IInterview nterview with Mr CK with Mr CK

Written by: Rae Lim Ze Qin (5C47), Sun Yutong (6C35)

As students, we are provided multiple sources to aid us in exploring our future career options, such as MySkillsFuture portal. However, considering the turbulent career landscape and economy in today’s context, there is little predictability. In this segment, we will be gaining insight from Mr CK, a Literature teacher of 13 years, and examining his journey in the workforce. Before teaching, Mr CK was in the field of public relations and marketing communications.

Q: Did you get into this profession right after your university education?

“No, when I graduated, it was the financial crisis and shortly after, the SARS outbreak took place. So looking for a stable job at that time wasn’t easy at all. For about one year, I did part-time writing and contract copywriting.”

Q: Do you miss your previous career paths and the unpredictability of it?

“After 6 years working in that field, part of me realised that the hectic lifestyle caused by my job would take a toll on my health and personal well-being. I also realised that I didn't have as much energy to deal with the unknown daily, as compared to my younger colleagues. At that time, I also lost the motivation to seek career progression.”

Reflecting upon Mr CK’s career journey, I think it is safe to say that it is difficult to predict how our careers would span out in the future. His mention of the SARS outbreak and its effects on the workforce landscape also mirrors the pandemic we are facing now. Mr CK’s recognition of his strengths and evolving priorities in life is an admirable quality in which we too should develop in the future, so as to ensure our flexibility to adapt in today’s volatile job market.