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 Hi Everyone !

Thinking of making another come-back to writing as I want to start planning for retirement and next stage in my life.

But just wondering how many people actually still ready my blog ?

Give me a comment if you do. 

I have more or less settled into my job since the last change, and I would say it has been a pleasant change for me. Most things are more favourable - work load and stress, money. The only thing that has gone backwards is probably the amount of travel I am doing. I would prefer a bit more travelling, but I think I can slowly change that.

Let me know if you read this, whomever you are.

Change of Employment

 Again ? Haha.

This time, I am thinking of making a move. As I write this, I am waiting for formal contract to sign. 

First reason is probably fatigue at current place. Product is still good, but I think this is only a small factor. There are not much scope for movements - either vertical or lateral. I am not trying to be a manager either, so it is more the expansion of scope for me, which means I get to meet different people and travel more. Well, once this pandemic has fizzled that is.

Pay is only slightly higher than my current job, but has higher stable base wage. So a little more security, I think. And higher level of stock-grants, which has a higher potential returns. 

This whole thing came about out of the blue when a recruiter contacted me. Started exploring and felt the new company's trajectory and plans are pretty good. The company has the same CEO since being listed, and revenues and share price have been growing steadily. They are more engineering driven than marketing driven, which is to my liking. The interview process was quite lengthy and goes all the way up to senior management.

So I hope to get the formals signed before the end of this month and start the new job after my notice period. 

What an interesting way to end 2021, where the year would be remembered for the pandemic and gloom.

My Financial Position - Mid 2021

Mid-year is the End-of-Finacial-Year (EOFY) for Australia. While I was doing some housekeeping for my finance and tax stuff, here's what I found.

I sold off all direct holdings of US shares recently. So bye bye to Berkshire and McDonalds. One of the reasons I bought USA shares is because of a "dream" back in Uni. That some day in the future, I can find some time to travel around USA. So I started by investing in USA shares, then sell some to fund my holidays when the time comes.

However, over the years, this dream is no longer exciting for me. Part of it is probably due to the decline in the attractiveness of USA. I have been there a few times for work trips. I got a feel of it (though mainly in California and Vegas) and don't think I would enjoy USA very much. Also partly due to issues like social unrest, increased racism, gun violence, etc. 

I am sure there are many beautiful sights, but I am just as sure there are other countries just as beautiful, that I haven't been to. 

I could have held on to my shares. But the way taxation is structured, I am technically no longer permitted to have direct holdings via an American brokerage because I am not a resident. I have to hold shares via overseas brokerage. Which means more admin costs for me, since I don't trade that much in US.

My estimated ROI for my US shares over the years is  just above 8% p.a. That is an impressive number, but since US indices have grown about 6% for the last 20 years, and 10% for the last 30 years. I think my portfolio is just slightly above average for US shares.

https://intl.assets.vgdynamic.info/intl/australia/documents/resources/index_chart_poster_2021.pdf

So, can I retire now ? 

Barely, I guess. My annual income from my investments is barely enough to sustain my bills (I think) but not enough to enjoy much or travel. Basically if I retire now, I can't do much. So there is no point.

At what point would I consider retirement ? If my investment income can sustain some hobbies and activities, should I ? Should I retire early ?

There is a whole lot of non-financial considerations here. Psychological well-being is one of the major factor that I see many retirees having to deal with. The sense of purpose, the sense of self-worth, too much time on hands, etc. Many have gone back to part-time employment, drive taxis/uber, etc.

I guess I always have the option of taking up some projects that are still work related. Drive Uber when I feel like interacting with strangers. Who knows. I think there might be lots of opportunities there.

Things I am thinking of doing still, before I retire. 

Move to another house : It is easier to buy an electric vehicle when I have my own house. My current townhouse is a little limited for charging station. However, current property prices are a little too high for my comfort, I think. Should I get a house and spend another 10-15 years aiming for high wages, or cruise easily now and retire early within 10 years ?

Enough money to dabble in share speculation : This can be considered my hobby then. Something to do when I have no job and plenty of time. Afterall, in the last 18 months of COVID and lockdowns, I think I have watched enough movies and TV shows. I might have completed half the movies in the world. Haha. I kid of course.

Exciting Employment Times

So I started a draft of this blog back in 2016. Now that I am back, it would go something like this :

Mid 2014 - I joined a listed US company.

Mid 2016 - My company is acquired.

Late 2017 - My company is acquired again.

End 2017 - My company is acquired again.

Early 2019 - My company is acquired... again. *sigh*

What an interesting journey. Haha. 4 acquisitions in 4 years.

