Another Crossroad

It's coming close to two years since I left home for the Land of Taobao and all I can say is that it has been a joyful ride.

The work has been very challenging in both sense of the word and it has made me feel alive again.

Now the time has come as I reach yet another crossroad.

When I was back in Singapore just last week, I was approached by another company to join them.

It was totally out of the blue and I was baffled by the cloak-and-dagger approach as they sounded out my dad first about me.

Why couldn't they just come talk to me direct? My dad and I knew these guys for decades and I continued to keep in touch with them even when I was in Taobaoland during my first tour of duty, when I got back and when I left for Taobaoland again for a second stint.

I concede the fact that I am most flattered by their gesture and the fact that they 指名道姓 wanted me first, then figure out the job scope and rest of the details later, was just the cherry on top.

Still the cynic in me says not to pop the bubbly until the dotted line is signed.

However, the truth of the matter was that I turned them down. Well, not exactly an outright rejection but I kinda gave a non-committal answer saying that I need some time to think about things.

The reason I didn't jump at the chance right away was that the current company that I am working now is undergoing a very unstable phase and the bridge is going to be burnt if I decided to jump ship at this time.

I told them that I am interested but I felt a need to fulfill my commitment to my current employer. I would consider moving when the company finds a stable footing.

Then yesterday, GM called from a closed-door meeting and the news broke. Looks like the company wants me to take a pay-cut or take a golden handshake.

Perhaps the planets were aligned in my favour as I marveled at the sequence of events, how they fall into place neatly like a well-scripted choreograph.

In a way, the decision was one of no-brainer. I mean, do I really have a choice?

Still, I am a little bit hesitant as I am not willing to let go of the current trapeze without the other one in sight. I have made that mistake once when I was younger but certainly not ever again. Especially now when the stakes are much higher as a result of my age.

I have yet to tell them of my decision as I wanted to speak to Alpha-Male in person even if it means bidding adieu.

So, the new horizon ahead.

As I have shared with a few people during my earlier trip to Singapore, the job is based in Kuala Lumpur. I understand that the conglomerate has just spun off a new business unit in Singapore and I believe they are playing the "you-get-to-go-home" card to entice me.

Oh how wrong are they going to be. I am never going to return to Singapore. The prospect of Kuala Lumpur appeals to me more. Perhaps I am a junkie for all the perks and benefits that comes with the title, "Expat".

No way am I heading home to Singapore. Nothing there for me.

I rather be out roaming the world and enjoying my freedom to the fullest.

More updates when I get more info.

Image Credit: http://watermarked.cutcaster.com

- Voxeros