I have been honoured to be invited by Patty Wolters to contribute to her project called “The Skilled Helpers Collaborative” where I and other talented writers share our life experiences, our stories and importantly, inspire others during difficult times like this.
I hope you will enjoy this piece that I wrote.
I love changes. For me, life should always be in balance of both ups and downs because only when we experience the low points in life, we can truly appreciate and treasure our wins and momentous events. I have gone through many difficult and challenging phases in my life that shaped who I am today, and I am extremely grateful that I can look at these changes as something positive and call them my epic adventures.
Please allow me to share some of my major twists and turns that I experienced over the years and taught me valuable life lessons.
A Major Change in My Career
I earned a stable, lucrative income as a jewellery sales consultant doing retail hours during my early twenties when a new opportunity, an admin assistant role, knocked on my door. Although leaving my sales job would mean a 50% cut in my salary, I knew that new work could be my opportunity to learn more and challenge myself in a different role. Not working during retail hours also means that I can do a night study in my spare time. It was a scary jump to an unknown universe as I felt inadequate for my new role. I was like a fish out of water, and nonstop thoughts and doubts were running in my head. Back then, I was not computer literate, so I was afraid that the new job would not work out in the end. The worst thing that could happen was I could never go back to my old job. Moreover, jobs like that, with high salary and low expectations, are hard to come by.
But honestly, the thought of being in retail all my life wasn’t something I fancied. I wanted much more than the job can provide. Being a jewellery assistant means 80% of my time included standing at a spot and waiting for customers to walk in. And that was the only time I can serve clients and do my sales pitch. After thinking about the cons and pros, and weighing all the possible outcomes, I made the jump.
Working as an admin assistant means I needed to work on some new skills, my computer skills in specific. I worked twice as hard as others, and I taught myself how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint during my spare time in the office. I also asked a lot of questions, volunteered to run errands, stayed back late to help with marketing promos, and increased my network through clients and colleagues. Soon enough, my efforts paid off. My boss noticed my efforts and decided to groom me. He sponsored my further education and promoted me twice within the same year.
Results: I obtained my certification in business, and I gained experience as a first-time office manager. Besides that, I learnt lots of hands-on experience by dipping my toes into other departments like marketing, sales, customer service, etc.
If I did not take that step out of my comfort zone, I would probably still be in the retail line, and maybe jumping from store to store without feeling any satisfaction in my career.
And if I only stayed within my job scope as an office manager, I would never learn different things from the other departments. Also, I would never be able to expand my network within the company.
A Major Change to My Lifestyle
After a few years of working in my dream company, I felt ecstatic and comfortable in my role. My superiors appreciated my work and my team and coworkers enjoyed working with me. Within a year into the job, I was approached to take a new opportunity to relocate in Shanghai to be part of the pioneer batch that spearheads the first China campus.
Although my role hasn’t changed, I will be taking on a larger profile and bigger responsibilities in a different country with a different culture. As much as I love to travel as a past time, I didn’t venture to other countries outside Southeast Asia, and I have never lived on my own. It was a huge risk to uproot myself from the comforts of my home and be thrown into the unknown. Besides that, I just started dating someone new.
But the thought of moving overseas to gain exposure and experience was too much to decline. I know I will regret it if I didn’t take up the offer.
So, I moved. I hunted down the perfect apartment within walking distance to my new office. It was only a 10-minute walk compared to an hour of commute that I did daily in Singapore. I also made new friends, many of whom became lifelong friendships. I even switched roles, from sales to training and even to order processing role.
Results: I spent two years in Shanghai and had a memorable, eye-opening experience. I fell in love with the country, and I got to travel to many parts of China. I even met many people from different backgrounds, and consequently, my social circle got wider.
I matured exponentially during my time in China. To live by yourself is a luxury for Singaporeans because rentals are impossibly high. Moreover, you are only eligible to purchase affordable public housing from the government after you got married or reached 35 years old, whichever comes first. For the first time, despite the risk of sounding like a spoilt child, I did my laundry, cooked my food, and cleaned my house. I no longer come home to a meal set for me after a long day at work. I even fixed my own IKEA furniture and light bulbs.
