Finger on the pause button

As some of you might be aware of, I was sent by my company on a 1 year relocation to the states last October. This relocation was immediately following a 3 month business trip assignment starting last June to pick up the skills/exposure in order for me to contribute efficiently to the project.

It's been nearly 11 months since I started this journey, and it has been a great experience. I've seen sights and visited places which I'll never have the chance to do so on my own expense. I've had the chance to mix with fellow colleagues from different groups and meet a diverse set of people (it's hard for different functional groups to really mingle around in Penang; everyone quickly forms a clique within their own working group; it's sad, but it's a fact). Plus the fact I have a great chance to build up my savings if I'm disciplined enough in my daily expenses.

Having said that, there's a part of me that feels like I'm basically putting my life on hold for a year. This sorta hit me after seeing how things have changed in Penang when I was recently back for a short home trip after a 6 month stretch in California.

There's some things that are either hard or impractical to carry out when you're physically away from your home base. You can't really change your status quo, and you miss out on what your family back home experience. I realise my parents are not getting younger, and that I should try and spend more time with them when I still can. You can't really invest much if you did not have the foresight to set up all the necessary account and paperwork prior to the assignment. Even in this online age, there's still some limitations, specially when your country has yet to fully embace the paperless office concept. There's only so much you can ask your family or friends to do; they can't sign on your behalf after all.

The fast 2 weeks back home was practically spent running around town, trying to complete errands that only I could have done. Signing forms, setting up stuff so I can manage it online or preparing the essential things that I will require when I eventually reach home, etc. Add to this the time I allocated away to renewing ties with family and friends; it's no wonder I was not really productive while I was in the office :P (but that's another story).

What am I trying to say in this monologue of mine? That this trip away from home is a mixed blessing. Any regrets? Not really. I guess it came at the right time, when I can still afford to spend a year away from home. It's a once in a lifetime experience and I really learnt a lot working with my US counterpart; he's a swell guy. I wouldn't mind extending my trip for a few more months. It'll definitely help my personal bottom line:) I guess these thoughts makes me appreciate the chance I got and also, what I had back home. It also adds another consideration if I ever am offered another relocation/long term assignment away from home.

-Am I thinking too much?


On the spin-table: "Remember the name" by Fort Minor. TNT plays this song a lot for the NBA playoffs. Nice catchy chorus, the violin piece makes a nice counter point.

Silverworm corner: "Value Investing made easy" by Janet Lowe. Need to get my hands on BG's actual books; in the meantime, explanatory books on him by other authors will have to suffice.