Success is no measured by what a man accomplishes,
But by the opposition he has encountered, and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Worst miserable period of my lifetime…
Compounded adversities killed my characters. People who are given up are ruled by their darkest mistakes, worst failures and greatest depressions, I always believe as long you move forward, you’d see the light at end of the tunnel.
For the past one year, neither had I realized my characters change nor could I turn the tides against me, as I was flung into a horrible nightmare.
My buddy was wondering what has happened to the ever optimistic and patient shenghong. My eldest sister was saying to me, my lovely brother is not behaving like that, before I left to USA for work assignment.
Again it’s easier to be said than done, I wish people could put themselves into my shoes. After deep considerations, I felt it’s vital to share whatsoever in the miserable past one year, so people could understand why I’ve lost my cool and let my emotions took over my head, becoming an unknown somebody…
Okie, Let’s start from the root of the problems:-
December 2007 was the retirement of my then 65 years old father from Mahkota Medical Centre, Malacca. Both of my parents were retirees, truly understand he had no choice but reduce the monthly allowance of mine.
That month and the month before were really driving me crazy, as I attempted four ACCA exams in-one-go for December 2007 sittings, namely F8 Audit, P1 Pro Accountant, P2 Corp Reporting and P3 Biz Analysis. From 8am sharp until midnight 2am, I was in college foyer making revisions for 2 months, squeezing whatever time left just to ensure I cover at least 80% of each paper.
I knew that I’d to pass no matter what it takes, not only for self-actualization (complete ACCA within 2.5 years) but also meeting financial constraints. In reality, the latter means more as I knew that my savings and scholarship could only last that long for end meets. Why did I say so?
I’m someone never wanted to request money from parent. Even during secondary schooling days up to form 6, I survived on federal government scholarship “Biasiswa Persekutuan” monthly with only RM10 weekly from parent. Therefore I could not really have normal youth life just like my friends, could buy original CD of their favourite artists, going for movies and shopping.
When I was in Sunway University studying ACCA, was lucky enough to obtain Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship. I rejected UPM offer, therefore I’m not eligible for PTPTN. Ever since I joined Sunway ACCA in September 2005, I have restructured my whole life finances in a way that it is enough to supplement my parent’s allowance to cover every expense I’d in my studying life, at least last until June 2008.
Actually my dad gave me RM500-600 monthly between the period of Sept 2005 – December 2007. Of course you would say it’s enough, I’d say it wasn’t. RM600 – RM200 (Petrol) – RM 150 (Accommodation) – RM30 (Handphone Top-up) = RM220. That means I’d only RM7.33 daily for my foods & drinks and etc. I’m not local boy, I’m Malaccan who needs to spend 2 meals a day. Other expenses such as groceries, shampoo, soap, washing detergent, haircut expense, futsal fee, bus tickets to Malacca, stationeries and ACCA notes, totaling up to RM200 monthly, had to be absorbed by my own purse.
I did not want to ask for more because I knew my father’s ultra conservative character, he would definitely say that if your eldest sister could survive in KL with only RM500 11years ago, why couldn’t you? Therefore I’d made a master plan to ensure myself able to cover everything, by using my bank savings and whatever scholarships I’d got in the past.
January 2008
Soon after December 2007, my dad retired and decided to reduce my monthly to RM500. I did not object as was trying to be an understanding son. Life sooner became very difficult, as the global crude oil price kept surging and it inevitably had increased our country petrol from RM1.70 to RM2.70. This means I’d to restructure my finance for end meet, lower allowance RM500 with higher expenses resulting from price hike in every daily item.
The hardest hit is of course my petrol expense, which is increased to RM320 (RM200 x 2.70 / 1.70). I’d to travel from One Utama to Sunway College to attend classes everyday. Monthly budget would be RM500 – RM150 (accommodation) – RM320 (Petrol) – RM30 (Handphone top-up) = RM0. Basically, I was left penniless but surviving on my finances, all my focus have shifted to survival rather than studies. I cooked twice a day to save costs!
January was also the month I’d problem in term of choosing the last 2 ACCA optional papers. My indecisiveness resulted in me attending all 4 optional papers, wasting a lot of time. I knew that I’m very strong in theoretical papers, but was told that P5 is easy and P4 more useful. In the end, I did not heed my friends’ advice by choosing P5 and P4, both calculation papers.
February 2008
After CNY, thank god I received red packets which calm me down a little bit. However the result is coming soon, was praying hard for it, or else I might die of hunger in PJ because have to fork out a lot of money to resit it. That month February, 3 of our female housemates get married and shifted out, leaving 3 rooms empty.