I also got to experience the four seasons for the first time since the weather you can have in Singapore is either rain or shine. Unused to winter, I hibernated under the electric blanket in front of the heater whenever the temperature drops to less than 10 degrees. When my colleagues decked in sweaters during autumn, I was already wearing a winter coat and a sweater.
If I had stayed in my country, I will never experience all of these and come to appreciate how comfortable living in Singapore is and how fortunate I am to be a Singaporean. Most importantly, the 2 years I spent abroad was the test that strengthened my long-distance relationship.
A Major Change in My Status
During my stint in Shanghai, I was offered a huge change again. This time around, a diamond ring and a promise to love me forever. To close the gap of our long-distance relationship, I had to leave my dream career in my dream company to live in another foreign country and be with the man of my dreams.
Once again, I faced it with some dilemma, but I picked up my courage and chose to go to the unknown. I resigned from my job, packed up my bags, and relocated to Kuala Lumpur.
Results: I am now happily married for 6 years with an adorable 4-year-old. I am a proud servant of my 3 lovely cats. I am a founder of the career site MiddleMe.net, and I became a successful freelancer.
Conclusion
Life is all about changes. And change is scary – it is unnerving, it is uncomfortable. It is easy to just stay put where you are. But if we don’t take calculated risks to change our lives for the better, we will never gain memories that will last a lifetime. Staying stagnant, complacent, and idle frightens me more than anything else.
Check out other writers’ stories in this collaboration here.
Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well:
Instagram @kallymiddleme
Twitter (MiddleMe_net)
FaceBook (MiddleMe.net)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay
MiddleMe 
This is such an inspirational
Post. Thank you for sharing you experience and adventures. I truly agree, it is in the moments of challenge they we grow and I think really find who we are ♥️. Beautifully written.
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Thank you so much 😊 Truly amazing comment.
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I really enjoy reading this post! So inspirational and look forward to your blog post. Thank you!
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Thank you so much! Have an awesome weekend!
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Well done, a very inspirational piece of writing that I hope may encourage a few to get out of their comfort zones and stretch themselves.
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What an interesting way /career Kally. Without hard work, willing to learn and dedication in the job you would not have achieved all that. This is a great read for young starters as they get inspiration from you to dare to have other challenges. I can relat to that as when younger – in the hotelbusiness- I changed many times, learnt new systems, and really made my way up in England from Silver service Waitress to Front of HouseManager in the end. I enjoyed everybit of that journey. When dedicated and willing to learn more the world is open and oportunities will come to you. I am now on the other side and will be retiring shortly. 🙂
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This is so inspiring Kally….sometimes we have to take a leap of faith…only then we can truly tap our true potential…👍🏻❤️
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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An excellent, inspirational, post, prompting me to send you my dramatic change: https://wordpress.com/posts/derrickjknight.com?s=One+Life+Cut+Short%3B+
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring. I find your story intriguing and you are so brave to find your strength in your experiences.
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Thank you for following the link to my story and for your comments, Kally
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I salute the boldness in you. We really can’t achieve more if we are not daring. Glad you launched for more. ❤
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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I salute the boldness in you. We really can’t achieve more if we are not daring. Glad you launched for more. ❤
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Thank you, Herry. Sometimes we just need to step into the unknown to take that risk.
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You are welcome, Kally. Yes, I agree. 📌
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A beautiful post thank you so much
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Thank you so much, Abubaker. I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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Your story is inspiring for me. My best wishes to you Kally. Live happily, make others laugh. You are a nice friend.
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring. You are a nice friend too.
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You are proof that you can be mistress of your own fate. Very inspirational story. Kally, SS (Super Star or superbly successful as you prefer)
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Awwwww!! Thank you so much for your encouragement ! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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Ah wow wow dear, this is wow. Thank you for the post.
To think of the fact that I have been “preaching” my family about change being good for the soul these days…well thanks again for the post since I can “proudly boast ” about change being good for the soul since I learned from this post that taking risks is not always risky but it can be an epic move.
I am happy to learn how MiddleMe came about…❤💯
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring. I hope you will come back for more!
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I’ll definitely come back for more!💯.
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Awesome! Thanks for your support.
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Welcome🙂
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Good on you! As everyone else has stated so inspiring yes, but encouraging as well. What a life you have created and it is certain to serve you well as your little one grows up.
