Doctor Doctor

Last week, the Health Ministry stated that every month, at least five doctors are found to be suffering from mental illnesses. This is a very worrying statistic. I believe with the crazy workload at the public hospital, it is the perfect tonic to go mad.

Many top students chose to study medicine although not all had the qualities to be doctors. Besides the long hours with added pressure, doctors have to put up with unhappy faces and deaths.

Personally I have seen some of these doctors in action for the past year. I am not qualified to comment on the technical aspects but I do have my thoughts on some of their inter-personal skills. Although I do empathize with them, they have to realize that the ‘customers’ are becoming more demanding and ‘educated’. They are no longer there just to save lives but be an all rounder and take the rap especially during the ‘no hope’ situation. They have to wear various hats, and act as counselor, messenger and are the perfect fall guy! No wonder they are sick!

Alternatively, those who do not have the aptitude to be a doctor, take up nursing. There is a huge demand for nurses and currently, a fresh diploma holder could command close to RM2,000 per month. After a couple of years experience, the Sheikh oil money could be tempting! Apparently, many Filipino doctors are retraining to be nurses and head to US as the wages as nurses are much higher than staying home as a doctor!

Perhaps, being a financial guru or accountant is a safer bet! Less chances of being ‘kuku. Instead of seeing blood and death bodies, get to see figures and count other people’s money!

The Worse Is Yet To Come?

The Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) total investment income for the third quarter fell 60.4% to RM2.06bil from RM5.2bil in the previous quarter as its investments, were affected by the global economic uncertainty.

The EPF said due to the current global economic uncertainty, stock markets across the globe had fallen significantly, including the local equity market.

In the same period, the KL Composite Index fell 243.81 points, or 19.3%, to 1,018.68.

They really know how to time the announcement, don't they? End of third quarter should be end September but it took them till December to announce the result. Look like they are urging us to reduce our 11% monthly contribution to 8%. Read this - don't sign the form to maintain the 11% monthly contribution cause we could not manage them, too hot to handle!

You have been warned so don't blame us if we announce the full year result in due course! Serious food for thought!

Obituary II

Exactly 2 months (3 October) after losing her husband, mom lost her mom, i.e. my grandmom at 4.50pm, due to old age. Grandma was 84. She did not fully recover from an infection two weeks ago but up to that moment, she was still an alert lady who could still move around the house on her own.

Born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, she led a full life, leaving behind 8 children (plus 4 deceased), 34 grandchildren and >20 great grandchildren. She was a lovely and caring lady who raised the family well. An independence and mentally strong lady who passed down these traits to many of us including mom and myself.

She never fail to amaze me with her resourcefulness and up till today, I will get goose bumps just by the sheer mention on how she single-handedly delivered her own children (including my mom!) at home! When she went into labour, she would boil water.. and the rest is history.. No first class medical facilities with top notch pain killers with the services of renowned gynaecology!

RIP.
Note : Grandpa passed away in 1989. Grandma will be buried next to him this Sunday!

Back To School

Amidst the current global credit crunch, with uncertain job security, perhaps you could seriously contemplate to pursue your postgraduate study. It is the survival of the fittest. Employees have to be more efficient, well rounded and competitive.

Firstly, talk to your employer. It will be great if you get his support. It will be a bonus if the study is sponsored; it is a vote of confidence in you.

Now, the tough part is to choose the program. The number of postgraduate programs is on the rise. Spoil for choices, yeah! It is tempting to choose the easiest, shortest and cheapest. Not a good move. Learning that cannot be translated into values is wasted. The values gained from the program should be substantial. Additionally, make it an enjoyable journey, to gain knowledge and not purely for the paper chase.

8 criteria to ponder:

1) Specialize or opt for general management? – Depends on your career plan / direction, whether you want to be a specialist or be Jack of all trades.

2) Reputable, recognized and accredited program – Obviously you do not want to be caught with your pants down after aiming for the stars.

3) Content – Depend very much on criteria no. 1. In addition to prescribed texts, be prepared to explore broad range of publications. There are also many gems to be unearthed from the wired world. Learn this word - Plagiarism!

4) Methodology of delivery – Is it a traditional classroom delivery with interaction, case studies, project work etc or distance learning which has minimum interaction? Do you have the discipline to do your own work or do you need frequent interaction to knock sense into your wear and tear brain?

5) Teaching resources – Are the lecturers qualified practicing managers or academicians or a good mix? The academicians can deliver the best concepts and theories while the practitioners share their experiences. The lecturers are to facilitate and lead, not so much to teach. Learning takes place from many aspects- from class discussion, study group and personal research!

6) Weekday or weekend – Do you have the power to stay up after a long day in the office? The after office hours traffic could cause lateness. No fun to play catch up, and you might be lost for the next few hours. Be prepared to miss weekend parties, though!

7) Venue and distance from home – Obviously you would want to avoid long distance traveling that could drain your energy level!

8) Cost – Important aspect but not the only criteria. Obviously brand name, reputation and perceived higher quality programs cost more. Look for value for money. In addition to sponsorship, you could withdraw from EPF Account 2 and could explore financing from banks.

Finally the easy part. Embark on it with a serious desire and commitment to work hard. Make sacrifices and the reward would be sweet. In addition to self satisfaction and knowledge gained, the program should translate into new career opportunities, be it a climb in the corporate ladder or seeking out on your own! Then there is also the new friends found that will be ‘saved’ into the networking database!

Happy Studying.

Looking for : Networking

If you are in Facebook, check out how many of your contacts has the above tag.

Networking is a must to bring colour and breathe life into our lives. It connects and builds relationships both in our personal and professional life. It gives us new ideas, prospects which could lead to new businesses, career advancement, life partner and macam-macam lagi!

Here are some tips to make networking a fun event:

1. Remember names
People naturally feel friendly toward us if we have made the effort to remember names. This act itself will be a good start and he or she will be keen to be a friend.

2. Create conversations and be a good listener
People love to talk about their lives. Ask a few leading questions and most people will keep the conversation going. Before we know it, we are friends for life. Personally I have many new found friends from the simple topic of football or cricket! For all LIVERPOOL FC lovers, please stand up!

3. Care and interested in other people.
People love to be associated with loving and caring beings. Do really care about these people. Sincerely offer our shoulders to cry on during distress moments.

Happy Networking. Please do share your proven tips as the above list is not comprehensive.