Another Step Closer

31 August 2015 // Monday

Its a back-to-work Monday.

Had a short getaway to Malaysia over the weekends to visit my relatives there and I flew there by Tigerair.

I had never felt so occupied on this flight as compared to all my previous flying experiences.

Probably because I know, this is what I will be doing in future and I paid extra attention to everything the cabin crew did.

But after all, Tigerair was a budget carrier. They only had 4 crew onboard and no meals were served.

I noticed how they were clicking their counter while greeting passengers on board the aircraft. I paid extra attention to the in-flight announcements (although the speaker didn't have exactly good English). I listened when they were demonstrating the safety instructions. And I couldn't help but kept noticing the time they required to complete certain tasks.

It was so interesting that I couldn't help but feel even more excited for my upcoming endeavors.

I constantly did a self check for my physical condition onboard during the flight. I wanted to ensure I wasn't encountering any issues such as dry eyes, dizzy spells or discomfort for I would be living most of my life this way in future. Glad to say none of the above applies.

*****

As I've mentioned before that my commencement date has been postponed to end October, I'm contemplating on heading for the SIA recruitment on 12 September. Am trying very hard to prepare myself for the interview because I'm sure that's what I really want.

I have always been in love with our airport, both by the overall and the interior. Stepping in to T2 and checking in felt so good. Having priority access to the departure lounge as a Singaporean was another added advantage. Am so proud be Singaporean, free from wars and currency depletion and corruption and all, so all the more I want to represent my country's best airline and spread my wings across the globe.

Anyway, I enter the departure lounge early so I could shop at Pandora (tax free yay!). I was clad in my mandatory heels so I could walk properly with grace. The impeccable service from the retail outlets and the customer service personnel at almost every 10 steps blew me off my feet. I couldn't describe the feeling seeing how everything worked so well on its own.

I headed to my boarding gate and entered the gate pretty early. The previous flight has yet to depart still. I glanced out of the window and saw a Boeing 777-200. I was so proud seeing that logo and how huge this giant was. And I thought of how wonderful it would be to soar in the air through the clouds in this beast.

Okay, wake me up from my day dream already. I think I stared at the aircraft for at least 20mins and couldn't help but kept smiling to myself.

I just felt so close to SIA, just this close. I wanted to give my best shot again, because I believe in grabbing every opportunity that comes along lest regretting missing the chance later.

I went home and searched for more information on SIA's cabin crew training. Seeing the uncountable high-technology equipment such as wave-simulator and life-sized aircraft, I couldn't help but gave a little scream inside. I almost couldn't contain my excitement!

So that concludes this post with me deciding... to go for the walk-in interview!

Wish me luck! :D

Plan B

25 August 2015 // Tuesday

It was a hell of a long wait for their reply. I guess it all goes to show how much all this matters to me.

I finally heard from them and they told me that they will slot me under the next batch of training date, which is tentatively set in October.

Which gives me almost a month of hiatus.

This wasn’t what I originally planned though. I didn’t need a break before I started, and furthermore I didn’t want to spend a month with no income.

But I guess I’m left with no choice.

I’d probably go ahead with working for Formula 1, and maybe work part time somewhere.

*****

I just got to know that one my ex-colleagues who left the company last month has been recruited by SIA.

Jealous is all I feel now. Jealous in the positive way though, envious?

I always believe that things happen for a reason. Having the abrupt one month hiatus now makes me wonder if I should try out SIA again since my last attempt three years back.

I went to their website and, guess what. They’re having a recruitment drive on 12 September.

I guess everything falls in place now.

Still fighting myself deep inside on whether I should go for it. I’m a little torn apart inside because I wonder if my next move to try for SIA will affect my job in Silkair.

Confused. What's my Plan B?

计划永远赶不上变化

20 August 2015 // Thursday

For non-chinese readers, my title means "changes precedes plans".

I tendered my resignation on 2 days back, which confirmed my last day of service with the company on 17th September. That leaves me 3 days before I commence on 21st September with Silkair.

I didn't think I needed a break before my new commencement therefore the short period between both dates. I even had thoughts of working for Formula 1 as part time as it is almost a norm for me every year. Furthermore, why not earn a little more $$?

However, more often than not, as my title mentioned, my plans were often ruined by last minute changes,

Just got an email from Silkair this morning informing of my new commencement date on 14th September, one week earlier than expected. Which goes to say that bond signing is also moved to a week earlier, on the 8th.

My last day was supposed to be 17th September.

I'm stuck in a dilemma now and I don't really know what to do. I have replied them asking if I have to join the following batch of new hires if I cannot make it for this new commencement date.

Awaiting their response right now.

D-Day

18 August 2015

S***** Yeo

Director of Sales 
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350 

Dear S*****

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Sales Coordinator with Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. My last day will be 17^th September 2015, Thursday.

Thank you for the opportunity to work in this position for the past one year or so. I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to meet many of our clients, to undergo training and take on several responsibilities beyond my daily work. It has been a great pleasure working with everyone and I’ve learned so much more about interpersonal skills, sales strategies and working as a team, all of which I will take with me throughout my career and my entire life.

