1st - 3rd - NEW YEAR AT TOKYO WOOHOO!
4th Sun - Resting and nursing my snowboarding wounds and attended a studio recital at esplanade by a Violinist, a Pianist and a Soprano (Woon). Really interesting Norwegian folk music. Dinner at Manhattan Fish and desserts at Lady M!
5th Mon - First day of work and V pulled me into a meeting room to discuss my future plans to work with her.
6th Tues - I was contacted by a recruiter for a job opportunity which sounded really interesting. A major Chinese company listed in Shanghai Exchange, looking to set up an international office in Singapore. The company manufactures valves and builds hydro power plants around the world, with very heavy travelling and engineering work involved. The prospects and package seemed pretty good but I'm still very skeptical of the company. The fun part is the travelling and people I'm going to meet, the downside is the office is at Paya Lebar, really far away from my house and I'm not very certain if the company is going to be successful. The travelling part could also be a double edge sword.
7th Wed - I received an invitation from the Norway silicon company for a second interview. I finally called through to Mieko-san to confirm my booking at Myoko
8th Thurs - Interview with the hiring manager M, which was very relaxing and I hardly said anything during the interview while she kept going on and on about random stuff.
9th Fri - Was informed that I had been accepted and had to decide if I wanted to join by 13th. I told Issey about the job and he sent in his resume.
10th Sat - Researched on the company and the work they do.
11th Sun - Pineapple tart baking and alcohol sharing day. Also booked the Tokyo hotel.
12th Mon - Talked to Betty and L who supported my decision to join the china firm. I told V about it but she was unable to confirm a headcount for me. She wanted to offer me a contract role but it's the last thing I want, so I emailed the London head L for some advice on future developments. I also had a long lunch at Hong Lim food center.
13th Tues - Gave a verbal acceptance to the recuiter and M, with terms and conditions. Requested for the past 3 year financial statement of the company to audit their financial health.
14th Wed - Called in some help from an excellent accountant Alwyn. Lunch with accountant Edmund. Alwyn called me in the evening to verify and gave some comments on the company.
15th Thurs - Meanwhile V said that London head will be coming down next week to talk to me about my email. Betty offered me a permanent Band 7 job in operations because somebody is leaving. L offered me another permanent Band 7 job but will try the hardest to push me to a Band 6 but I'm just not interested in the job scope. With 3 permanent and 1 contract job in hand, I am officially very stressed and losing sleep. Banking or Engineering?
16th Fri - Lunch treat from Vincent at a Jap restaurant. Found out he's also applied to go London this or next year.Went to Holland V to collect some gifts and drove out for ice cream at night because I haven't had ice cream for a long time.
18th Sun - M sent me the amended letter and some work to be done. Watched Birdman at Lido and haircut at Bugis.
19th Mon - Recruiter and M wanted my details to buy work insurance for me but I avoided their calls and replies the whole day. London head L is here this week and V asked me to hang on because she wants to talk to him first. I am having a major headache because both sides are playing tug-o-war on me. I rejected the interview for the Norwegian silicon company because I have narrowed to these 2 jobs. I'm also losing sleep due to stress.
20th Tues - V had the talk with London head L.
21st Wed - Lunch at a Korean restaurant with T, who also introduced me to a Citi banker, who offered to refer me to the MA program. V came to tell me London head L had given his word for a headcount for a permanent staff but have yet to discuss the details. M is pushing me to sign back the offer letter. Called Evan to ask for some HR advice.
22nd Thurs - While everything is still pending, I was so stressed I hid in the toilet because I didn't want to face anyone. I needed some therapy during lunchtime. V had asked me for lunch but I rejected her because I needed time away. After lunch, V called me into the meeting room and formally gave me the permanent role, with promise of a Band 6 within 6 months because the minimum requirement is Band 6 for that role and they also wanted to match my offered pay. HR had to take some time to process the permanent headcount so I'm still under contract in Feb. There's also opportunity to go for training or attend forums/meeting overseas, mainly in London and they might also rotate me to London after 2 years. The New York hub is also opening at the end of the year. This changes things.
23rd Fri - Formally rejected M for the job and accepted HSBC as my employer and started my career direction as a banker. Felt a little bad for M but I had introduced Issey as a replacement. I was so relieved, but then again, everything is not settled until I sign something. I went jogging at my usual track and was doing pull-ups and a NTU guy made friends with me and reminded me of IPPT that I have to take this year.
24th Sat - Visited Alwyn, PS and Ethan! Visited Dr Teo at Seng Kang and watched Imitation Game.
25th Sun - To celebrate making my life decision, I went shopping at Orchard. I wanted to look for a planner but Muji had taken out all their planners. I wanted to buy some Uniqlo stuff but realised buying in Japan is cheaper. I bought a shirt for work, adding to my collection of bought-but-not-worn-because-I-have-too-many office clothes. I also found an unworn red sweater in my parent's cupboard is perfect for my next Japan trip. The folks went to M'sia so I had Jollybee for dinner.
26th Mon - Lunch with L and she treated me to Boost. I found out what really happened in the room with London head L and V, and she also played a role in securing my headcount and expected salary. Both L and V wanted me in the bank, especially V because I had been a great help to her.
27th Tues - I turned 28 today. What a dramatic end to 27!
Helped Jasmine buy fish-soup for lunch and she treated me to avocado gula melaka, which was really really good. Got the great news that she's having a baby! My virgin trip to Night Safari at night which was free because of my birthday and I had to wear this embarrassing badge. Random people in the Safari greeted me Happy Birthday.
28th Wed - Introduced KW to join the china company. Haha
29th Thurs - The new guy came in to be my replacement so I had to teach him everything.
I dreamt that I was building "Everything is awesome" Lego words while dreaming of the song. And the song was stuck in my mind the whole night.
30th Fri - T's birthday! We also celebrate Shawn's and my farewell with treat from Betty. Four fingers chicken, sushi patter, authentic homemade indian curry from Abe and cobb salad from ST. T also bought cakes from Fullerton because she had vouchers. The chocolate cake was soooo good and addictive. I could finish the whole cake myself.
31st Sat - I woke up and couldn't sleep at my usual office wake-up time so I played with my phone for a whole and fell asleep. Swam 40 laps at the pool and got a tan to prepare for Myoko Onsen. My taobao stuff arrived! After lunch I made Matcha cake with cream cheese frosting.
The most important and dramatic January in my life. I am so relieved a major part of my life has been settled. I can forsee that February is going to be the same when I announce my career change and CNY plans, but who cares! I'm so stoked for Myoko I think about it every night before I sleep.
