I know some may say that it is a Monkey-Do-Monkey-Say thing to write a post about your entire year but if you know how horrible the start of my 2011 was, it explains how well there is a need for me to do so.

Even though I have been through the full-time-work-and-part-time-degree cycle for the second year, I have not exactly gotten used to it. There are so many struggles along the way. One of the best things that happens along the way is knowing I have great friends who never leave me and never cease to give me moral support and encouragement. Without them, I am unsure if I would ever make it for my first year. Doing your degree is so different from diploma (like, duh!) in the sense that you cannot simply throw in what you have memorized. For a person like me who dislikes wasting my brain cells, it is tough. Hahaha.

In addition, it also takes a lot for one to have a constant revision for at least nine solid months while doing a full time job (with no vacation or breaks at all). I depend on that once-a-year exam to move on to another level of my degree, hence the importance of every exam. Not only that, I also make a lot of sacrifices - rest, sleep, favourite/proper food/meals, friends, family, etc. - along the way. How easy can it be especially you have to go through whole thing for at least two years? It is a matter of making the impossible, possible and being disciplined. Sometimes, along the way, I forgot what my priorities are anymore.

For my second year of University education, I chose lesser modules compared to my first year. I thought that the stress level was overwhelming and I could not do overtime for my work in my first year, hence the decision. However so, I still find it difficult to cope with my revision. I believe that it is either due to the high level of overtime required for my current job or I have become more complacent which explains what I am going through now. Other than this, I think I have lost track of the reality - in terms of the new artists and latest television programs/shows excluding new English songs because I never fail to listen to my favourite radio station everyday. I count myself lucky if I could fork out time to read online news. But, please don't discuss the latest shows with me because you would only be wasting your time. Hahaha.

Other than that, I am very much on my own. All this while, I suffer from insomnia on most nights due to the stress from my work, studies and financial issues - I still cannot figure out which is my major problem. It is not just simply managing your time and finances well and you will be able to handle these issues. There are some who arrogantly told me that it is all about time management until they start doing the same like me to know how difficult it is to handle everything. *shrug* No, I am not trying to prove anything but rather to point out that if I tell you that I am having some problems, then I am really having some problems. People who know me very well will know that I tend to keep everything to myself and only tell others or ask others for help when I am about to “explode”. Urgh, I just never learn my lessons. One day, if you ever hear a loud explosion, you might have guessed that I have finally exploded. Haha. Okay, I have to admit that I have not trusted anyone enough to express all my thoughts. *Shrug* I have my good reasons for that.

I am also happy to say that I have gotten out recruitment industry because I know that this is not what I want to do in future. Most importantly, I need not try so hard to convince others I am not out to cheat the students’ money and that not all companies do that too. In all industries, there is bound to have some black sheep. This is a norm! Within a small community, there will be some black sheep as well. Like, duh! You can imagine all the embarrassment and disappointments that I went through when people still refused to believe me after all my explanations - Okay, I care too much how others judge me and the things I do. It also shows that you do not understand this *ahem* kind hearted Chu Er well. I am too soft-hearted to cheat others’ money. Tsk tsk. I am sure that I would be one of the first people who leave the company if I know that I need to cheat others in order to get my salary.

Now, I am in a totally different industry – not exactly one which I expected to be in – but I am still glad that I am working for them because I learn something new even though it is the most stressful job which I have ever done. Ha. Many people out there are not as appreciative as what I expected them to be. I used to think that Singaporeans complain a lot or rather, being very unreasonable but…I was wrong about this concept until I encountered more people. I just hope that I would not be part of this group. Really, ugly. :/

Another thing which I realized and learnt is that it is not true that the older you get, the more mature you will be. I was wrong. There is always a childish side in everybody of all ages. It is a matter of more or less, really. But again, who am I to judge others? I just hope that the childish side of me will depreciate as I age. Ha.

Another good thing that happened this year is, I managed to catch up with a number of long lost friends whom I had not talked to for 1 – 4 years. Ha. Actually, all these years, I still hope that a misunderstanding between a friend and I could be resolved but I know it is a wishy-washy thought of mine. Oh well, I will take it as a lesson learnt – don’t mind about other’s business too much. If they refuse to heed your advice, why bother? You know you have tried your best. :)

For the coming new year, I am sure that it won't be an easy and a smooth-sailing one for me due to some reasons. No matter what would happen, I would try to be optimistic and strong for people who love me. :) Oh yeah, happy 2012!