So, two things have happened to me recently.
Believe it or not, it’s been a year since I boldly decided to leave my former employer in Hong Kong and divert to Singapore.
Since then, I haven’t tried to make much happen. Instead, I’ve taken the time to concentrate on reforming my inner world.
Still, I’ve kept my ear close to the ground on the off chance a job should avail itself.
Not because I necessarily want to continue with my aviation career (and I certainly intended to take time off) but because I want to keep my options open.
I didn’t/don’t want to limit myself.
(My therapist has said I’ve shown much greater psychological flexibility in this respect since I started seeing her several months ago.)
I’ve also been cognisant that the last two years of my career during covid heavily tainted my whole experience. It was fundamentally a different job from the one I had initially fallen in love with.
Finally, there’s the small matter of money. It turns out there is a debt to be paid when taking an existential midlife gap year. Singapore also happens to be one very expensive lady to please!
So, while I was unsure about any potential return to the air, I sent out my CV whenever an opportunity made itself known. Just to see if any fish took the bait.
I figured it would, at the very least, be interview experience. I wouldn’t have to accept anything if I didn’t want to.
But I heard nothing. Not a peep. Nada. Zip.
Singapore – for reasons unbeknownst to me – makes it nearly impossible for partners on dependant passes to get a job. The airlines here are also very committed to keeping things “in-house.”
I assumed this was the universe telling me to pursue a second career in psychology. Go for it, the Gods said. What have you got to lose?
Nothing is the answer. So I did!
As many of you well know, I want to help people who have suffered as I have. I want to gain the skills necessary to help those suffering under the weight of all things.
With this vision in mind, I went to work. I did a huge amount of research into various courses before applying to several degrees. Happily, I got an offer from and accepted a degree from my first choice university.
This is the first thing that happened to me.
Here’s the second. Out of the blue, I got a job offer. A recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn regarding a commuting job in/out of Fiji of all places. I was intrigued, so I threw my hat in the ring. This was a few months ago.
But once again, I heard nothing.
I assumed it was another dead end. But then, almost as soon as I accepted my master’s degree, I got a phone call asking if I could attend an online interview. This happened a couple of weeks ago.
I figured there was no harm in attending the interview (my first in over 13 years!) So I prepared as best I could and went for it. That went well enough, so they asked me to do several psychometric tests.
Before I knew it, they offered me a job!
That happened last Friday.
So here I am with options on the table. And a difficult decision to make. It seems the Gods were having a comic laugh at my expense the whole time. Here’s nothing. Now, here’s everything all at once.
It never rains, but it pours.
I’m still mulling the options on my table, and I’ll pick this up next week. To finish, I’d like to share a few thoughts.
Having options is extremely useful. When you do, you get to choose from a position of strength, knowing you don’t have to do this, that, or whatever.
But nothing is either good or bad. Most things are both.
The dilemma is turning something down you want to do because you can’t have it all. That can be painful.
Yet, choosing the option that limits you — choosing not to have options — is a way of shirking responsibility. It’s easy because you don’t have to decide. There is a sort of perverse mental freedom to that.
But ultimately, that option will imprison you.
If you find yourself in the privileged yet tricky position of having options, it’s worth remembering that the best option is the one that gives you the most options.
Oh my! I don’t envy you this decision AP2. Good luck with your deliberations.
I’m grateful for the options on my plate to be honest Michelle. It’s a win win the way I look at it. Hope you are well 🙏
Well I think congratulations have to be said, but wow…such an interesting point to be at, poised on a rather major decision…or perhaps not? Perhaps there can be a way to do both if that seems appropriate? This is a moment that I’ve learned personally is a go with the gut type thing. I wish you the best 🙂
My plan atm moment is to defer my masters by a year or so. The issue is tackling both in the short term. Might be a bit much. Once I’m settled into new role I should be able to tackle both. Thank you Deb. 🙏
Was hoping to hear that decision to defer rather than let the MA go completely! It’s tough but doing both can be done and usually college programs are relatively flexible these days. I did 4 years while working full time–no life other than classes but secretly I loved it 🙂 Best to you AP2!
Hope this all turns out well for you and your family, AP! <3 All the best! <3
Thank you Cheryl. 🙏
I was nice reading this. I’m in a big transitional period of my life. I’m having a lot of growing pains at my job… wanting to ascend but nowhere to go in my division. Don’t want to leave cause I like my tribe but…
Finally applied to a higher paying position today and we’ll see how it pans out
I wish you the best whatever happens! Thank you for sharing 🙏
…and who’s to say which will truly provide the most options? 🤔
I think it’s a case that one provide more options in the short term and other in the long term. I’m wondering if I can somehow manage both of them.
There’s a thought – and possibly a good third option!
Oh goodness, AP2. I’m struck by the amount of waiting that is required in life – and then having the floodgates open. Hats off to the Universe for presenting both options to you at the same time so you have a choice. I think that’s less painful than having just made a choice and then having another avenue open to you. Good luck with your options!
Yeah it’s funny. I also intended to take year off. It’s as if the universe knew I was ready so it opened the flood gates. My current plan is to take the job and defer the masters. Once I’m settled I should be able to take on both. Thank you Wynne 🙏
Sounds great, AP2 – and challenging!
Congratulations. God bless.
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for sharing , its a thought-provoking read.
It’s another Morton’s Salt moment. Good luck with your decision making. I’m looking forward to hearing the ending.
Ha yes! I will let all know the final decision next week. Thanks Julia 🙏
Congratulations on both offers! I totally agree that the best option is usually the one that gives you the most options. Good luck with your decision- very exciting! 😎
Thank you Todd 🙂🙏
I am a person who likes to get as as much as possible from what life offers. I guess it wouldn’t be possible to accept both options, right? I am saying this because I got my two master degrees while working full time. It may take a bit longer but in the end you wouldn’t need to choose between two appealing options. In any case, congratulations and be proud of yourself!
Yes I’m looking at this a distinct possibility. The issue is the 3 months training I need to do up front before being checked to line. It will be a very busy time even without the masters. Once I’m settled in the role I don’t believe there will be any issue in doing both. Only problem is masters starts now. I’m looking to see if I can defer my masters atm. If so that will give me a bit of breathing room. Thank you Cristiana. I hope all is well with you 🙏
You’ve certainly had a lot going on! Wishing you all the best with your next steps in life!
Thank you Tamara. Wishing you well 🙏
Good luck to you with future decisions! Hoping you and your family are getting along well as the end of this year is closing in!