2nd week of February came calling, sigh of relief that I managed to clear all 4 papers in one go, was really happy as I moving closer to the finish line. I passed all 4 papers with flying colours unexpectedly.
Just had I thought of nothing to worry anymore, the sky fell onto me. I was involved in serious car accident with few cars, in the junction of Sunway Hospital. The traffic lights of every junction turned green at once, so every car bangs into each other at centre, so did mine. I was really stunned and worried, I didn’t care I have any injury or not, my concern is my car and compensation I’d to fork out, because my father will surely kill me, had I informed him about that. I have to spend more than four figures to repair the damages, I was left with only RM500 in my bank after that.
March 2008
I told myself to be tough, 3 more months and that’s it. Things worsen, I was under tremendous pressure from my parent, to find 3 new tenants for the 3 empty rooms (RM330 x 3 = RM990). My parent scolded me that I should lessen my eldest sister house rental burden by finding new tenants, so I helped.
However, my eldest sister and bro-in-law in oversea did not want to rent it out, due to my 3rd sister mental problem. At that point of time, my 3rd sister had just been cheated by an useless guy, beside failing all her 3 ACCA papers, which caused her emotionally unstable and a little bit insane. She quitted Ernst & Young Tax, was basically someone lost everything.
Neglected my studies, I found 3 new tenants for my eldest sister, under my parent’s instruction. I thought my eldest sister would be thankful. Unfortunately, everything turned from bad to worse. I was really speechless because I was scolded heavily and bro-in-law called me gets out from the house, for not listening to their order not to rent it out.
I was really angry, how could someone not being thankful, but put all the blames on me, and challenged me to live outside if not listening to them. My heart was totally wrecked by this incident, as my eldest sister taught me so much since childhood days, not only academically but also in sports and public-speaking. My parent pretend nothing has happened as usual, I was left with no choice but to find a new place.
With RM500 savings left in bank, I braved myself to search for a new place despite I knew that every landlord would demand 2 months deposits + 1 month utilities deposit to rent it out. I searched but could not find any place willing to rent without the deposits. I spent all my time daily to patrol around PJ, Subang and sunway areas. My dignity was totally fell onto the floor, because I’ve no choice but to live there despite being challenged to move out.
April 2008
April arrived, I started to skip classes in order to save my petrol and meals expense. I could not stop every relationship deteriorates, as my 3rd sister could not accept the fact that she’d failed all 3 ACCA Part 1 papers, inspite of me passing 4 higher level papers. She started to push all the blames to me in order to savage her pride, complained to parent and eldest sister that I did not teach her how to study ACCA.
I was terribly upset that she uttered such a sentence as she is my elder sister, 7 years older than me and more matured than me. Not only that, she study every paper in Sunway University too, I told her to revise past years and study hard as well.
Basically, my parent and bro-in-law misunderstood and scolded me being selfish, never concern for her studies progress. At one point, I wondered does her result has anything to do with me? Luckily my friend consoled me that it was not my fault, else I would really have the guilt of seeing her failed every paper.
The whole April, I could not concentrate on my studies with all these adverse circumstances.
May 2008
The most important month of 2008 arrived silently, finals were around the corner, and still I could not focus on my studies. I wanted to run away to college foyer to make revision, unfortunately I’d to think for my mounting expenses, trying hard to reduce my petrol expense.
I did not share my problems with my friends, therefore they misunderstood me that thinking I was over-confident, didn’t want to study like the previous semester anymore. As someone always keeps my problems within myself, I really have hard time to swallow those bitter pills at home. 2 weeks to finals, I was really panicked and started to go college study, though wasn’t in right frame of mind.
That particular month, KPMG offered me a permanent A2 auditor position in Petaling Jaya HQ. I wanted so much to work immediately due to my finance difficulty, again my parent fired me heavily as they want me to pass every paper first. I was very upset as have to reject the offer RM2450/mth.
June 2008
As expected I did badly in finals, but I knew that I could do better, it was just lack of time due to slow handwriting and lacked of practices. I was really happy that my friends called me to Lang Tengah vacation, luckily my mother willing to sponsor me that sum.
In Lang Tengah, I felt really happy though having a lot of worries within me. At night everyone was singing karaoke happily, staring at the far-away Pulau Redang. I was telling myself that “Opposite is your dream, now you’ll have to find a way to there on your own”.
