2014, 一个积满疯狂、欢笑、泪水的一年。

2014 can be said as the year of major change. Having worked for the same company for almost 5 years, I have been contemplating what is next for me. My company has been really nice to me actually, with the opportunities I had, the freedom in my work I was allowed and the “status” I gained. I could not have imagined those when I initially stepped into the company, and I could not have asked for more. Not only that, the people were really nice as well, and that had trust in me – that was something which is really important in work life. Despite that, after sometime, especially after the reorganisation when most of my friends went to the local side, I became a bit disillusioned. I did not know what was next in store for me, given my position, and with my new team, I became to feel a little detached. Additionally, my role has evolved to be more of a coordination role, not really involved in the business side of things. Being a bit burnt out as well, I began to think if there were other possibilities for me. Eventually, I found one, which totally transformed the second half of my 2014. A lot of people asked me if I have regretted quitting. After all, I have given up what I have achieved – my position, a job which I had a say in many things, and of course my 5-year service award, which I was 7 months away. Though it was really sad to leave a job like that, especially my wonderful colleagues in the SG team, to put things in perspective, 人生有失才有得. It is hard to measure how much I have given up against how much I would potentially gain. Once I made the decision, I knew there was no turning back for me. 我不要回头，也不能回头。

不能回头的我，下一站又到了哪里？The answer lies in the far west of Singapore, NTU or Pulau NTU to be more precise. Before taking up the MBA, I have doubts over it. After all, most employers pay according to work experience instead of certification and taking an MBA would mean I would stop working for a year (part time was not an option for me). Nonetheless, being sian with work, I decided to take the risk. To be honest, I do not have high hopes in getting a higher salary when I reenter the workforce. So off I am to NTU. Some people asked me why NTU. Firstly, it is the school which I wanted to get in for my undergrad. Secondly, it was also the only school I could go to, as I know I definitely cannot make it in SMU again and having worked in NUS before, I know it is not a place for me.

The days in NTU passed with a blink of the eye. Classes, projects, discussion, quizzes, exams – the familiar routine all over again. Unlike common belief, MBA is not slack at all and is as busy as working life. Lol. Oh well, sometimes I wonder what have I gotten myself into. Haha. The only 2 differences between the two is that I am spending money instead of earning and I am doing it for myself instead of for a company. Because of MBA, I was able to persuade my parents to let me stay alone, renting a flat in Boon Lay. The rent is not cheap though, $1000 a month, but at least it spared me from waking up during the wee hours in the morning for the travel. I have also made lots of friends in the course which was a bonus for me as well.

This is also a year when I 看清一些事情. I admit at times I am too naive and at times I trust people too easily. It was definitely a lesson learnt, 不要那么傻，那么笨。到最后是害了自己、伤了自己、被利用都不知道。

Coupled with the major changes, I have also been to many places during the year, with unforgettable trips to Seoul and UK, as well as relaxing trips with friends to Bangkok and KL.

If someone had asked me in 2013 what I would have expected in 2014, I am 100% sure that my answer would not be how the year actually panned out.