacturing lead economy to a service oriented one and now to a knowledge based one, I really do hope that the monetary carrot is not the only motivating factor for the next generation of Singapore’s leaders. May the Lord raise up authentic Faith/Work Christians. We need to have abit of “Heaven on Earth”…else work is really, simply, toiling under the sun.
My tenure in my current job has been eventful. God led me through periods of desert and emptiness as well as intense activity. Times of emptiness because for a period of time, I didn’t have a concrete role in the company, and was like a wandering waif, wasting away…that was during the early part of my time in Exel. I couldn’t stand doing nothing….it is as if your identity was torn away. But I learnt alot through that time of vexation; to be patient, to wait and to trust Him completely that He works for my good and that he really answers prayers!
That was before my current role. Which really blows my mind, because to me, it is the most ideal job possible in the company. Then came intense periods of project activity. It is during this phase that I really learnt alot about myself and other people. Myself in terms of understanding my strengths and weakness. Other people in the context of my work interaction with them; nasty fear mongers who breathe down your throat to get you to do what they want (i.e. the big bully technique), dependant people (i.e. responsibility fearers) who are so reliant on you that you can’t leave them once the project finishes. But for most of the time, it was really an enjoyable time meeting people of varied cultures, ranging from developing nations to 1st world countries.
Why then do I want to leave? Many of my peers would gladly be in my shoes. Its a regional role and you are getting so much exposure at such a young age! To be honest, the pay was low. And this is not just my own experience, its widespread across my division. So really, performance wasn’t really linked to my pay. But the more important thing is that I feel the need to localise, in this time for myself. Travelling really makes your life fragmented. You get to know friends and colleagues for 2 weeks and then its time to leave. There isn’t an opportunity to build up friendships and make commitments back at my home church.
There is a season for everything under the sky. And I sense and feel that in the next few years, there will be many things moving in my Church and also in Singapore. Would definitely like to stick around when that happens!
No more warehouses.. hee heee…
Thanks for sharing with us last Fri. C U next week!
I like the dolphin!
Comment by Michelle — May 26, 2005 @ 12:59 pm
oh, was that ur first job? hv u found another job?
Comment by .... — May 26, 2005 @ 2:02 pm
Hey michelle..thanks! As for the other person, could you identify urself?
Comment by firefly — May 26, 2005 @ 2:29 pm
hmmn, just a guest who pops by your blog once in a while to kaypo… :p
Comment by .... — May 27, 2005 @ 1:02 pm
I know Exel carries many capable resources but the sad thing is she is not good at keeping them.
Comment by Anonymous — May 27, 2005 @ 2:03 pm
why dun u try civil service for a start? get a feel of the policies and processes, and then u’ll soon discover ways to circumvent certain “obstacles” in the system and use it to your future career’s advantage
Comment by .... — May 27, 2005 @ 5:47 pm
wah…so many comments by unknown people
Can I request some identification? At least put your nickname ler. Yes I’ve found a job. I will say more about it in my future blogs. As for civil service, I don’t understand how it can be used to further my career…I mean its quite the same everywhere rite? there is no perfect job…each comes with its own excitement and challenges.. but then again, some jobs are more fun than others..
Comment by firefly — May 30, 2005 @ 2:26 am
Haha, congrats on your final decision after the long period of deliberation. And well, teaching is… SAID to be a noble job, but it’s not that noble afterall. Take it from the horses’ mouth. Of course, when you’re ready for low pay again, you can try civil service and teaching.
Kidding… have fun at ur new job!
Comment by 3sa — May 30, 2005 @ 11:19 am
kkk kidding(look at the name), this is my first message leving for u, joel.
first of all, congrats!! your job sounds soooo cool..one of those i want to do, man. go ie man..haha..sigh..i haven’t even gotten a job yet..looking forward to graduating..sigh..envy you:) you should pass me some knowhows..kkkk haven’t talked to you in a while on msn. but it’s okay. we’re alive.:) -joonsoo-
Comment by You mean like this? — May 30, 2005 @ 4:33 pm
eh, can u teach us how u negiotiated for a higher salary since ur soon to be former company pays u relatively lower…?
Comment by no nick — June 1, 2005 @ 12:53 pm
thanks 3sa! but actually civil service pay is considered quite high already u know
Joon Soo ah, enjoy your student life man…trust me, being a student have lots of advantages…lots of freedom!
As for how I negotiated for a higher salary, well, I didn’t do much actually. But these are my thoughts; know the market and know where you stand. How can you command the kind of salary that you wish for in comparison with your peers?
Comment by firefly — June 1, 2005 @ 12:59 pm
congrats on ur new job!!
Comment by Spring — June 1, 2005 @ 1:37 pm
civil service pay is only high for the teachers. non-teaching careers dun pay that well. citibank’s employees earn starting salaries high enough to qualify for credit cards. and they are just basic degree holders. no gender prejudice too (ie males dun get rewarded for NS as compared to govt sector). ok, maybe i’m just feeling short changed for getting a measely salary with the civil service :p
Comment by no nick — June 1, 2005 @ 2:54 pm
You have a special gifting, a special person who has a special place in God’s heart I believe. Keep it pure and believe what u ought to believe. Been a difficult season for you I know, but press on and you
know you are dearly loved by 2 very important person in ur life
Comment by fishball — August 11, 2008 @ 3:15 pm