Oh well, good thing is, I received a lump sum due to early grant of stock options. Now everything looks stable and hopefully no more acquisitions or spin-offs. Welcome to the life in the fast lane.

How does that impact me, you might ask. 

So throughout the journey, I have gone through excitement, worry, dread, resistance, acceptance and now a little bored and hoping to find a new or exciting opportunity.

Initally excited as this is my first taste of being acquired. Going though all the process, the management talks that it will lead to wider opportunities for the company. Meeting new colleagues, etc.

Then the reality that after every acquisition, there is always redundancies. Wasn't too bad at first because my position is strong, internally. 

As a few more acquisitions flow through, it becomes a revolving door. Not that I don't like the changes, but it is coming before we settle down. And I am sure it has impacted some of my customers' perception and apprehension.

Then as more red-tapes creep in, adjusting to new processes, restrictions, corporate policies, it becomes a little frustrating. 

"I have been doing things this way all the time and it fits us well. Why change ?"
"We have more autonomy before." etc. You get the idea.

Finally, it is now about 2 years after the final acquisition, and a few reshuffling that doesn't affect me much, I am comfortable yet restless. Things are becoming boring. I am no longer enjoying my work as much. COVID and lockdowns are not helping. 

Oh well, I think this sums up this stretch of my life. I think I am coming back here more often, as I go through mid-life crisis and trying to adapt. I think I have more topics and subjects that I think I can share my opinion on. (read : I am now an older guy stubborn guy)

Let's see how it goes this time.

Contemplation

I am sitting on the balcony of a hotel in Port Stephens, staring into the ocean.

Once every few years or so, it seems I fall into this mood. Of wondering what I want to achieve and what my worries are and how to address them.

Today I am thinking how do I retire...
I am thinking of live and death.

And some nights I lay awake and wonder how I would die and how painful that would be and how frightened I would be.

I guess you can tell I am a "glass half full of poisonous water" type of guy.

Time for Check List ? Time for a comeback ?

I know, I know. This is not the first time I said I am making a come-back.

Coming back to the blogging world, I was reminded of my old friend KoP (Singapore Serf).
Oh how quickly time passes. And just a few days ago, my post received another comment from someone. I have always thought of making a comeback, that comment just jolted me into action. I hope this lasts.

We probably all reach some point in life where we are nostalgic and think of the past. All the various moments that we try to hold on to. I hope I am not hitting mid-life crisis.

Why do I want to come back ? I don't know. Maybe I felt my brain needs more stimulation. Maybe I need another writing avenue other than work emails and documents. Maybe I secretly yearn to be back in the limelight , albeit anonymously. I am not sure, and you will not know, but you are welcome to guess.

Check list ? Is that a work thing ? I don't know...
8 years in Australia now - check.
Have a job - check.
Have a home - check.
Enjoying life - check.
Having a beer while writing this - check.

Ok. We are go for a re launch.
Let's see how many people come back. :)

Updates - Mid 2013 - 5 years on...

I guess I owe all of you some updates over the last 3 years.

 Work 

Work has been largely the same. Some restructuring in the company, some retrenchments,some people leaving. But largely business as usual.

My territory has changed and it is a shame I am not going to Perth anymore. However, I get to travel to Brisbane and New Zealand now. Hope to be able to enjoy that.

Still been able to travel around regional areas in NSW and ACT. Visiting sleepy country towns and all. Always is nice to drive around a bit and get out of the office.

Also been trying to do side-lines... See how it goes.


Life

I have bought my own 3 bedroom townhouse, in a nice suburban complex. Nice and friendly neighbours with lots of get-together and parties.

More friends and more events and things to do on the weekends - Birthday parties, catch up sessions, etc.

Haven't been going to the beach a lot in the last year. Been staying home more. Not sure why, maybe just being lazy.



Car

Sold my old car (Ford Focus) and bought a new one (Hyundai ix35) about 3 years ago. I think my previous LS experience took place when I already have my new car.

Haven't done any 4WD or much off road with it though.

I am now sitting in the service centre while my car is being serviced. Doing my work, enjoying free coffee and blogging.. It is a Friday after all..



To Do List

In the short future, looking at getting a better paid job. Getting an investment property. Though in no particular order. Maybe also starting a little side business of some sort.

But I guess, most of the plans is to build a financially secure future and get to enjoy life a little more.

Maybe pick up more sporting activities.

Come back.....

Ok. I think I want to make a comeback... Probably as a way to force myself to compose creatively, not just writing proposals for work.

