28/02 . A New Door to an unknown path... Should I?

As some of you might have been informed personally by me... I did not get the job with the telecommunications company. I was rather pissed, in fact, that the lady had not called me early that week as promised. Instead, I waited till Wednesday night to send her an sms to ask if she has any news for me yet... and the next day's late afternoon I finally got a hasty respond from her, that another candidate has been selected. Sigh, after I have braced myself for hard work and low pay, it's another door slammed in my face. Well then, knock on (or KEEP KNOCKING / BANGING)... and in the meanwhile, enjoy the holiday. And yes... I was rather depressed and discouraged - but not for long. In 2oo6, I will fight to stay happy - and avoid pain. HEH.

I "rested" for a week, and got really bored idling around, feeling like a real slug (or sluggard). My life was lived almost upside down, according to European or American times... sleeping around 4am or later, and waking up past 2pm. Oh what to do, I always tend to be noctournal! Yea~ always a late riser, and late sleeper, heeee....~ And I have absolutely no motivation to get anything done except laze around and do unimportant or senseless things. I used to keep a wish list of "Things to do when finally free and at home" - and now that I am finally free and at home, I just have no mood at all to do it. All I could think of is going out to have some fun (and yet no one seems to be available - either working or ill or just busy.... -- and yet there are also those who are available and pestering me to go out - to which I try hard to decline or shove away, hee hee heee..... so mean~).

THIS is also the BEST TIME to hit the gym again.. in fact, I would have envisaged me hitting the gym around 10am each morning, and have a long hearty workout till noon, get a nice steam bath and shower and leave the gym by 1pm... then lunch with some friends or colleagues working around the area to catch up or just yak yak yak. Thereafter maybe go window shopping, or to a library or bookstore like Borders and sit and read, or park myself in a nice cafe with a seat by the window and read a noval. Then, by evening, if I'm game for it, head back to the gym for Part II of my workout or kick my heels around in an aerobic class!!!!! kekekekekeke..... Well... nothing of that sort happend lor~!! And yesterday morning, my weight was a shocking 62.8KG!!!!! (and I usually weigh myself, erm .. fabric free)... I dared not weigh again today. :(

Research Associate - A new door to an unknown path

In my desparation, I sms'd an old friend who works in a reputable headhunting firm to see if she would be kind enough to help me keep a look out for suitable jobs. I was astonished to receive her immedate call and she sounded like she won a million dollars! She told me I couldn't have called at a better time and she was delighted to hear that I'm seeking a job - I was supposed to be in full time studies by now if I have moved ahead with my plans last year. Hence she told me to go see her last Friday afternoon to discuss further.

Upon reaching her office last Friday, she told me briefly about the job. She is not referring me to any other client but HERSELF.... Hmmmm.... And yes, just as I've guessed, she would like me to join the headhunting firm as a Research Associate, reporting to her. It's a contract-to-perm position reporting to her, newly created, and she is willing to train "the new person" (me lah!). Actually, slightly more than a year ago, somewhere end of 2004, she has approached me for this similar position. She has identified me as a person with the right energy level, willing to learn, pleasant and cheerful on the phone, and happy to work hard. (MY TOES ARE LAUGHIN~) ... Well, its amazing how highly others can think of me. But then again, I didn't say this to annoy all of you who thinks really well of me - you all know me in and out (most of you), and there are some percentage of truth to the above... but I'm just not too sure about me anymore. OK STAY POSITIVE. (*smacks self*).

Anyway, she talked to me at the right time about this job as well - I'm desparate, and I'm discouraged about getting another HR Admin job that don't slice my pay in half yet having to work equally hard, not to mention I do not have the necessary experience and expertise in some HR areas! Hence, I agreed to an interview on Monday afternoon.

Gee, just 2 weeks not working and I can't squeeze into all those shirts already!!!! GROSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! But I still managed to squeeze into something not too unpresentable and was there on time. The first round of interview had a real intimidating start, with 6 Research Associates (the whole team) walked in at the same time and sat across the table from me (*gulp*). And then they started addressing me with different questions and scenarios at random.... almost everyone had a turn. They look like a really nice and fun bunch of people to work with (aren't they all during interviews, kekekeke.. both ways), and very soon I felt relaxed and rattled on as each question came along. I was later told that all of them liked me very much (personality, energy level etc.) and rated me 9/10 eventhough I have totally no experience in this role. They have seen a few experienced Researchers and have not gotten good vibes, the best one had a 7/10. Chehhhhh Bah!!! *smug smug*

(and yes... when I use "etc.", usually whatever examples listed before the word "etc." is all I know. hahahahahahaha...!!!!!!!)

