Friday 21 April 2023

Sydney

I had initially planned to work remotely, or from the office, but have since been told just to take the time off. So I have extended this to two weeks. Very enjoyable trip back, not having to work with a new job lined up is such a nice feeling. Managed to do some running along Cook's River, coastal hike in the Royal National Park, tour of the North, home cooked food, training with Jimmy and caught up with relos and university friends. Oh, and convinced the parents to do some travel!


























As a first, en route back to Hong Kong, we were told that given the poor weather conditions the aircraft was not able to land in Hong Kong, so we have been diverted to Shenzhen. 3 hours later and we're back in Hong Kong. Time to head into the office.


Monday 3 April 2023

New job: The Resignation

The 2022 compensation has hit the bank account. For some, it's a sizeable amount, for others' less so, for me, I'm grateful for it, but feel it could higher (which camp does that leave me in?). Everybody pretends to be unhappy with their number, even if it's adequate, you can never let off that you're happy. It's a strange song and dance that people play during this time of the year. It is the perceived lack of appreciation, or not feeling valued. It's tough managing employees, but the final nail in the coffin is the reduction in force (RIF) for my team members. It makes the decision, and the conversation a lot easier.

After a great weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, I'm back in Hong Kong. It's the weekend of Hong Kong Sevens and Creamfields. I opt out of both, this is the weekend I planned to hand in my resignation and notice. I'm nervous, but not as nervous as previous times.

I call my boss on the Sunday, no answer. I leave a message, it's very obvious: "Yo, how's the weekend, got a sec for a chat?". He will later admit that when he saw this message he knew what was coming. There's disappointment, perhaps this is something that needs to be displayed, there's the "is there anything we can do?" conversation. It wraps up, it feels easier than previous resignations. Now the final challenge, negotiation of my gardening leave. My start date is 10th July, my goal is to maximise time off between now and then without burning any bridges.



She's back in town, it's nice having her in Hong Kong, even nicer that she can provide HR guidance during this time, maybe that's why it has been easier.

Saturday 1 April 2023

Ho Chi Minh again

Back in Vietnam with the original 2005 Asia Crew. I can't believe it's been almost 18 years since we travel to Vietnam. Lots of laughs. Lots of food.