First Job

  When I described my job to my peers, they responded in shock because they thought I was selling condoms. 'No! Condominiums. You all heard it wrong!.' Their expressions changed to awe, but still kept on reaffirming which product I was involved with, with laughs of course!

Platinum Victory Sdn Bhd 

  Well, I was actually a practical industrial trainee working in a company that develops condominiums and shop lots among other buildings. I did everything from paper work to climbing roofs measuring pipes. I landed on the job because my uncle was in the company, and my dad encouraged me to go for it as he thinks I'd learn more compared to working in a fast-food franchise. The contract stated that I'll be serving the company for 2 months. It started right after my STPM examinations. The journey to work was an excruciating one hour drive from my home to Setapak via MRR2. Cramped legs, fatigued drowsiness and bad radio music was a norm for me.

  The job was an eye-opener. Leaving the scientific community and entering into the world of construction brought the realization of my utter ignorance. Humility deluged into my everyday life. I knew almost nothing here! I was dysfunctional in their realm. Lost as I was, I thank God for providing a few altruistic guides along the way The first would be Mr. Chong. He was an extroverted, jolly, happy-go-lucky quantity surveyor. He introduced me to a wealth of knowledge, such as the whole process from architectural squiggles to the actual built, safety procedures, practical and artistic aspects of design, relationships between contractors, developers and government officials, among others. We often ate lunch together with Mr. Khong, another colleague from the project department. They would have adult conversations with a boy listening attentively by the sidelines.

  After mingling in the project department, I moved to the marketing branch. There, I learnt the business of filing, typing, photostating, faxing, sending letters and other paper work. From a lady named Ms Tham, I learnt about sub-sales. It involves the documentations regarding property sales concerning second owners and onwards. She taught me many facts about important documents such as sales and purchase agreements, deed of assignments, and deed of receipt and reassignments. The relationships between purchasers, vendors, banks, lawyers and developers were fascinatingly intricate. It was a good exposure.

  Above all, I learnt how to be an adult, though admittedly I was on the brink of failing. Firstly, appropriate attire is a norm. I faced a slight identity crisis though as I was appearing 10 years in advance from my age. Next, an adult featured responsibility and accountability. They took their jobs seriously by completing each and every one with fidelity on time. Ignorance was no excuse. They strove at seeking practical solutions to practical difficulties. It was not like school. Mr Chong said 'Life is 30% theory, 70% practical.' Furthermore, adults were matured. They behaved appropriately according to the situations with remarkable self control. They also exhibited a pro-active attitude, asking questions without diffidence, and making full use of every opportunity. Most adults were sociable. They were masters of deciphering and expressing verbal and body language. Their words were phrased befittingly which avoided misunderstandings. Lastly, the adult world had a very unpredictable dark side. There were people who do not fancy fair play. I need not elaborate on this. Company secret.

  All in all, it was easy to look like an adult, but difficult to be one. One had to be agile and flexible, but still stay true to one's values.  I'm grateful to God for this unique training. I hope I'd fair better in the future. I'm truly sorry for all the mistakes that I've made. Thank you all!!