Changes We Have Heard on High... Gloria!

Dear Diary,

Earlier, I watched a talk show on Channel U from 8 – 9pm. It was a discussion about how important examination grades are for the success of one’s future. A particularly interesting topic and there was even a primary 3 boy amongst those discussing. =) As I reflect how jubilant I was 15 years ago on that fateful morning when I climbed up 5 storeys back home at Tampines then with the result sheet in my hands. The grades read A*, A*, A and A for Science, Maths, English and Mandarin respectively in the Primary Scool Leaving Examinations (PSLE). There was much rejoicing. Four years later, I continued with reasonably good academic results (at least during my time) of 7 distinctions (in three pure sciences, English, two mathematics and a humanity subject) and a B3 for Mandarin in the University of Cambridge O-levels exams. The success continued through college till I entered pharmacy school and left it with second-class honours. Now… 15 years later since I got that morale-boosting PSLE results, I don’t feel very successful actually. Maybe it is because I am not sure what I really want in my career life. =( Grades don’t really guarantee success… Pharmacy students since my era (matriculation in 2001) have always been among the best students in Singapore. Yet, looking at us… most are lost and blind. Metaphorically.

In fact, over the last few days…. Major changes are underway. There would be a reallocation of pharmacists to the various pharmacy outlets come 2008. I guess I was too successful with my cheeky “branding” tendency… so much so that a couple of pharmacists wanted to take over my outlet (which is also a locum all-time favourite store) from me. I have always “branded” my outlet as being a prestige, honour and privilege to be working in it. Locums are allocated duties there as rewards and encouragement. Now, I am about to be ousted from my outlet. I was assigned a bigger outlet in the East which I ever worked nearby in a rival pharmacy as a student during attachment. However, I may just settle for the secluded small outlet somewhere Northeast. That outlet which I ever brought my students to and they stood at the counter like bodyguards because there was no place for them to sit or stand. Oh well… haha…

I relish the prospect of having a 6-day work week with that shop and leaving for home everyday at 5pm sharp. It may be good but a definitely a dent in prestige. Nonetheless, I will have to employ a strategy of micro-managing sales in terms of gaining customer loyalty rather than maintaining customer flow. We will see if I would get that change of working environment first. However, I will leave my current pharmacy outlet with a heavy heart because of all the memories I have in almost 2 years.

Got a couple of nominations for promotion but I am still considering if I should put myself forward as a candidate for promotion. I hope I can make the right decision soon… because I am actually very reluctant to be promoted. Sounds shocking but true. I know a promotion may derail many of the plans I set for myself in year 2008. Everything is just so uncertain… nevertheless, I am satisfied with the work I did in my job. I once told a few friends a few months back that if they saw changes to the pharmacist’s attire in my company when they visit our pharmacies, I have failed in my campaign. Today, I look back and say with a wink, “We made it!”

Sometimes, the speed that time flies is astounding. I can still remember clearly how I used to make major decisions by discussing with my parents and probably carrying out what they thought was best for me… Now, they listen and advise but I hold the sole responsibility of making the decision. It can be scary because there is still that child in me. A child that wants an affirmation which I no longer get… A child that is resistant to change and likes dwelling in comfort zones. Growing up is scary because physically we age… but mentally, do we catch up? Year 2008 is indeed the crunch year for me.

On a lighter note, I got a packet of home-baked chocolate cookies from a locum pharmacist and my first Christmas greeting card from her on Monday! Yay! =) Had Tony Romas dinner that same day with my boss and a couple of colleagues at Suntec City, followed by coffee at the nearby Gloria Jean café. In the tremendous pressure of this age, small surprises and get-togethers still bring that warmth and joy to one’s heart. May we all know that in everybody’s heart… be it emotional or formidable… there is always room for attention, love and friendship for someone. A kind gesture may just make someone’s day.

May God’s peace and love illuminate our lives this Advent season! =)

God Bless,

Andrew