I will do up a handover list for my replacement in my current position and ensure that I impart all that I’ve learnt to the next candidate for him/her to fulfill his/her daily tasks as a Sales Coordinator. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to assist in the meantime too.

I wish the company and all of you continued success, and I hope to stay in touch with all of you.

Sincerely,

Justina Lim

**********

It was the day where my countdown officially starts. I finally tendered my resignation letter.

I’ve had tons of second thoughts during this period while deciding when to tender. It was supposed to be last Friday, but then I decided to do my dental claims before I officially leave the company so I postponed the date till today (after I did my claims yesterday).

I actually had the letter ready from weeks ago, and I actually found it hard to break the news to my Boss and hand her the letter, even though she had already known of this news beforehand.

Marcus insisted to join me in my Boss’ office, and he did all the talking. It was like breaking someone’s trust and friendship to me. We had been together for more than a year; feelings were bound to develop.

And for friends who know me, I’m who gets emotionally attached very easily. Lest to say being in this place from when I was 16 till now, 5 years.

Well, the time has come for me to go so I guess there’s really no point looking back at those times.

So the countdown starts today, #34moredays.

The Good News!

28 July 2015 // Tuesday

It has been more than 5 working days and I haven’t heard from them.

I couldn’t find a reason to convince myself as to why I hadn’t heard from them…

I was pretty worried and on the other hand my dad kept pestering me about the results because he wanted to plan for a family trip to Europe end of the year, which obviously wouldn’t materialize if I got accepted.

I waited on yet another week and expressed my concern to my best friends. Amanda convinced me that if it didn’t work out I should go try again, but I wasn’t exactly sure if that was what I wanted though.

Ronnie went to the temple in Bugis to pray for me and I’m thankful for that.

And guess what, the very next day, I got a reply from them!

“I refer to your recent medical examination done at Fullerton Healthcare Clinic. I am pleased to inform you that you are fit for employment of the above position.”

*throws confetti*

So blessed to have gotten confirmation, but then again, nothing is firmed up until I’ve signed the employment letter. I did secretly pray to the deities too, and I thank them for answering my prayers.

I was informed that my commencement date is tentatively set on 21^st September and will be asked to sign the letter in mid August.

Till then, I just wanna treasure the time left to hang out with my friends and colleagues before I start my journey off land. 

As usual; I can't wait.

Medical Checkup

16 July 2015 // Thursday

I applied for half-day leave this time for my afternoon scheduled pre-employment checkup at Fullerton healthcare at Raffles. I had to fill up some declaration and I chanced upon the attached email from Silkair’s HR with the list of new hires. Apparently all of us from the final interview got in except for 1 guy. Sad to hear but at least Teresa, Jazreel and Nabilah got in too!

I waited for about 20 mins before proceeding for blood and urine test, eye checkup, followed by an x-ray and a consultation by the doctor.

The doctor who drew blood from me observed my fingernails and started telling me that he suspected I had diabetes. He kept asking whether I was sure about my condition and whether my family had any history of diabetics, in which I replied a firm no. The other nurse who came in even added in saying, “He’s a doctor so you must trust him, he is definitely right about his judgement.” Oh well. I just brushed his comments off.

Took me almost 2 hours to complete the test and I left for my activities after that. The email stated that they will inform me of my results within five working days.

Can’t wait!

That Fateful Call

14 July 2015 // Tuesday

9.13am. That unknown number.

Ever since I started on my Sales job I have been receiving unknown calls from my clients, my guests, vendors and even colleagues whom I’m not close with.

I didn’t use to answer these calls in the past, but I kicked that habit ever since I joined the company.

But this time, it wasn’t my client nor my guest. It was HR from Silkair.

And here I am sitting in office fretting over this call though I have been waiting for it.

Ironic isn’t it? When people say you start to wonder if you really want something after you’ve tried all means to earn it.

(It is cliché to say but) my dream was always to be a cabin crew. This has always been my dream. Of course the travelling part entices a lot, but another part of me love customer service. So why not?

Though the failure from SIA and JAL my past experiences did hit upon me and I wondered if I was really suited for this job and eligible for it, a large part of me wanted to try harder and prove myself.

And thanks to the push from Amanda (she informed me about the recruitment) and her support for me, there I went again embarking on another journey in my life which I least expected to happen.

That 1-minute call changed my life from now onwards.

I wouldn’t say it is a life-changing experience since I haven’t began my journey as a cabin crew yet. But I’m sure I would come back, a different person from who I was, and with more maturity, and more knowledge than I could ever gain from any 9 to 5 job.

I answered that call in an uncertain “hello”, subconsciously wary of the caller on the other line.

When he clarified where he was calling from, my heart skipped a beat and I stepped out of my desk to speak to him.

“Congratulations, you are selected for the pre-employment medical checkup.” I was elated to hear this and almost couldn’t contain my excitement. He said that he will drop me an email to fix my checkup date before ending the call.

I receive the email about 30 mins later and saw the checkup date but had to reschedule it because I had to work that day. After liaising with the clinic directly, I fixed my checkup date on 16 July.

Can’t express my excitement more with the fact that I am yet another step closer to fulfilling my dreams.