I hope not everyone has tuned out of my blog after 3 years...

I will be back.

Updated

I have updated my blog templates.

It is now easier to navigate and look through my history. I would bring myself to add more soon. Very soon.

Hello...

Hi, its me.. :) Long time no see eh ?

Let's see what's new in my life...

Been getting lots of stuff (big and small) for my new house.. so spending lots of moolah..

I have done my first body checkup here. The usual - fasted the night before, went early to see the doctor, had 4 viles of my blood drawn for testing. All these for free.. Well, not exactly free, just paid for, 100%, by MediCare.

Work has been pretty good. Kept me busy, supporting different sales people. Travelling around different states as well. Just been to Melbourne and back few weeks ago.

Even though its busy with lots of projects and reports to complete, I never once felt "stressed". Maybe it helps that I spend 60-70% of my time away from the office and have more time to myself and more time to rest.

Financially, ok. No money to dabble in stock here for now or anything else. But getting along just fine. Wait till I save enough dough. Going to get myself a tax accountant/adviser to try to minimize my taxes. No details here of course, but it will probably be a well-spent $150 (or around there.)

Ford launched their new 2009 Mondeo, Titanium version (with all the gizmos like voice activated air-con and stereo, bluetooth to phone, auto-everything-from-headlights-to-wipers, heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control with collision avoidance/warning, 2.3L engine with 6-speed auto gears, 18" sports alloy wheels, etc) starting out from $41k. Probably will be changing my car to a new and bigger one, maybe in the next financial year.

Socially, getting to know a couple of friends outside work, and on ok terms with my neighbours. Not so much partying. Dinners with colleagues, drinks with ex-colleagues, etc. Increasing slowly and steadily.

Didn't see much things on the roads to comment about. Not much road rage, or weird drivers, etc.. So yeah, a bit boring at the moment and thus nothing much to blog about. I am sure I am not going to make this into a "Dear Diary" thing.

Till the next post..

Long awaited...

Long awaited updates for you all... :)

Let's see what has happened in the last few months...

My work is getting busier with more projects and and stuff.. I am travelling to Perth monthly, which is nice for me meeting my friends and all, and good for my frequent flyer points. Heh heh.

The weather has turned cold here. Winter started earlier it seems. Luckily, we do not get that much rainfall and flood like in parts of Queensland.

And I have bought a new 3-bedroom, 194sqm townhouse to live in. With that, I got $24k of government grant (and free stamp duty worth $16k) and I only pay $200 per month more than my previous rental (of a 2-bedroom towhouse).

I have also gotten $900 of the stimulus package from the government without needing to do anything. No need to top up CPF, or login to register, etc. They just send put the money into my bank account.

But of course, with the new house and all, more money has been spent on furniture, deocorations, etc. I sure helped the economy.. haha..

A couple of close friends came to stay for a week, and we went out to enjoy Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains. And I also got to visit Taronga Zoo as well. It's a nice place, but I personally think that the Singapore Zoo is still slightly better.

Hmmm.. What else do you wanna know ?

Maybe I can make this more interactive (no, not trying to emulate twitter) and maybe I'll have more things to write about.. and you'll have more articles to read.

Bad start for the year

Few days ago, I had a bad start to the new year. I fainted and knocked my head.

I had woken up and walked to turn off the alarm. Then all I remembered was I felt faint. Next thing I knew, my housemate was trying to wake me up.

I woke up but I could feel a small lump on my head.. I must have bumped my head on the wall or the floor.

Must have been lack of sleep... or I just jumped out of bed too quickly...

I guess I just have to be careful from now on...

And no, this bump on the head didn't win me the top prize of the $30million lottery here... Oh well, better luck next time...

New Year - 2009

Yes, looking back at my blog, this post is obligatory.

I haven't been a person who writes resolutions, and I am worse at following them. So I will just probably review what I have and haven't done for 2008 and what I hope to achieve in 2009.

What I have done in 2008 :
- Uprooted myself and finally moved to Australia smoothly
- Got myself working in a job that I liked doing more and get appreciated
- Bought myself a new digital camera and a few toys
- Read a few novels

What I haven't done in 2008 :
- Continued my stock investment homework. Seems like I made a few mistakes again in buying shares without proper evaluation again and lost some money. Not huge, but enough to wipe out a couple of years of dividend payouts.
- Picked up more healthy activities like jogging or sports regularly
- Read more non-fiction and expand my general knowledge
- Blog more regularly about intellectual stuff
- Complete my Command & Conquer game series

What I hope to achieve in 2009 :
- Continue my investment with due diligence
- Pick up my golf again
- Add more healthy exercises into my routine
- Learn how to be a better cook

2009 will bring lots of opportunities for investments, if only I am prepared. I am not getting younger and I have to start exercising both my brains and my muscles. I think I shall just focus on these few things for the coming year. I hope the rest will fall in place soon after.

