Some time last year, Loti and I decided to go on a one-month trip. When air tickets went on sale, we instantly hit on the book button, and there we were – Taiwan in 35 days. At that point in time, I had no thoughts on consequences despite having just converted to full-time. I overheard and assumed that there was something called an “unpaid leave,” and even if there isn’t, the most I quit my job lor. I was quite an unhappy lone ranger in my company anyways.
Moving forward to the beginning of 2013, after being inspired by my superior, I set my heart to change for the better. With a new attitude, I was given a month’s time to prove myself. I started opening up to people around me and soon, colleagues turned into friends (at least for me). These people suddenly became my motivation to go work everyday. A happier soul also translates into greater productivity, and I didn’t mind giving more or doing extra stuffs. So, one month later, I got confirmed. YAY!
Just when all is good and well, my worst nightmare came true. “Unpaid leave” does not exist, unless it was communicated way beforehand and should be for a super extremely very good reason. Dang! How liddat. I’ve already came out with a perfect plan for the whole trip and made deposits for most of the accommodations.
Much as I want the best of both worlds, reality only left me with two choices:
- Utilise my leave for the entire year and shorten the trip to two weeks.
- Resign.
If you see the second option and go like, “HUHHHH! SIAO AHHH!” Then, ya, I think I siao liao. ‘Cos I chose 2, with my heart (and not my brain).
I know it sounds foolish, to sacrifice my career just for a vacation. “Go two weeks not enough meh?” Enough is enough, but that defeats the entire purpose of the one-month idea. These 35 days mean more than a mere vacation to me. It’s about living independently outside my comfort zone with a possible life partner; it’s about experiencing a different kind of traveling pace; it’s maybe even about migration in the future. Also, if we don’t do it now, once Loti starts working, we’d probably never get a chance to travel for 35 days straight, at least not in the next five years. And it’ll get even harder when you grow older (more responsibilities, more loans, less guts, less energy, etc).
Today, 8 March 2013, the go-getter in me went against all advises to give up my job over a 35-day Taiwan trip. Ten years down the road, I don’t know if I’d look back with regret or rejoice. But whatever it is, the trip (this coming June) better be DAMN AWESOME! Meanwhile, my promise to myself is that I will not give anything lesser at work just because my intents of quitting are made.
(Photo source: Pinterest. Quote: Island Company.)
Update:
After leaving Singapore for a month, I’ve made a comeback and am now back to working. It wasn’t easy trying to re-enter the same office doors, but I am definitely thankful.
lily says:
where can i find the island co stickers? I AM DESPERATE FOR ONE! haha, but really
September 10, 2013 — 8:16 pm
Kaiyi says:
I think their stickers come with their products. Gotta buy their tumblers or something.
September 10, 2013 — 11:14 pm