Backstory:
I was only working a 3 day workweek so I took the time to focus on building relationships mainly and to be more present in every endeavor that I undertook.
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This year, I deliberately took less classes to streamline my work days and also to develop a more stronger focus on teaching Sec Math. Taking a break ended up with me working a lot harder this year. I had a lot more free time, to pursue interests and random ideas.
1) I think one thing I did well was to step up on volunteering. I increased my volunteering hours with different non-profit organisations (though I've still yet to find something that I truly enjoy).
At work, I gave free consultation lessons, something the centre has allowed me to do even though this is practically unheard of. Given less classes, I naturally took a pay cut.
I still gave work my bestest, knowing full well that I might not get anything in return. But strangely, I haven't actually gotten poorer in any way.
In work itself, I am expanding my portfolio vertically to tackle JC math at the end of 2017. So right now, I can teach with confidence P3 to JC 1( eventually JC2 H2 math) and also develop good materials for curriculum. I am also the main sec math teacher at one of our outlets. I am thankful for the students who stuck with me even with our location change. We had one of the smoothest operation. Our entire classes just uprooted and then set up camp in the new outlet with minimal disruption.
2) I found time to attend alpha and also Bible classes. But somehow Scripture does not speak to me in a clear way. I pray and I meditate, and each day, I hope I am closer in my relationship with God. I agree with parts of scripture but I find some parts unfamiliar. No matter, because I feel that I am always more spiritual than religious. And this is between me and the higher power. I do not know the full truth, and nor do any single person, so we are all entitled to our own views with minimal prejudice.
However, I find time to do meditations and simple reflections in my daily routine. I find it important to always stay grounded and to give thanks each day.
3) I used to spend a lot more money in self development courses the previous years. What's changed this year is that I spent less money but I received and learned so much more quality information.
And I also got to code my own website. Both of which, I probably would just be dreaming of if not for the opportunities that showed up.
4) I also spend time going for Annual General Meeting (AGMs) of companies I invested in. I even got to go as proxy for my friends! I attended stock tutorials and for the first time, am very clear of the reasons why I invested in certain companies and not others. I read up on Bitcoin, but never invested because it's just currency and has no intrinsic value. I feel that it is a perfect currency and medium of exchange, but human beings are not perfect. Decentralization and anonymity in transactions are good ideas, but not easy to execute in our world.
To me, investing in bitcoin is like more a zero sum game. Someone must sell for someone to buy. If this is a bubble, last person standing when the music stops is the patsy. I do not agree with the way people are profiteering from it so I decided to stay away.
There's a lot of other money to be made if one actually actively looks for opportunities.
5) I found time for online random pursuits. Spending a good amount of time on courses on Udemy and Coursera. On random courses on website building, to marketing, to behavioural analysis to reiki, just for the fun of it. I mostly spend time on finding ways to be more productive, and also listening to podcasts to understand more about how some successful people think.
5) All work no play makes Jack a dull boy. I found time to exercise more intensely and I'm now able to swim in the deep pool confidently in the 4 different strokes. I also found time to do cafe hopping and to explore new eateries once in a while. That and also catching up with friends and making new ones.
Largely, I'm proud to say that I've lived up to my resolutions I set at the beginning of this year.
By contributing selflessly at work, I am set to return to work with a 150% workload of this year. To me, a 3 day workweek has made me realise that I think I would rather be spending more time at work, where I still make the most impact in the lives of the people I teach.
Sure, there is room for improvement, but I feel I've made progress over the year. So goodbye 2017, and here's to a great 2018.
