2023: A Year in Review

2023 was... actually an okay year, but it honestly could be better.

I landed a new job, managed to travel overseas for a short vacation (this is a record for me, because normally you don't get to really go places when you're just a few months into your job), and had a somewhat decent workload. And yes, the work arrangement/setup is undeniably great.

That's the good news.

Then, there's the not-so-great updates.

I obviously didn't enjoy what happened on the third quarter of the year. It just shows that I need to be more decisive if I want things to go my way.

Oh, and there's the fork in the road I'm facing this December. If I accept it, I can use whatever I earn and save up to get to my next goal. Unfortunately, it's not really going to catapult me straight to my goal. It'll make life slightly more comfortable, sure. But it's not comfort I'm after... and I really don't want to prolong progress for the sake of comfort. Then again, if things go south, I can easily bolt outta there and go somewhere else. It'll just be inconvenient for me and the others involved.

Then, there's the decline option. This one is incredibly uncomfortable, as this option takes a lot of guts. Some people will see this as the crazy option. Plus, the work you need to pivot will be a lot. The journey won't be easy. There's a good chance that things will fall apart. If I take the risk, though, there's a good chance that I'll hit my next goal. Also, I don't need to be rolling in the dough if I play my cards right. I have more than enough for me (and never enough for the others, but hey, I need to think about my future for once).

Whatever choice I make will define how I start 2024. Both options have their pros and cons. And yes, there is a time limit. I wonder what choice I'll make...

That's all for now.

The Calm Before the Storm

After several weeks of waiting, I somewhat got what I wanted. 

And things are looking... kinda peaceful. As the title suggests, I'm in that calm before the storm period. I don't know how the future is exactly gonna play out, but I'm going to do my best to make the most of the situation.

2022: A Year in Review

 Some things cannot go back to the way they were.

You can't expect a situation or a circumstance would go back to what they were pre-pandemic. 

If anything, 2022 is a wake-up call for me to realize that change is here to stay — and you shouldn't go back to the "old normal." 

Embrace the change. Accept it for what it is.

This 2023, I hope for a better year — a year that will allow me to achieve what I've set out to do.

I remain optimistic and accepting of the fact that life will move forward whether you're ready or not.

 

 

I Told You So

Nobody said it was easy.

I wanted a challenge, and it looks like I bit off more than I can chew.

So, what now?

I don't know yet, but I'll face the challenges (and ramifications) as they come.

Caution: (Possible) Dark Times Ahead

Oh boy. Things are about to get interesting... in a not-so-positive way.

But hey, I might be wrong — and this time around, I honestly don't mind if I'm wrong.

I Wanted a Challenge — I Got a Challenge

Hey, I asked for it, right?

I did — and boy am I in for a challenge. 

I started work a few weeks ago and there's definitely a lot to work on, learn, unlearn, and even relearn. I definitely have to step things up to make sure that I don't get left behind — or worse — completely unable to keep up with what needs to be done.

And it's not just a challenging job. Right now, the situation in the world is challenging. 

You've got a potential global war that's brewing... and things are not looking great. I mean, we're just recovering from a pandemic, and now we get this... this conflict?

Oh boy, looks like I'm in for quite a ride. Then again, so is everybody else. I wonder how things will turn out this 2022? What I can do right now is to work hard and keep my eyes peeled for the events unfolding around me.

That's all for now.

2021: Not a Very Good Year in the Least

 

I do NOT see 2021 as a good year for me. Yes, I did great at my previous job (performance-wise), but I wanted something different. So, just like the millions of people who participated in The Great Resignation, I left with zero regrets. I definitely feel that I've regained control of my life — something that I wouldn't trade for anything else.

Another disappointing thing that happened was that I got really sick at the last quarter of the year. I have recovered as of this writing, but this experience has made me realize just how important my life choices are. 

2021 also threw a wrench on my international travel plans. The travel restrictions has made flying out of the country downright inconvenient. Dealing with logistical headaches is the last thing that I want to do.

If there's anything positive I can say with 2021, it's that I'm grateful for knowing how to save money. 

Here's hoping that 2022 is a lot better not only for me, but also for the people around me.