Bye bye, KL

Interesting development in the last 2 weeks or so- I am close to accepting an offer with a Singapore law firm. After attending an interview last week, I was offered a position, and I will courier the letter of offer, together with the Employment Pass form (which I'm filling in at present) and relevant degree/academic credentials/certificates etc by tomorrow. I will be based in Singapore and if everything proceeds as planned, I expect to start work by early to mid-March, pending the successful application for an Employment Pass. I have only served 3 months in my present place of work, but I'm yet to be confirmed and this gives me the opportunity to give a shorter period of notice. I see it as an opportunity to further enhance my career and earning power. Career-wise, I have been in a rut for quite some time now and with the impending creep towards the mid-thirties (I'm going to be 33) by June, I felt the compelled to take stock of my life as a whole. I have no complaints about my life outside of work- I'm healthy, I have a loving family, etc. But I've always fell short in my career. It seems that the damage has already been done here in KL, with no apparent solution to my predicament. I am hoping that taking up this job offer will mean that the slate is wiped clean, and that I can start afresh. .

I'm ambivalent about my impending move- there are pros and cons for staying here in KL, as there are pros and cons for working down south. But, despite my fears, I feel that this is a step I must take and at least give a shot. I don't want to contemplate any "what-ifs". It certainly won't get any easier- everything moves at a much faster pace; work will probably be endless; I won't have a car; I'll probably be living in a smaller apartment; I have to make a lot of arrangements of my move- transportation of my belongings, etc; the whole settling in process; everything has to be done yesterday. But at this stage of my life the most important thing for me will be my career. I will take it as a challenge, and the experience will only serve to enhance my professional development.

Obviously, Mrs Hopper has agreed to the move and she has already had her personal request for transfer approved, although it appears that I will have to spend around a month or two in Singapore without her while she finalises details of her move.

As much as I love running, that will certainly have to take a back seat for now. I don't know how the working hours will be, although I will try to set aside at least one hour a day to run. The office will be in the CBD area, so there are also other considerations since I won't have a car, for instance, the nearest spot I can go to for my run; where I can keep my running gear; where I can keep my office clothes when I run; where is the nearest MRT station; how long will it take to get back to my apartment after I run, etc.

Anyway, I'm sad to be leaving my running friends in KL- you are, without exception, the best friends anyone could have. Despite my limitations, you never judged me. You took me as I am, and we all had a common interest that surpassed everything else- running! I want to thank you all for opening my eyes and heart. I have made so many new friends since I took up running. Your friendship has been invaluable. That, money cannot buy.

I hope to see you all sometime before I leave. Either for drinks, or just an easy run-out on the roads or in the parks. Take good care of yourselves and run safe. If you're ever in Singapore, look me up!