Focus

My initial focus when I first got out of the army was to get a job, stabilize my income and try to look after myself financially. Enjoying my job and not being a burden to others was my main aim. But now, things have changed. Things are not going well economically and good jobs are few and far between. I now feel that there is less of a point pursuing a stable career now for a guy my age because the pay off will not be there during these tough times.

I feel blessed that I now have a stable job and income, a loving and caring family and a girlfriend who loves and cares about me. I acknowledge that there are many others that are worse off. But with that said, I now feel compelled to take my degree course. A bachelor's in electronics engineering to me exact, I remember making an enquiry on the same course about two and a half years ago only to find out that I lack the job experience needed for the course at that time. Now, having fulfilled the minimum criteria, I have made the decision to enrol.

Of course, it is still early days yet and success of my enrollment is subject to certain things beyond my control. Things like bank study loans and acceptance by the university etc... But I must think about what is involved. I am prepared to make the commitment and do whatever necessary to complete the course but I must think about others who will be inevitably affected by my commitment. For example, I might not be able to contribute as much money to my family as before. Time management would also be an issue as a huge chunk of my time will be devoted to my studies (this one girlfriend must understand... lol!!!) and etc...

I must admit that 3 years of mixing it up in the job market has left me without the drive to study, but I feel I have to bite the bullet because I believe nobody can doubt the necessity of education. Sure there are risks involved, the financial undertaking is huge and there are always unforeseen consequences, but life was never meant to be comfortable for too long. My only prayer is that my loved ones will understand and bear with me in the coming 2 - 3 years to come. The free lunches stop here, the real work begins now.