July 2008
Immediately after the vacation, I updated my resume and send it to Ernst & Young. Within 1 month, Natalie Kuan called me for an interview on 2nd week of August. I went; unfortunately I’d been too honest toward her and gave unconvincing answer about my finals results passing possibility. Since it was just 4 days before results day, Natalie requested all candidates to wait for finals result in order to give better assessment.
August 2008
Final results released, as expected I failed, it’s so heartbreaking to see my border-line marks. As per requested I updated Natalie my finals result, immediately she called me to resit first and reapply in January 2009. I was so disappointed, because Ernst & Young had always been my first choice. I always feel PwC- My Dream Firm is destined for those elite students, therefore never had I dare to think of them.
However, I braved myself and applied PwC. Again I missed da bus, the HR informed me that I’m already late for the September 2008 batch. The HR asked if I interested to join the next batch which is on December 2008, I agreed and they promised to arrange assessment date for me.
I tried to call KPMG, the HR would not want to entertain me again as I’ve rejected their offer earlier. So, I have no choice but to hang on to my studies.
September 2008 – November 2008
I tried to study, but it’s really hard to take it. Watching all my plans fell on earth, it’s all about timing difference only. I have regrets of never putting any reference in resume too. One thing I dislike Ernst & Young is because they really see your family background.
That period, I learnt a nice young lady from degree graduation; she made me happy and confident again. After many happy conversations, she decided to leave me because she could not forget her ex-bf who have betrayed her 3 months ago. I was left badly dejected because we developed special feelings, but far from love. That was 1 month before exam, I went to foyer everyday, yet my disappointments got into my head always.
I’d decided to drop P4 for P7, I was searching around for a tidy handwriting P7 notes from those who have passed it. I did not attend any class, as it was too late and could not afford to pay for the tuition fees.
That point of time, one of my best buddies wanted to borrow P7 notes from Malaysia prizers ex-classmate, someone I’ve highest respects. Unfortunately, I rejected the offer due to a related party. In the end, it took me 3 weeks to get a free notes from Janette, a super-nice friend who had dropped the paper. I promised had I pass it, I would treat her TGI Friday if I started work.
November 2008
1st Nov, I started to study P7 notes from page 1, totally an unfamiliar subject. I went to foyer to study, unfortunately It did not last long until midnight. I would go home around 11-12am just to online to catch up with the young LCCI lady, as I was really concern for her sadness, the guy kept calling her for flirting forgiveness. Basically, my focus on studies was badly distorted.
December 2008
I re-attempt my exams and feeling great afterwards. I was highly confident that I would pass it even though I only managed to complete 77% of P7 and 80% of P5. As usual, that’s me, I always have to blank around 15-20% for every paper since ACCA Part2 due to my super-slow handwriting speed. Worse is my 2.2 Law, I blanked 30%, really hate it because it is da paper cost me the first class honours.
Immediately after my exams, PricewaterhouseCoopers called me twice. The first call I was sleeping, I was extremely thankful that they called me on the next day. I attend the assessment on 16th December 2008, and I passed every test.
One 17th December 2008, the HR personnel gave me a call for interview appointment. The HR personnel said I was full of enthusiasm during the assessment, they would be happy to see me working for PricewaterhouseCoopers soon.
I sent few sms to all my fellow PwC friends, unfortunately there’s none of them reply to my number 017 2238880, even friends I gave my utmost respects. I only wanting to ask what should I do during the interview, I really thank Penangite Adrian for willing to give me valuable advices, he’s such a friendly friend. I couldn’t sleep the whole night, preparing myself for the interview.
Early in the morning at 6am, I woke up and prepared myself. I was supposedly to attend the interview on 9am with a CIPSPLAS director. That morning, I was waiting for LRT at Kelana LRT Station at 8am. I was really stunned to see the long queue, as afraid of late attending the interview. On 830am only I managed to get into the LRT.
Kept looking at my watch, I reached KL Sentral at 855am. Once the LRT commuter door is opened, I ran as fast as I could to reach PwC. Just imagine a young man in formal suit was running 3km from KL Sentral station to 1Sentral, just to fulfil his dream.
I was not late, it was 9am sharp!!! The HR lady was smiling at me, because I was sweating and breathing heavily. Before I could sit down, the Senior manager called me into the room, he was looking at my sweat-soaked formal suits. He asked is it I woke up late, I told him the whole story, but he didn’t look convinced.
Bad luck fell on me, he is happened to be those very rare managers who will ask freshie about general knowledges and technical questions. I made a fatal mistake, I said I wish to join CIPS1, because I love the Real Estates and Property industry. He was not happy, and told me that I can only join CIPSPLAS if I pass the interview. I felt I was the most stupid man on earth for uttering that sentence.
