Back2School!

When I finished army, my plan was to find a job, work for a year and go back to school. It’s been a year and a half after I ORDed and I believe if I don’t start now, I might never find the motivation to do it next time. And so, come end August I will be submitting my application and I will begin my bridging course in September. This is my last chance to graduate with a degree while I am still 25.

Many of you might think this is quite an impulsive decision but I’d beg to differ. I’ve thought it through and through while I was lying in bed in Seletar Camp and many nights before I go to sleep as a a civilian. I’ve shopped around for schools and courses and shortlisted SMa’s business courses. Degrees are issued by Murdoch. Relatively recognised in the private sector though it’s not Ivy League nor a local university. I blame this on myself for having too much fun in Poly year two. For someone who did a GPA of 3.6-3.8 (max 4) for 4 out of 7 semesters, I should have been in NUS or SMU. Thanks to the 3 semesters of GPA ~1. What a bloody waste, I know!

As for course, I’m still wondering if I should do a single major in Management, or double major in Banking & Finance. Of course doing a single major will be so much cheaper and easier but during these two years, I’ve started to grow a keen interest in the economy and investments, mainly from my career in Prudential advising on investments and wealth planning. So that I’m still undecided on that. (Input from you readers will be appreciated +) )

Financing my school fees will be a BIG headache mainly because I am starting school without any savings. I know you’re shaking your head at me right now. A consultant who tells his clients that saving is important for his future is not doing what he preaches. I blame this once again on myself for taking that super long one month holiday in Dubai/Europe, and then Bangkok after coming home. This further affirms my point that it might be hard to save and put aside money every month but at times like this, money does come in VERY handy.

I have gotten the blessing from my boss to start school come September and he has been very supportive in the decisions I’ve made through my year in Prudential. I must say that I’m really blessed to find such a good mentor who sticks with me through thick and thin, ups and downs. Though it sounds like I am leaving Prudential, I AM NOT. I will still be a full time Financial Consultant. I will still be providing financial advise to all my clients, friends, and to be honest, anybody who needs any. I hope that my clients will be supportive, as they always are, while I take on another challenge in my life.

I foresee the next 2 years to be very tough, in every sense of the word. I will have to reduce my extravagant lifestyle – all the shopping, drinking and feasting as money will be used to finance this endeavor. For all the people out there whom I’ve shown an act of kindness to (VERY RARE, I KNOW), please don’t forget to give me a treat or two because I am about to be very, very broke come 31st August. As my first commitment to spending lesser money, I will be canceling 4 credit cards come tomorrow. Worse comes to worst, I will be liquidating my wardrobe. (I JUST TEARED WHILE TYPING THAT.)

Obviously, I am going to spend lesser time on leisure but I will not shortchange myself by taking away time I spend exercising. My goal to lose 10KGs this year still stands. Right now, I am 3KG down and I have 7 to go. I believe that the added stress will contribute to the weight (not to mention hair) loss as well. Probably have to say no to mahjong very often. My heart just sank and hit my toes.

Balancing work, school and my sanity is not going to be child’s play but I’ve seen people around me do it and as much as this sounds really arrogant, I believe I can do it too. My aim is to finally graduate with a distinction/merit!

I know right now I sound like a drama queen but it is quite a big decision I am making, considering it costs twenty-three fucking thousand dollars. This post is starting to sound a little yawn-worthy as well so I’m going to stop right here.

(Please pray for my sanity)

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