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It's 2025 and I am two years from reaching the age of 40!

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Counting down the days for two years until I turn 40 has made me ponder whether I have done well and achieved what is necessary. I have been in the same job for more than ten years now, with no significant career milestones in terms of position or salary increments. Whenever I think about this stagnant progress—despite having access to international-level training—I always remind myself that I am still considered lucky compared to others who have quit their jobs and are in survival mode, without the guarantee of an Employee Provident Fund for retirement planning. To be honest, I consider myself fortunate to have a job that I am passionate about. But, like any overthinker, I also question whether I have become too comfortable in my life, to the point that I am not pushing myself enough to reach my full potential. Taking into account my company’s sunset industry and unsustainable financial management, it might only last another two years. By right, I should have already started working o...
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The Importance of Communication Decorum in Professional Interactions: Why Phone Calls Shouldn't Be the Default

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In today’s fast-paced world, we rely heavily on technology for communication, but sometimes, traditional methods can be disruptive.  Recently, I had an experience that got me thinking about the importance of communication decorum. On my off day, I was interrupted by a stranger— a PR person who insisted on calling me about a story written by another agency. The constant ringing not only ruined my mood but also made me question the boundaries of professional communication. This post discusses why phone calls should not always be the default mode of communication and why respecting people’s time, and preferences is essential in maintaining professional relationships. Why Phone Calls Can Be Disruptive Respecting Personal Boundaries in Communication: Phone calls are intrusive, especially when they interrupt personal time. Whether it’s a weekend or an off day, many people value their time away from work. Communication through email or WhatsApp is less invasive and allows individuals to ...
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How I Got Shingles and How I’m Coping with It

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Life has a way of catching you off guard, and that’s exactly what happened to me recently. After a lovely week-long holiday, I returned home feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into my usual routine. But the very next day, I developed a sore throat and fever with chills. I brushed it off as a viral fever, thinking it was nothing a day of rest and medication couldn’t fix. However, things took a turn for the worse. Alongside severe pain in my head and eyes, I found myself battling relentless fatigue. I visited the doctor, got a day’s medical leave, and returned to work the following day, convinced I was well enough. That illusion of recovery didn’t last long. The Start of the Mystery Symptoms At work, I noticed I would start sweating profusely whenever I stood for too long. Headaches lingered, and by nightfall, I felt an odd tingling and burning sensation on my upper lip. I dismissed it at first, hoping it was just a passing irritation. The next morning, I woke up to find...
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"Breaking Free: Prioritising My Dreams Amid Family Obligations"

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I have constantly been setting aside some money for personal leisure things such as diving computer, good camera, cosmetic dental procedures and travelling somewhere else. Despite my diligence in doing so, which I have been refraining myself from buying other good stuff like posh car or apple products, but most of the time, my savings would be kind of robbed off by my family members.  For example, it took me about a year to slowly saving for a good diving computer, when I was about to achieve the goal, my mother had asked me to sponsor my youngest brother's driving license which was at the similar cost of my desired diving computer.  My retired father has developed a hobby/post-retirement activity that require him to spend fortune.  After retirement, he had suffered minor depression for the sudden "out-of-job" syndrome.  He used to get up as early as 4am to work and came back home around 11pm, the cycle went on until he reached the retirement age. When that moment ca...
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People that I have given up/get rid of for my better future

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For some reasons, before stepping into the year of 2024, I have subconsciously kept a distance from certain friends and acquaintances.  It was not an easy decision given that both of us have known each other for almost a decade, but despite that, some toxic traits are seemed to be there. When we chatted about it, a friend said it was absurd that despite many of us know Person A has been like that, but we still put up with him and willingly be taken advantage as if it is not a big deal.  It was a lightbulb moment, thinking how stupid I was being chained to the so-called blind "loyalty".  Here is the list of "not friends" anymore. Person A- Cheapskate The only son of a rich family who owns multiple properties, would buy branded sports stuff and pay for his sports tournament entry fee.  Known him for more than 10 years as someone despite to be a plain person, but is stingy, talk so loudly, and always hoping that other people would pay for his meal.  There was a tim...
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Why men should refrain from inappropriate touching, especially with married women

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In our modern society, where personal boundaries and mutual respect are valued more than ever, it's crucial for individuals, particularly men, to understand the significance of appropriate behavior and boundaries, especially when it comes to physical touch. Unfortunately, there still exists a prevalent misconception that touching or invading personal space without consent is acceptable. This is particularly concerning when it involves married women. Freepik.com While the boundaries of personal space and appropriate touch may seem like common knowledge, it's evident that many individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, cross these boundaries. Therefore, it's imperative to delve into why this behavior is not only disrespectful but can also be damaging to relationships and personal well-being. First and foremost, let's address the importance of consent. Consent is the cornerstone of any healthy interaction, whether it be physical or otherwise. Without consent, any form of touch...
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The Cost of Quality Children’s Education in Sabah: Balancing Excellence and Affordability

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As parents, we all want the best for our children. We dream of providing them with quality education that equips them for a successful future. However, in Sabah—a state known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity—quality education comes at a price. Let’s delve into the challenges faced by parents and explore the cost range of ensuring a top-notch education for our little ones. The Educational Landscape in Sabah Sabah boasts a mix of public and private schools, each with its unique strengths and limitations. Here are some key aspects of the educational landscape: Public Schools : Public schools in Sabah follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education. While they offer affordable education, overcrowded classrooms and limited resources can hinder personalized attention. Private Schools : Private schools provide an alternative for parents seeking smaller class sizes, better facilities, and a more holistic approach to education. However, tuition fees can be significa...
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