Pathless path

Completed reading this book recently.

Rather easy to read since it's pointing to a single simple concept/idea, but I liked it nonetheless as it resonates with what I think most people will experience in their life. 

Most of us has a template to follow in life, especially in Singapore. Parents set the path, the school system is singular and rather rigid, and if you decide to take a different route, there will be immense scrutiny and outside pressure to prove them wrong. 

Frankly, so what if you are wrong? It's your own life and you bear the consequences right? I think once you hit adult age, you should own your own path. 

Yes, the default path is well designed, proven for most people and you can just auto-pilot your way in it. Uncle did that too, up to a stage. 

I didn't pick a career that aligned properly with what I major for in NUS. But at least it's not too far off. Still, I had to start from zero in my first job, with almost 90% of the stuff I studied for being not relevant. 

Then, I resigned from a stable job, one that I just got promoted for, and joined an American MNC, which although was more prestigious and huge, was also well known for ruthless lay offs and re-orgs. I recalled my director (my manager's boss) giving me a face when I went to see him after I tendered. He wasn't happy at all. He seemed pissed that I would just tender resignation right after "he fought" for my promotion. Come on man, I also worked my ass off in the past 1-2 years to earn it. All he did was to approve it. What's so hard about that? It's as if I owe him a favour. I see it that he owe me one for working diligently so that his seat is safe! Anyway, I apologised if I digress here lol. Not a fan of this person I would say. (imagine someone telling you "working hard" is an expectation, so you cannot put it in your self review.While true, its also very rude)

Anyway, my point is, I didn't follow what most of my peers were doing, which is to secure a stable job and stick with it. Don't rock the boat, don't go somewhere where you could be harshly treated and fired/laid off anytime. And, I just got married, bought a new HDB, and got a car too. 

But, I wanted to see the world, and while I enjoyed the first job and the peers were really good to work with, the company simply don't have the scope and runway I was looking for. So when the MNC opportunity came, (I had to go through 7 rounds of interviews), offer was really good (a 70% pay jump with sign on bonus too), it was a no brainer for me. And, my manager, he was sad to see me go, but he was genuinely happy for me as he felt there is a bigger world waiting for me out there. He was the best mentor I have in my career so far. 

The MNC role was unique, because I was the only one in the team who was located in Singapore office. I could literally work from home all the time if I wanted to since I don't have anyone I work with in the office, except for a PM and some site folks. I spent a good 9 years there, and survived 3 rounds of layoffs lol. And I had 7 or 8 managers, so the re-org thing was real lol.

This role opened my view, as I got to work with people all over the world. US, Europe, China, HK, Japan etc. It was exciting, rewarding, stressful, but fun and enriching. That it also paid well was a bonus of course. 

And then I decided to jump ship to a start up, which is a huge leap of faith, given how risky it could be if things don't work out. But I knew my skills were immensely valued by them and I could make an impact, so heck it, I went ahead. It was another win, I got lucky. Team was good, they treated me very well, respected me, allowed me to work from home all the time, and I could travel if I want. It also paid more handsomely than my previous job, so that was sweet. 

I think while I could still be considered mostly on a default path, the experiences I had were unique to me and I wouldn't want it another way if I looked back now. It was awesome. And then I also experienced a layoff where I was impacted! That caps the experience!! nice! 

Now I am really on pathless path, I have no reference and I feel naked sometimes. But like the author, I should have faith as I forge a way forward.