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.

The Reception - Sydney

During the last two-and-a-half years living in Hong Kong I have returned to Sydney a handful of times. Each and every visit has been tied to a wedding. The wedding is the proverbial stone that kills two birds. Bird #1, I attend the wedding of close friends. Bird #2, there's a a high chance that the wedding draws together common friends from Sydney, making it an excellent place to reminisce and of course, catch up.

Sydney trips share the same theme for all people: Catch up with things that you have been deprived of living overseas. For me, this includes fresh air, low humidity, great food, fresh produce, driving and the company of family and friends. Just like there's a standard list of things that have to be seen and done by the Hong Kong visitor: Eat in a Dai Pai Dong, hike the Peak, catch a tram, shop in Causeway Bay and go out in LKF. I have my own Sydney list: Sleep in my old bed, go to the Fish Markets, drive around listening to Mix 106.5, walk around the CBD, eat, attend a wedding and create a new meal decoying as an excuse to meet up with somebody. Anybody fancy a meal between brunch and lunch?

The wedding itself was held on the first weekend of Spring. The weather gods could not have planned a more glorious day, blue skies, wisps of clouds and crisp breeze made for a perfect backdrop to the Wedding. Thankfully, all activities including the Bridal Party games, tea ceremony and reception were all held in the same venue. The wedding was small intimate and included close friends and family of the bride and groom. For the bride and groom, this was far more relaxed compared to the Bali Ceremony. It was more of a formality and neither appeared to be stressed having already declared their love.

Other highlights include Dad's Birthday dinner, sumptuous Japanese dinner with the family, took quite the effort to convince the family to steer away from Hurstville and Chinese Food. Experiencing Lizzie and Viv's new yoga class, excellent teachers, great sequences, oh and of course the massages. Dies. Huge family feast with extended family and finally being afforded the chance to train with Mr AIS.

I really don't visit Sydney enough...