The second round of interview followed immediately after, and this time it is a senior man, the Head of one of the various industries (e.g. IT, Financial, HR, Life Sciences etc.. ). I felt kind of nervous meeting him because I was told he knew one of my ex-bosses very well.... *GULP* and it won't be good news for me if he were to informally talk to my ex-boss about me... hehehehe... Anyway, he really zoomed in onto the various companies I've worked with and asked me many interesting questions.. He even ask about my family, interests (do I play any sports) and passion for learning. I was really honest, and of course I do try to be very enthusiastic and positive and exude the "CAN DO CAN LEARN" energy - much more than I actually am. At the end of the meeting, he actually gave me an evaluation of me : For example, he said, he felt that I have a good sense of self-awareness, and that is good. However, I am still seaching for the direction or cause or passion that I can run towards - whereby right now I am only aware of what I might want or might not want ... blah blah blah.. and he is really RIGHT!!!! I am so so so so so impressed!!!! My eyes went really BIG with amazement and admiration! hehehehehe....

Anyway, my friend came in last, and was supposed to make me do a cold call. But due to time constraint, she only had the time to demo a cold call, by calling the receptionist of a company and bluffing the gal that she's from a certain organisation and need to send a card to the head of the company and needs the full name, and if possible phone number.

This is one of the things I would have to do as a Researcher. I will need to make cold calls like this to seek out people that fit the profile and criteria of the job our consultant is trying to get for the client company - usually very high positions or unique positions that is not generic. For generic positions, companies would usually advertised instead of engaging headhunting or search firms. So the Researcher need to, within a short span of time, seek out names - and try to get in touch with these "found" individuals, and try to convince them to send us their resumes and be willing to go for interviews if they are shortlisted by the client company. GEEZ, I've always thought headhunters have a ready pool of people waiting to be interviewd. hehehehe....

Anyway, I felt really hesitant to go into it because of the uncertainties, the fear of not being able to do it, the fear of the unknown - because it is out of my comfort zone and I can't fall back on my computer skills or previous experience to get the job done. It will be a totally new thing, to be trained from scratch. On the other hand I really welcome this change, because it offered a new path... I don't need to eat HR shit anymore!!!!!! And if I could do this well, hey - I've changed line!!!!! And yes, they are willing to pay good money for experienced Researchers! :)

And my friend told me, I'll hear by Wednesday once she sorted out the salary offered - and if everything goes well, I can sign the contract by Thursday, and join them for D&D Party on Friday (Theme = Occupation. Hmmmm...... I could go as a Pole Dancer or Gym Personal Trainer, kekekeke...), and START WORK ON MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!! And my pay will be slightly more than what I get at my last contract job....

Should I???
I guess I should.

BUT THEN AGAIN....

ANOTHER OPEN DOOR!!!!!

This afternoon I received a call from a headhunting company and the consultant told me about a new job "order" they've received and she immediately thought of me!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! Well, it's a fishing company (hahahahaha... ) and is located at Pasir Panjang near Haw Par Villa, overlooking the sea... They are looking for a person that is not ncessary be a HR Professional which is willing to learn and grow with the job, and at the same time shoulder several roles. It recently merged with another fishing company and now the entire strength in the region is about 100. HEH, sounds good. Everything is in a mess now that needs to be aligned, in terms of paperwork and contracts - common issues you face when 2 companies merge. So in my own words, they need someone to help get the shit organised. HEY, I'M THE RIGHT PERSON!!!!!! I EAT SHIT SLEEP SHIT PLAY WITH SHIT AND ALSO PRODUCE SHIT!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahaa...

