The Mustard Seed and The Master Key!

Year in, year out, new year resolutions were like making a dull wish whenever I wake up in the morning after a vague fantasy dream. Soon as I get my butt off the bed all the dreams and wishes would instantly disappear under the blanket, only to engulf me again when I hit the sheets at night. New Year resolutions never made any sense to me, because they're beyond my grasp. And, whenever I made one up it'd only made me more discouraged, and put me in a state of depression.

This year is different. I just know it. Someone had planted a mustard seed in me during a Christmas visit to my dear old friend, Hilary, who was my wedding best man. He introduced me to a friend who is a director of Asia Event, and we got acquainted very well. Why not, since he is very humble and friendly, who was once suffering in an endless loop of rat race corporate world. Ever since he got out of it, things began to change, and with every new door he opened, another door presented itself, but not before he had acquired some knowledge and experiences which equipped him with the wisdom and courage in order to open the next door of new challenges. From thereon, more doors would present themselves and every door he had opened brought with him more new experiences and knowledge that would excite him to take on new challenges. And every new challenges would bring him more success!

From just a single act of courage in opening the first door of opportunity his life has never been the same. He is now able to provide for his family, not only in terms of money, but he is able to spend more quality time with his family. Plus point - no more stress! Every day he looks forward to start the day meeting new clients and new challenges!

He has inspired me on that Christmas day. He has planted a seed in me. I have started to grab an opportunity before that chance meeting with him, but his words of courage has driven me to courageously pursue that opportunity and go all out to open more doors as they come my way. With every door I open more doors will present themselves, as the first key, which I have used to open that very first door, is actually The Master Key!

The Piano [Life is a song] Yann Tiersen - comptine d'un autre été l'aprè...

Withdraw EPF Savings at 75 ??

Wow, some advice from our government - all EPF contributors should withdraw their savings at 75 - the Star 28-Oct-2010.


I don't know about the announcer but for him to make such a statement clearly defines the apparent lack of faculty most higher corporate figures seem to possess. They assumed that they are in a position which empowers them to depart wise words without the need to do homework. Or is this behavior atypical of high income receivers - income which is not confined only to salary alone - got my drift? 


I begin to worry. Now, if I have to retire at 55, assuming I'm not eligible to continue contributing my skills within the same company until 60, who will sustain me for the next 240 months? Can I confidently get another job before my last drawn salary is used up? 


I am not one to have amassed huge sums of money during the tenure of my employment and I have no other source of generating side income, be it legal or "ill-gotten". Nor am I classed under the category of those fortunate group who started out with high paying jobs and were able to build a mountain of savings over the years.


Simply put, I am not on par in financial status as the one who blurted out the advice. In fact, I would not even survive were I to withdraw my EPF savings even a month late.


My day in the office have not been peaceful, so please, Mr EPF Employee, spare me this bad and tasteless joke! And please don't tell us that it's because the government stops giving dividends after the age of 75. Don't convince the citizens that you have a case of bad eye-and-hand co-ordination!