The golden month

December 2, 2007

I mentioned in the last entry that I was expecting Matt B's arrival. Matt was a good friend from work back in Chicago. He was one of the two people at DDB that I think
would appreciate the culture differences. Matt proved my assumption was right.
Initially I was planning to hang out with him throughout the trip. Just a week before his arrival, I got a job offer and had to start on a short notice. So, the whole plan was cancelled and Matt had to wander on his own most of the time. But he never ceased to impress me. In deed, he was doing great on his own.

So, Matt, my hat's off to you. And I hope to see you back here again next year.

Last Friday was my last day at work. After 5 weeks at work that seemed like forever, I finally called it quit. As much as I like working, or call myself a workaholic, I do have limit. I can tolerate long hours of work on occasions, but not every day until my dedication has become part of job description. It seems normal here that business hours could be extended into to midnight or 3-4 am in the morning. Employees don't complain because other companies are doing the same thing. I can't help but wonder why people work this hard but the country doesn't go anywhere. Why is Thailand still a developing country? (note: it's my sarcastic joke, you don't need to find the explanation.)

Anyway, my life theory is hard work brings success, overwork brings death.

By the time I got burned out from work, the other job offer came along. It's from an Australian design consultancy company based in Bangkok, offered me a Design Manager position. My new job responsibilities include managing people and overseeing all the work. I won't design anymore, which is perfect because I will have time to do my own work for my own company.

The best of all is I feel like I'm back in the States again. DDB has a great work culture that's become my standard of what the company culture should be. The Australian company offered me the perk and benefit similared to that and beyond. They allow employees to be off on both Thai and Western holidays. It's the kind of company I want to work for. It's the company that cares about its own people that, in turn, will be awarded by great work from people with appreciation. I for one, believe, great work comes from happy people.

The end of the year is right around the corner. December is a month of long holiday break and celebration. Bangkok at this time of year is looking great with holiday light decorations and out-door beer festivals across the city. The weather is decent. It's cold enough that I'm thinking about wearing kneel-high boots to work. (not common here) I love Bangkok in December. Tim and I agree if the weather is like this
all year round, we will never want to move elsewhere. Tim is also doing so great on his new role at Citibank, which reassure us on our moving home decision. And myself - things are coming together after rough months of adjustment. I'm feeling obtimistic about my future. I'm hoping I will fit in at a new place so I can end my job hunting. On the next entry, I will update you about my new job and my journey down on a remote Island, South of Thailand.