Anyway, I told the Consultant that if possible please arranged for the interview to take place today or early tomorrow, because I was about to accept a job by tomorrow and sign contract on Thursday once the decision is final. Hence, while at the polyclinic to see a doc about some infection, (and I must say, the polyclinic is really warm, packed with people all perspiring and sourish in facial expression and personal fragrace, and you have to wait really really really long. Really long. I waited for almost an hour - but it is cheaper lor....), I received a call and the interview is confirmed at 5.30pm. WHAT????!!!!!!! ARGH. And thence began the stress of whether to abort the hour long wait to see the doc, or to wait it out and rush like mad for the interview. In the end, I got to see the doc, and rushed like mad, and MADE IT IN TIME and IN STYLE. hehehehehe.... My hair was still wet when I arrived, and I reached there around 5.05pm. Hence I waited at the open air lobby while the wind from the sea blew my hair dry. And yes, did I mention I went to the interview clad in swimwear?

Yes, that would be a lie. hahaha...

OK. At 5.20pm, I went up the lift and entered in. No receptionist... so I stood around till I got someone's attention and asked to see the Hiring Manager, SM. And WOOHOOOOO!!!! SM is a George Cloony look alike!!!!!!! And he sounds Australian! And if I get the job, he would be my boss and we will, erhem, be working closely. hehehehehe.... SM came in after a long wait, and in came another bubbly looking gentleman with the most baby blue eyes that match his baby blue shirt. He is the Managing Director. WOW... (nervous nervous!!!!!!). BabyBlueEyes (BBE) is really nice, don't speak english so well (because he is Dutch), and smiles a lot at me. I rike~ OK he looks 50. Maybe 45 to be kind (he don't look his age lor... hahahahaha...).

The interview went pretty well. I talked about myself a little bit, and SM began really directing the interview topics, and you could tell he is looking for specific skills and abilities. In summary, they are looking for someone who is able to help him to sort out HR matters (all spectrum, and regionally), at the same time be the Personal Assistant (secretary) to 3 Directors - him, BBE & another director, and be the Corporate Communications person (do newsletters, articles, gather interesting news etc), the Production person (help them generate professional powerpoint presentations - because they are not good at it), the Events & Conference coordinator, assist in some Accounting/Finance work, and I guess, all other tasks and projects as assigned.

Hmmmm...... sounds like another potential long hour job. Sounds like fun too!!! And what I like about it is, I can fall back to my comfort zone in terms of skills and experience, and yet the role will grow and evolve eventually. Also, I guess, I must not be afraid to work hard. It will also be interesting to work for a male boss again. The environment is much simpler, and you can see the whole office at a glance. Less than 20 persons in the office. But perhaps there's more to the office I don't see? NAH. I saw it. Small place, small and packed workstations, very little privacy. Well, I've been too spoit in the past. And recent times have humbled me much, hence I will be happy to make do with anything nowadays. Sigh.. hee hee, all I hope is the little privacy to be able to MSN sometimes!!!!!!!!

In comparison, I am more inclined towards the "Octopus" HR-cum-everything-else job, although it promises tedious hard work, and the location is no longer central. I've worked in that area before, and it is both a pain going to work in the morning and going home at night, almost impossible to get a taxi at times. Well, but now with the Harbour Front MRT, perhaps it is still possible to walk out to the main road, cross the overhead bridge and take a bus down 6 or 7 stops to get to HarbourFront. Or get a car. hehehehehehehe... OK, just kidding about the car.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I found out that they are not really a fishing firm - but rather, they are a reputable (he said World number one - but then again, don't they all?) Salmon farming and harvesting firm, as well as some marine trading or fish trading business. Cool. And maybe I'll get to eat lots of free salmon? hahahahaha...

Well then, it is always the waiting that I hate. And the eventual disappointment that I dread. So I hope there will be good news tomorrow from both parties. I really hope that the fishing company will be able to offer me a higher salary than the headhunting firm, so as to make this an irresistable offer.

Should I choose the higher offer? Or should I follow my heart? But then again, I am double minded. And also, I hate to have to let a friend down... and hope she will not feel betrayed if I were to accept the other offer. Yah... because she was fighting for a decent salary figure for me and she really believed in me and kept telling me she thinks it is God's will. *gulp*

We'll see. I hope to have the answer by tomorrow. *_*

And yes, with the fishing company, maybe I should start 12th March. hehehehehehe.... Yes~ I, PIG.