Quote

"Intellectually based project work can be done anywhere but work with strong physical component is much less transferable" - anonymous

Software developement projects will be very transferable??? Then what is in software projects that are not transferable? Projects that requires customized expensive hardware?

Network....Network.

She said "Know your boss, and then know your client's boss. That way, build up your network." It was a point from K, K was a outgoing, bubbling person. Being with her always being a smile to my face because she is always motivating and encouraging person.

She have a point which make me wonder why do I not network enough. Is it a result of my "lone-ranger" personality? What caused me to be so? Immediately, I remembered the betrayal and the disappointment of my past "friends". That was my teenage and uni years. Wait, was it then I had started was on a "lone-ranger" course which caused it to happened. It feel so.

I need to socialize more and learn how to start a conversation with people. This skill is important to my life and career. Network...network....

Fat Larry's Band - Zoom

My strengths

Been reading this book, "Now, discover your strengths" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O.Clifton. It rhymes with me as it suggests how I should improves on my strengths instead of my weakness, so to be successful in life and work.

I agreed with it that I should not spent time improving on my weakness but use the time to improve my strengths further. Why try improve on something that is difficult for myself? I may become skilled at it but I may not have the latent talent to make it effortless perfect.

I believe each of us have our own talents latent inside us, using them to do productive work will brings fruits in enjoyment and satisfaction. I remembered how satisfied and happy I feel when I am doing something that comes easy for me.

I know some of my strengths. I need to find out the rest of them. Next, is then to check whether my strengths are in use in the new role in my new company.

Or put it in another way, what kind of work and role allows me to use my strengths?


Five for fighting - Superman

Career Ladder

Today interview went well. My interviewer is a young chap from OZ. He is the 2nd founder of the company and heads the Asia Pacific region. I was surprised at how small the physical size of the company is. It is located in tidy alley in Circular Road, opposite the "Banana Leaf" restaurant.
I worried about the role and responsibilities of the position because the interviewer is a sale focus person. The current PM lasted 4 months while the previous lasted a year plus. This worries me. He expects result.

It is a "get the job without distributing him much" environment. The only plus point is it may fit my go-at-it and "lone-ranger" personality. Also, there is no other existing current competitor in the company.

The position is in another industry and away from application development industry. I foresee that I cannot rely on my technical strength anymore but more on reading the behavior and personality of others. In term of career move, it will affirm my PM position.

So what next after this job? I am 35 this year. I will need to map out my career ladder. e.g. Project Manager -> Project Director -> Program Manager.

Table 1: Setting Career Goals

Career Plan for ________________ Last revised _____________
	Position	Time Frame	Organization/Industry	Relevant Certifications	Experience Required	ü
1
2
3
4
5

I need to plan and think how to fill in the above table with my career roadmap.

Don't dream its over - Crowded House.