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I truly hope I can step up as a good role model for my little one. A lot of people commented that she’s like my own mini me.
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This is inspiring for me. Thank you!
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Thank you so much for saying that. I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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It is thrilling to read a little of your history. A full biography would be nice, but it should probably wait until you no longer look like a teenager! 😉 ‘Course, that may be a while as my bride of 31 years is almost double that in age and still looks like a teen!
May I recommend a book, if I have not already, about marriage? It is one of the best that I have ever read on how to maintain a healthy relationship through the ups and downs of two fallen people “falling for each other.” The book is Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It has saved many a marriage that was in trouble and tremendously enhanced marriages that were already in good condition; always learning.
love and prayers, c.a.
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Hahaha! To look youthful sometimes is a nuisance. Thank you for the book recommendation. I’m sure it will come in handy when I’m pissed off at my husband for something trivial.
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Had a friend who was in her early 40s and her complaint was that she always had to show her ID when going with friends to a bar! 😉. Then all our other friends wished THEY could have that problem. 😂
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Ah the grass is always greener on the other side.
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Brilliant and inspiring! Exactly what I needed to read today! Thank you.
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Thank you so much, Liza! I’m so glad you find the article inspiring.
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Life is all about changes. And unpredictable…
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Yes, indeed!
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Congratulations Kally, an Honor well earned!
Your Bio is exceeded only by the ongoing contribution’s YOU, have, and no doubt, shall contribute to humanity.
YOU, dear friend emulate and exhibit the Motto of the Christopher’s; “IT IS BETTER TO LIGHT ONE CANDLE THAN IT IS TO CURESE THE DARKNESS.”
The sheer brilliance of this site; and its AID to countless co-workers IS a tribute to YOU and what an AMAZING God we have.
Thank you Kally,
God Bless you,
Patrick
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Thank you so much Patrick. It is readers like you that supports and encourages me to go further and beyond. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my stories so I can inspire others to do well.
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Change is never easy, but necessary for growth! We can’t grow, without change. We won’t see change, without there being any growth! Blessings!
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Indeed, Warren. Your comment sums it all up.
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Lovely Life
Story Thanks
For Sharing Kally😊
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the article lovely.
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SMiles Kally
Inspiring
Life You Live😊
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A beautiful blog
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find my blog beautiful.
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Inspiratory blog kally
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the blig inspiring.
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you are most welcome 🤗
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YOWZA-!!!!
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Thank you 😊
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U R WELCOME
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Thank you, Kally! Thats very motivating. Congratulations on your past decision. Just in time, and so wonderful. Yes, confronted with such things there is fear and anxiety. But at least changes are the spices in our life. 😉 Will done! Michael
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Oh yes, I believe each change is a journey, an adventure and a new chapter in my book of life. Stay safe and smiling, Michael.
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Great! Thank you for your motivation, and positive thinking, Kally! Stay also save, but dont forget enjoying life. Michael
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Change is inevitable , you might as well embrace it, thank you for sharing, great post!
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Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day.
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Kally, thanks for sharing some of your career/life journey. Dealing with these changes is inevitable.
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Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day.
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What an inspiration you are!
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Thank you so much! Have an awesome weekend, Diane.
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There can be a big investment in first establishing one’s self when we’re younger. But it’s pretty rare, I think, to really know what we want during those times in a life. Suddenly changing is as much about letting go as reaching for something new; and that sense of falling away from the known is the discomfort. But it’s also a powerful experience.
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I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us! Those leaps can be so frightening to contemplate. I’m glad you were able to not only take those chances but cultivate the skills you needed to make them successful.
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I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. Thank you so much for your comment.
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Thanks for your like of my article, “Tribulation Prophecies And Doctrine 2 –The Time From Rapture To Tribulation;” your kindness is greatly appreciated.
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I couldn’t have missed a chance of notifying my favourite blogger (Kally) that I’m now switching to a new blog site address, you really inspire me to be flexible for change dear.
I am almost a “newbie” in the blogging industry again. It had to happen. My blog site is now officially registered in my email and not my mom’s. Thanks again for your inspiration Miss Kally😍
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Awwww!! Thank you so much! I will definitely visit your new blog address.
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Thank you.😍
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