____T.H.E. .P.A.S.S.

I just read Yiyang's entry about working 60 hrs a week and not getting rest. Then I saw Eric's MSN nick going "Objective: Secure a good job before going for graduate trip." It's so sad now to realise that I am racing towards the life of a working adult at rocket speed.

But like what Yiyang described, a 60 hr work week is mad. Shit, I hope I don't end up like that man. It's not even a matter of money. 60 hrs takes a lot away from the mental health. You stop listening to music, you don't enjoy your meals, you don't have time for your friends or family. And that is enough to drive one crazy. It is like serving NS again - the recruit period.

While there is always the occasional lament about the meagre pay associated with that first job that anyone is holding, I see that as a stepping stone - a rung on the ladder that will finally bring me to a state of financial independence. Yiyang is currently receiving 1.5k for the job he holds - that's a lot compared to the amount of pocket money I receive every month. Given that amount, I will probably survive with a thousand bucks every month to keep in the bank.

Of course, that amount will never be sufficient to make one financially independent. There are always bills to pay, and soon, the new house will require lots of maintenance. The house is not one's biggest asset, it is a liability. Where do you live if you convert your biggest asset to money?

This is where financial literacy comes in. The 1k you put in your bank doesn't remain there. It should be used to do work for you. Take it out and invest. Not gamble. Okay, investment is a sort of gamble but it is probably safer. The tricky part is where do you put your money in?

I don't know the answer too. Everyone will have their own ways and means to find their own income generating source. I don't know when I will start to learn. Hopefully, a year after into my working life, the sources start opening up and from there, I will be able to feed my family and live a comfortable life.

Of course, hopefully the health doesn't deteriote. Many things can go bad while you are on your way to financial freedom.
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Alright, that's all for now. The exams are looming. Hopefully I find sometime in between studying to put up some stuff here. But I'll be back after exams for sure, hopefully with more interesting stuff to talk about.

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01:32
Sunday, March 19, 2006

____Finally An Update

Although I doubt many people read this space, I shall still address this post to all the friends who have a tad interest in my life. Sorry for not updating THAT frequently but it seems that I'm running out of issues to talk about - plus I am certainly sure many of you do not want to read about what I ate for breakfast this morning. So here's a short update.

Studies - been doing more tutorials now but skipping loads of lessons. I shan't lie and say that I'm too tired to go to school on some days. I don't really know how to put it but I think I have lost some zest (if I ever had any) in life, such that there are days I just don't feel like climbing out of bed. But while this feeling does not go away, I will still try to catch up on the never ending tutorials. The Hall fellas keep saying how hardworking I am but I keep my feet firmly on the ground because hardwork doesn't always pay. All I know is I try my best for the coming exams and hopefully I improve again from the previous semester.

Football - Well, people keep telling me that I'm improving but I don't really know for sure. The lump on my left knee still hurts but at least I can play through the pain. Fighting for place in the Hall One team is tough and while I find myself being a little more brave on the field (especially after my double sprain), I still need people to tell me exactly what to do and not just tell me I played well or "not too bad".

Friends - Have kind of lost contact with my army friends but I suppose it's that time of the year when everyone's busy with exams again. My secondary school friends are so distant now I fear meeting up with them. Whilst in the past we had many common views on certain aspects of life, I believe I have already changed so much. What if ideas clash? Do I firmly insist on my idealistic beliefs? Do I nod and "yes yes, you are right"? I don't know. I admit I'm spending a lot of time with friends in Hall. Sometimes I feel that the group of us are just individuals that are "in shit together". Other times, I appreciate their presence. Yet, I still do not know how much influence will they be in my life after I graduate. People come and go I guess.

Relationships - Nil.
Somebody: "You never like any girl before meh?"
Me: "Got. Last time."
Somebody: "Doesn't seem like it. Now don't have? In Hall?"
Me: "Got but it doesn't matter now."
I don't think I'm picky. I think I'm too engrossed with myself at the moment - I don't see myself sharing, sacrificing my time with another. Besides, I suppose I come across as being too energetic to be stable and settled.

Well, that's about all for a short update. For those who are striving to do well in any area in life, especially for the coming exams....

Never compromise your dreams.
Never settle for less than best.
Because if you aim for a C or D, chances are high you end up failing.

Of course, the above is just a reminder to myself.

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