The last day of the year is here. I never thought I would survive this past year. I spent too much time at work, worrying about work, thinking about work, and travelling to and from work. I spent very little time with my family and especially with my son.
Before I predict what the new year has in store for me and my family, I need to reflect on the past year.
The year 2007 brought in many changes and new challenges in my professional career. New colleagues joined. Some colleagues left. And other colleagues transferred far away. I did not the same amount of travelling as in 2006 or in 2005. Lucky for me, I was chained to my desk for the better part of the year. I did however, make one trip to the US (NYC/Boston) and another to Europe.
The trip to the US was nice. Had a chance to see many colleagues but sad in that I will probably never have a chance to see them again. Over the past 6 months, I have been given a whole new set of tasks which does not include the USA. So, while I enjoy being in the US on business, I don't think I will be there again in the near future - unless it is on my own dime.
I spent a bullk of my time doing market research and running various country and market models. Although it is very tedious and boring work, I did enjoy doing something and contributing to our team's efforts. And I got to put into use some of my macroeconomics training and microeconomics during the modeling phases.
Toward the end of the year, I got to return to Europe. It has been some time since I was last there. To me, Europe is a great place to visit and to live. One day I may get my chance.
The next year will be filled with the same amount, if not more, office overtime. I will consider myself fortunate if I do not have to put in the same number of hours as many others. As I write this blog, many of my colleagues are working. There will be no O-shogatsu holidays for them. I pray that their families will forgive them and our company for separating loved ones during this special time of year. I know that very soon, work will separate me from my family for extended periods of time. I only hope I can save enough money to fly back and forth on my own dime and on my own schedule.
And finally, I must declare my New Year's Resolutions for 2008:
1.) Begin graduate studies for another master's degree.
2.) Take lots of photographs of my son growing up.
3.) Help others regardless of how rude they are or how poorly they treat me.
4.) Save money.
5.) Stop drinking. Or at the very least, keep it in moderation: one beer per week.
May the Lord be with you - pax vobiscum.
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