Tag Archives: career plans

A New Year, A New Beginning?

Career Management, , , , , , ,

With the countdown on New Year’s Eve, we’re always filled with the excitement and hopes for the new year. What it brings us. The new adventures that await us. It is as if, with each year, we renew ourselves, we replenish our motivation, we recreate our dreams.

The New Year is always a good start. It is clean. It is clear. It is powerful. And it is resolute. Whatever we could not achieve last year, we will attempt it in the New Year. This time with the ammunition of new energy, new strategy, new plan!

How many of us have thought last year that our life needs a change. Our careers need a change. The way we live needs a change.

If yes, what have we done to achieve these goals? We’re now in the second week of the year, how far are we in bringing us closer to what we’d tried to achieve last year?

In fact, a new year is a metaphor of a new beginning. The surge in hope and energy levels is intangible, and is purely esoteric. Nevertheless, I feel we should still let this wave of optimism that comes around every year, especially during the first two weeks of the new year, and possibly all the way into the second month of the new year, to focus our energy, our intentions, our goals.

What colour best describes you?

Career Management, , ,

Of all interviews I’ve been through, this is one question that has always stuck to my mind. The lady who interviewed me asked, “what color best describes you?” I’ve been prepared for questions like, “tell us about yourself”, “why do you think you’re suitable for this role”, “what are your career plans”…but this question just threw me off my chair (it was a video-conference interview, hence I was indeed sitting on a chair).

I thought hard. What colour. I believe I’m a red – fiery and gregarious. I also feel like a sky blue – soft, light, soothing. I’m green too – always looking towards growth and new opportunities. I’m a purple – an eclectic mix of tones, creative and resourceful. In short. I’m not just one colour. What will my response be to that question?

I answered slowly as I formulated my supporting speech at the same time, “I’m a rainbow!” Perhaps my lady interview had not anticipated that answer, as she looked surprised for a moment, before proceeding to ask the well-anticipated question, “why do you say that?”

Carefully, I chose my words. The rainbow is colorful, like my personality. I can be courageous, yet shy. I am experimental, yet cautious. I’m bold, yet respectful. Its because of this amalgamation of colours that I’m able to achieve what I have attained thus far, and developed that personality that I’m confidently comfortable with. “And who I think fits well with your team!” I simply had to add that last statement.

The lady interview smiled. I was offered the job. I’ve convinced the lady as well as myself that I’m indeed a rainbow.