Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The weather is getting cold. Today, I wore a turtleneck AND a sweater and it was just enough to get me comfortable. The sky is also turning darker earlier, which means that Fall is coming in full speed! I always feel nostaglic (and a bit sad) this time of year. Not sure why. I guess it's so close to the end of the year that makes me stop to realize that time passes by way too quickly. The same time last year, I remember being in Guam for work and telling other people that I will be gone for 6 weeks starting December 1st for my jaw surgery. I couldn't believe that I've had my jaw surgery for almost 1 year already! I am so happy that I did the surgery. It is one of the best decisions I've made.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Happy Birthday Hayden
Hayden with proud parents
Today is my nephew, Hayden's 1st birthday. We celebrated it with a party at 
Ryder Court Park in San Mateo. For parents looking for a fun place for their kids, Ryder Court Park is an excellent choice - it is a newly renovated park with nice grassy areas, picnic tables, and an aquatic playground, which is always popular among the children.
Monday, October 01, 2007
A Tough Day
Today was a tough day at work. We got called into an early group meeting and our Prez made an announcement that some of the buying functions will be re-locating to Hong Kong, specifically the Watch & Jewelry, and Liquor & Tobacco teams.
About 4 years ago, our CEO, CFO and a team of execs relocated to HKG and established an executive office there. Since then, there had been an array of speculation that the SF merchandising office would soon move there. Years have passed and rumors soon subsided. But today, the news surprised us all. They are moving 2 out of the 4 categories to HKG.
What struck me hard are 2 things:
(1) Not too long ago (10 months to be exact) I WAS in the Watch & Jewelry team, which means if I HAD been still there, I could possibly (a) be asked to relocate to HKG, or (b) get laid off.
(2) Now that I am NOT in that team and unaffected by this move, I lose all my old friends and collegues. They will all be leaving soon and I am just so sad!
This is perhaps the 3rd major relocation announcement since I've been with the Company. Each time, the affected department is the exact one I WAS previously in. I don't know if I'm considered the "lucky one" who get spared of the relocation/lay off or the "unlucky one" who cursed the department.
The topic of the day is "would you move?" To be hired into our company, the first question the recruiter asks you if you are relocatable? If you are not, then you will automatically not pass the HR round. Yep, it is that simple. But you can say yes, but would you really move?? Would I move? I thought about it, and at this point in time of my life -- and if it is to Hong Kong, I would say yes. I really don't mind spending a few years in Asia, specifically HKG and China, and be part of the growing economies and experience the changes. I think it would be very exciting. But nope, not moving ... at least not yet.
About 4 years ago, our CEO, CFO and a team of execs relocated to HKG and established an executive office there. Since then, there had been an array of speculation that the SF merchandising office would soon move there. Years have passed and rumors soon subsided. But today, the news surprised us all. They are moving 2 out of the 4 categories to HKG.
What struck me hard are 2 things:
(1) Not too long ago (10 months to be exact) I WAS in the Watch & Jewelry team, which means if I HAD been still there, I could possibly (a) be asked to relocate to HKG, or (b) get laid off.
(2) Now that I am NOT in that team and unaffected by this move, I lose all my old friends and collegues. They will all be leaving soon and I am just so sad!
This is perhaps the 3rd major relocation announcement since I've been with the Company. Each time, the affected department is the exact one I WAS previously in. I don't know if I'm considered the "lucky one" who get spared of the relocation/lay off or the "unlucky one" who cursed the department.
The topic of the day is "would you move?" To be hired into our company, the first question the recruiter asks you if you are relocatable? If you are not, then you will automatically not pass the HR round. Yep, it is that simple. But you can say yes, but would you really move?? Would I move? I thought about it, and at this point in time of my life -- and if it is to Hong Kong, I would say yes. I really don't mind spending a few years in Asia, specifically HKG and China, and be part of the growing economies and experience the changes. I think it would be very exciting. But nope, not moving ... at least not yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)