Anyway, I wish everyone all the best for 2009 as well !

End of Work Year 2008

Today is officially my last day at work. Our office is closed except for some skeleton crew for services. Our office will open on January 5, 2009.

I have about 2 weeks of free time, part of which I will use to complete some work related stuff (like some project proposals that are urgent.) 

Still wondering if I should take a short trip, or spend most of my days playing computer games that have been waiting for me for so long... Hahaha..

Oh well, I would have some time to blog too, and write longer ones...

And here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year !

Spring is here...

Its spring !
Weather has changed quite quickly. Now its warm in the afternoon and the wind is not so cold anymore.

Well, the past 2 weeks has been hectic for me.

Exploring remote country side for the better portion of last week. This week was busy as well. But luckily some work things got canceled and I had a breather.

Today I had to work as well.

And tomorrow I will be flying off to Taiwan for a week.

At least, when I am back from Taiwan, a few friends will be here for holidays and I can also take some leave and go on road trip !

Planned to do touristy stuff. Haha.. Well, I have just been here for half a year, I am still entitled to be a tourist.

Busy...

Yeah, I know I have been slacking of late..
I have been taking my time to rest a little, not using my brains much.

Just probably an update, I will be overseas for my first working trip next month - To Taiwan.

Not that it is my first time there, just my first time flying from Australia. Its going to be a looooong flight...

Lots more TV programmes to keep me occupied almost every night.

Finished 2 novels that I brought over.

Weather's not so cold now, or I have gotten used to it already. Either way, spring is coming in a months time. Guess that would mean I have more opportunities to try my photography skills again.

And while I am contemplating getting my own house and working out how much I can afford, I read this news : Russia billionaire buys world's most expensive villa

*sigh*

Anyway, I promise to be more active in blogging soon... very soon.. :)

3 Months and holding

Its been just over 3 months since I came over. Haven't been out to many social events. But still I guess I would like to comment on what I felt so far, and see how my opinion change over time.

(1) Work Culture

Most of the guys here are quite ok. I think its about the same most places. But most of the people leave on the dot. Except for some guys/gals who probably don't want to waste time in the traffic.


(2) Social Issues

Not much to talk about yet, as I wouldn't consider myself immersed into it at the moment. However, based on current affairs programs on TV and the news, recent events stand out :
- Rising cost of living,
- Rising costs of petrol (and the subsequent cut in petrol tax to help a little),
- Pensioners trying to cope with rising cost of rental and living,
- Rising property prices and mortgage rates,
- Putting paedophiles away in jail for life,
- Over-reaction to people taking photographs of children (worrying that the photos will be used by paedophiles)

And if any campaigns were to be used to gauge what is the latest issues, it would be :
- Speeding and Drink Driving
- Pedestrians not using proper railway crossings


(3) TV/Radio/IT

Internet here is not as cheap as Singapore, definitely. And they all have a monthly limit. Even those plans where I don't have to pay extra, anything over the limit most probably will be throttled.

I am probably not one for very heavy downloading. So far, I haven't been really able to exceed the 150GB per month that I have been allocated. Even the 40GB during peak hours (anytime except 3am to 9am) is just about fully utilised.

Free-to-air TV programs are about the same quality as in Singapore. Though it is all DVB and almost all channels have an HD counterpart.

All programs carry a rating warning, and more adult-themed ads and TV shows are late at night (like after 9pm).

TV and Radio programs have openly gay hosts and it is not the end of the world...


(4) Traffic

Peak hour traffic is bad on major roads. Probably not as bad as in Singapore. But comparing peak hour traffic at my previous workplace in Singapore and my current work place, it looks the same - faster to walk out of the business park.

Though Sydney is probably the most expensive in tolls compared to the rest of Australia.

And yeah, the roads are not as well maintained as Singapore roads during the IMF/World Bank Conference 2006.


(5) Neighbourhood

Very quiet. Probably if you visited the city and lived in hotels in the city, it would be more lively. But out in the suburbs, anytime of the day it is usually quiet. How quiet ?

On average, I meet 3 cars per week on my way in and out of my garage and the main service road outside my house.

On the average, I get to say 'hi' to ALL my neighbours (not just the next door) in the whole area once or twice every weekend.


