Monday, September 08, 2008

Making choices

It's been said that the saddest thing a man will ever face is what might have been. But what of a man who’s faced with what was? Or what may never be? Or what can no longer? Choosing the right path is never easy. It's a decision we make with only our hearts to guide us. But sometimes we find our way to something better. Sometimes we fight through the regret and remorse of our mistakes, our malice and our jealousy and the shame we feel for not being the people we were meant to be. And that's when we find our way to something better. Or when something better finds its way to us.

This morning, one of my Managing Directors (let’s call him Mr Bond) came to see me and wanted to have a quick chat. Mr Bond forwarded my CV to the lead Asia MD, who used to head one of our divisions in London. Apparently, the lead MD was interested with my work experience. Mr Bond said that the lead MD wanted him to call ASAP about this candidate i.e. me. So while we were in the room, Mr Bond went ahead with the phone call (on speaker) and I had to keep silent.

So there they were, two bosses, talking about me. The lead MD said he was impressed with my CV and that it was something he was looking for. He asked Mr Bond about me, which he then replied by saying that, although I just got promoted, it was long overdue. He also said that I am one of the best people among my peers.

The lead MD wants to send me to Singapore to manage our clients as well as building our business.

I was gobsmacked!

Mr Bond mentioned about my daughter and how important for me to stay one more year here to obtain my PR (ie her university fees will be at resident’s rates). The lead MD said probably it wouldn’t be an issue as I will be on UK payroll and it will happen after Christmas.

2 bombshells in a fortnight. What are the odds for that to happen?

Door 1: To work in Singapore on a UK salary and an expat’s package. We will be closer to home and get to meet family and friends more often. The experience will build up my profile and accelerate my career ladder.

Door 2: Too many uncertainties....

How do I choose....?

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

oohh...CONGRATULATIONS!! What ever you decide, you've earned it!

xxx

Your silent reader

D said...

oh wow! Congratulations!!!

Decision time, eh? Good luck dear...

Kak Teh said...

aaah, does this mean we are going to lose you?

Kam Kasturie said...

Congrats... sounds like a dream job :)

Ms B said...

Hi silent reader,

Thank you for reading my blog! Feel free to leave comments, tho it is much appreciated if you can leave your name (nickname will do. *smiles*). Err, by the way, do I know you?

Thanks for the wish too! I am still in shock. It took my breath away when I listened to their conversation.

xoxo (like the Gossip Girl style. *winks*)

Ms B said...

Hi d,

Thanks! I'm still digesting the good-to-be-true offer. It will give my girl a chance to be closer to the rest of the family members. At the same time, she wont lose out on her education needs.

Maybe this is a sign from The One Above...

Ms B said...

Kak Teh dear,

Ah... not too soon. I have told the Big Boss that my priority is to get the PR. They understand my needs and would not push me to take the offer or jeopardize my chances of getting my PR. It might take earliest 6 months from now (the other MD is keen that I consider the offer thoroughly).

Long term, it will be good. Who knows I might head the Asia region, eh? (Amin!!!)

Ms B said...

Hi Op kam,

Thanks for dropping by! It is a good offer and works nicely for both me and my girl.

Anonymous said...

Just call me Nini... I was in London for quite sometime, we might have met but to be honest, i don't think i know you. Might recall your face if i you accidently post photos of yourself here ;-)

xx

ps - i MUST watch gossip girl soon

pss - BIAS statement. I miss London. KL is not great. Singapore might be better but London is best :p

Anonymous said...

wow! congratulations ms b.
just follow your heart... i'm sure that'll be best for you... :)

AporN said...

Door 1, Door 1, Door 1, Door 1

Ms B said...

Hi Nini,

Probably not cos my circle of friends is small. and me accidently post photos of myself? Oh no!! I hope it wont happen. *winks*

Gossip girl was recommended by one of my Directors. She reckons it is a good series to de-stress ourselves. *LOL*

I worked in KL before and still prefer to go back, at the right time of course.

U keep well!

Ms B said...

momster,

Thank u dear! Like my friend said, "ini dah bukan duriah runtuh. Ni dah tergolek depan mata, terbukak, tinggal nak makan jer". *LOL*

The truth is, even without knowing what was offered, I was already swept away listening to these top people praising me, and I had to remain my composure throughout!

It really made my day! *smiles*

Ms B said...

aporn,

But door 2 I get to be a madame tai tai? hmm.....

Yet, I'm touched to get the recognition from the firm. We dont get these opportunities easily...

... said...

hi ms b, been reading your blog for quite a while. thought of saying hi.

btw, sounds like you love door 2 more?

anyway, whatever you choose, i know it'll work out great with you :).

~ a coffee lover too

T said...

hi ms B, as someone who have been following your blog, you may want to take door 1.. but wait till you get the PR thingy first.. go for it! tkcr.
ps: you can call me ms.curvy..

SYUKS said...

I am glad to hear about your promotion..well u definitely deserve it by being such a workhaholic person, Ms B. I like to vote for option 1....reason being..i ll probably meet you in the near future.. he he he he...NAH just joking... but whatever door u choose, i hope it opens up to many many good things in the future...

Ms B said...

Hi darlene,

First of all, thank you for reading my humble blog. Lots of rambling thoughts. *LOL*

OoOoOo, the L word. hmm, I used to love the idea of door 2 but many things have happened.

A friend said something similar. Knowing me, if I want it to work, I'll put my heart and soul to make sure it does.

U keep well!

Ms B said...

Hi Ms Curvy,

Thanks for dropping by! Really appreciate u following my blog (and your patience to read my rambling thoughts. I am sure sometimes it doesnt make sense!).

Door 1 is the most sensible option. But I want to get my PR first and they understand it.

Oh by the way, luv ur nickname. Must be one sexy lady, eh? *winks*

U keep well!

Ms B said...

Hi syukur,

Thank u! Err, how do u know I'm a workaholic? Well, u shud see me 5 years ago. I worked twice as hard! (which is why my Sifus want me to work with them when I go back for good).

Ok, I shall take ur word on that. We'll meet up for coffee whenever I'm in town, tho I'm hoping I can try that thai fried noodle of yours.

Insya-Allah, the new door will lead to more good things for me and my girl.

Pak Idrus said...

ms.b. Congratulation. Go for it. I believe if you put up your mind to it you would be successful wherever you go. In the meantime get that PR first.

Have a nice day and take care.

Unknown said...

ms b,
Door 1! This is a very good opportunity to spread your wing.

Ms B said...

Hi Pak Idrus,

Thank you! I am honoured to be recognised by the firm, especially when the compliments came from one of the top MDs who has never met me in person. All he had was my CVs, summarising my years of experience.

But whatever it is, the PR is more important. Insya Allah, I will get my opportunity.

Take care Pak!

Ms B said...

Hi akmal,

Thanks! Let us all spread our wings. Dreams are not impossible, eh?

U keep well!

Anne said...

sori..masa u call that day my mind was totally pening dgn baddinz homework...now after reading this blog... baru i fully understand...

i think u should go for it girl!

this is the way to move forward...freeze the past (u said u have anyway)..i think u should grab this opportunity..closer to home as well..

but of course... u know urself best la kan... whatever u choose..u have my support 10000 percent...

p.s... am still busy with baddin n his homework..

take care!
hugs n kisses to minnie B