Initially the interview went smoothly, but soon after he realized I was weak in technical questions, he kept attacking the similar area. I could not answer many questions regarding the property industry, eg. What is HDA? What is basis of revenue recognition for construction contract? recession crisis - housing loan? Etc technical stuffy. I flunked the fella interview, walking out from the room like an idiot.
As soon I walked out from 1Sentral, I looked at the sky and asked god:” Have you done playing with me!” Other friends told me that their interviews were very easy, just got to answer those interests, hobbies and experience questions, I became even more frustrated.
On 19 December 2008, I received reject mail from PwC, the HR said they would want to take me had I been an ACCA Affiliate. I went into solitude soon after that, because why everything is so near yet so far. Almost PwC-ian, but I blew my chance. It hurted me deeply, I could not face anyone, I failed my family faith on me, parent’s dream, and my dreamfirm shattered. I informed that young LCCI lady that I failed it, she scolded me heavily for sharing da news with her, it’s really sad.
To be continued with 2009…….
I’ve nobody turn to afterwards, everything in 2008 was so miserable to the extent that I wish it could disappear from my mind forever. I lost friends after that, everyone thought I only wanted to work for my Dreamfirm, thought I was such an arrogant person, in fact It wasn’t the case.
Today, I’m really a proud man, that I survived the darkness period financially, but also emotionally and mentally. I did not share my problems with anyone, I solved everything myself and never worry my family. I did not request a single cent more from my parent, I passed P7 1st attempt, by self-study 1month without attending normal classes, and I managed to secure Big4 job. Up to today, I did not reveal all these difficulties I had to face, because I’m still the limshenghong who want only people around me happy with no worries.
I realized that I’d many friends after I passed 4 papers in December 2007, I became instant hero. Now I’m happy to know who are my genuine true friends who willing to go thru the thick and thin with me. I could not repay anything, but I promised myself that I’ll be there for them anytime during difficult time.
I admitted that I lost my cool during my darkness period, sometimes I might be over-reacted and blog something inappropriate, please do understand I was really frustrated and depressed that everything is so near yet so far… Everyone needs to release, I’d always feel that it’s better to release in blog rather than to people, because Blog doesn’t have feelings, at least I don’t hurt or trouble anyone.
The end of the WORST MISERABLE PERIOD OF MY LIFE… I knew that I’m 10 times tougher man now, neither I cry nor give up my fights. I’m working very hard daily to regain back everything I’d lost in 2008, people can looking down at me, you can throw insults to me, s/he can laugh at me, but I would say “So be it, I’m still the spiritual lone ranjer who will never give up the fight for my dreams”.
Often friends asked me:” what is my ambition?”
In the past, my childhood dream is to have a happy family and became a dentist/doctor. I love to save people, I love to see people smile again. Unfortunately, I could not make it 4A flat in STPM, therefore I’d no choice but to forget it, private college is just ways too expensive RM300k-500k.
Since I decided to pursue the cost-savings ACCA, I’d always wanting to reach the pinnacle of corporate ladder. If god willing, my Dream is to set up a property company “FateFaithFight Corp” which part of it’s profits will be channeled to the unfortunate ones, those in pain, and to sponsor those talented ones to fulfil their potentials. I’ve shown my commitment by joining Red Crescent Society and various charity organizations, I’m really happy to watch those sour faces turned happily smiling.
My close friends always say I would become a Big4 director one day, but I don’t really think so, as it required too many commitments. I valued my family a lot to the sense that I willing to let go everything just to be with the girl I loved and my family. My ex-gf recently advised me strongly that never give up what you’d for your girl, because I told her that I would not mind to let all my finances to be managed by my wife. My ex-gf strongly object, saying that I should not be controlled by my other half again.
Anyway, I’m really happy I became buddy with her, I guess that’s pretty good because both of us share poor background, she’s been very supportive for whatever I did, even 100% we will never become couple again. It is always a pleasure to have another true buddy for advices, else I always do stupid things in LOVE =___=”
Of course I’d other dreams, I do not usually share it because I afraid of myself couldn’t make it happen. Another well-known dream of mine is to visit the Seven Wonders of da World for my honeymoon hehe… I guess my close friends can still remember my Red Crescent Society Campfire 2002 title “Sevvonders”, it is actually Seven Wonders of da World chosen by me, my ex-gf was there too =)
I’m not dreamer, I’m dreamy, definitely I will make all my dreams come true.