(6) Finances

Interest rates are high, good for savings. Since income tax are withheld at source, don't really feel the pinch other than reading payslips. What I get in my bank is what I can spend.

It's probably too early to estimate yet, but probably I can achieve the same savings at the moment.

Total amount I spend on food is about the same, in real dollars, as I had spent in Singapore. Of course, I get to make my own food more, but I think I am eating a more healthy diet. More juice, milk and veges.

Oh, and I will probably be getting some amount back every year on tax rebates. Just have to pay a little more attention to these details.


(7) Medical

Can't say, as I haven't used any of the medical services yet. But I think I will still pay a bit more for private health insurance.

According to colleagues, some went through things like child-birth and cancer treatments for their relatives - all on public health. Free and not too bad. But of course, that also means you are not able to find the best of the specialist if you want.

Some would prefer taking up the private option, so that they can have elective surgeries done by the doctors of their choice and at a date of their choice, instead of waiting in queue.

Of course, there are horror stories in public hospitals but isn't it the same in Singapore ?


(8) Overall

Overall, I would say it might have been better if I came over earlier. Been hearing comparisons by various people on how they are glad they bought their houses years ago.

As early as 5 years ago, a house probably costs a third of what they costs now. Even with mortgage rates of 18% pa, its much better off than it is today. Mortgage servicing takes up less share of their take home pay.

As global inflation/recession is on the horizon, there's no escaping. I think I wouldn't live in Sydney forever. But for now, I think I am not too much better off (yet) , but I am no worse off either.

Yeah, had to spend a lot initially, but I think that will last me quite a while.

At least, I can still see my net-worth chart (in my MS Money) growing the last few months.

2 Weeks and More

Ok, I missed my 2nd weekend update, so I will give a longer one today.

First of all, I am still staying in the motel. Will be until next weekend, then it is the big move.

I have started working, 3rd day at work today. As I am not really a 'newbie', I guess I am not exactly entitled to my honeymoon period. :)

So taking up things pretty quickly and will be out to face-the-world next week : By conducting a training session.

Things in this office is pretty systematic. At least I would say the new staff orientation and admin work is pretty thorough. I came in my first day with my desk ready with stationery, my phone has been programmed and my name shows on it. Internal phone list has been updated with my mobile and everything. Brand new 17" monitor laptop is all installed and ready to be used.

Getting my bank accounts and all admin work finalized. Now I just lack a credit card.

Have been to Bondi Beach and a smaller Dee Why Beach the last 2 weekends. Been raining recently, so was just there for a while to soak in the mild sun (hidden behind clouds), enjoy the sea breeze and eating seafood basket (how apt).

Not sure what I will be doing this coming weekend. If it rains, I may spend more time shopping for furniture in the malls. Next weekend, is definitely the big move. And I am looking forward to it.

Blogging in office now, so not much photographs to add. I will be putting photos of my new place once I move it.

In the mean time, it is down to work...

1st Week in OZ. Updates

First week was sort of stressful. Especially in the rental section.

Paperwork in Australia is almost quite unwelcoming for newcomers. Most of the paperwork seems like a catch-22 situation. For example, you need a residential address to apply for a driving licence, bank accounts, etc. And I can't get a rental unless a bank statement is attached to the rental application.

Definitely need local assistance to start off.

Rentals are all taken up, and prices are higher than I anticipated. Tight supply and lots of demand in Sydney. Had to activate my 'backup plan' and rent from a close friend.

So definitely had a few bad night sleep due to this stress.

Haven't had time to do any sightseeing.

On the plus side, I bought a new car. Ford Focus Ghia Sedan for about A$28k. Nice, comfortable with all the bells and whistles. Going to pay in full and getting it in a couple of days time. In time for me to get around, get my stuff, and get to work.

Once my new place is ready, I will have to spend another bomb on furnishings. Beds, Sofas, TV, Dining Table & Chairs...

Oh and I already have my NSW driving licence. Talk about efficiency. I filled in the form, queued up, have my photo taken by their computer, and have my credit-card sized licence issued all within the hour (including queue time). Lets see how fast you get your licence in oh-so-efficient Singapore.

Anyway, am now in my new office for a couple of hours, just to get to know the people and the place, and to download emails on my PC.... :)

Guess the next update will be another weeks time, when I start working.

Quick Updates

Ok.. Been in Sydney for a few days.

Still running around trying to secure a living place. That is the critical point before I can settle most of my other stuff.

Without a proper residential address, I can't apply for lots of things.

Wish me luck...