Gina Wong

This is my first LinkedIn blog to share and store a career milestone story …

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Many, if not all of us, had at some point wished we can ‘just take a career break’, beyond taking few days of leave. Whether the reasons are sprouting from job dissatisfaction, job misfit, boredom or simply fatigue from exhaustion, few are willing to take the plunge for fear of financial loss.

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I recalled my first career break at the 11th year mark of my career, where I just bit the bullet, resigned without a job and took a 2.5 months break. I felt it was deserving after working for 10 years and discerning to recharge and think of ‘what’s next?’. WOLO^^ ! Lo and behold, I accelerated through my next 10 years of career and had the best mentors, colleagues and opportunities.

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This year, at 20th year of corporate experience and having spent 1.5 years at Amazon, I took my second plunge. This time, it was with a heavy heart as I had a daughter and mortgage obligations. Nonetheless, I knew I had to break out of comfort zone and find my mojo^again.

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Thank God I did that ! This 6 months has been an unprecedented break of my life where I gained so much beyond monetary measure. Sharing my top 5 experiences here, which may inspire you to do the same in your next break :

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1. Think & Reinvent Yourself

It sounds ridiculous but I kid you not. In a wild rat race whether chasing numbers, submitting reports or endless tasks, you hardly have time to seriously think beyond your KPI, customers, partners, bosses and family demands. We simply do not spend enough time thinking. Good thinking breeds reinvention of old ways, spurs new and bold ideas and drive change for the better.

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2. Try something NEW !

With good thinking comes new discovery about yourself and your untapped capabilities. Try new things including what you never thought you could do. I took a stab and created a personal profile website and blog (gone are Word Resumes!). Became a mentor at Asia’s number one incubator, JFDI where I am privileged to inspire and be inspired! Surrounded with great mentors and aspiring entrepreneurs, I fell in love with the startup community. This led to the birth of KNOTS, a new startup to build the next generation social platform. An idea that grew in my head and boom… my journey of becoming an entrepreneur begins. It was the perfect opportunity to focus and build the business foundation that will bear fruit in years to come. Being an entrepreneur is not only liberating, but allows you to learn things which you don't from a corporate career.

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3. Giving Back

Joy of giving surpasses that of receiving. There is no excuse especially on a break! Took my second mission trip to serve the poorest of the poor in Philippines… a place called Tondo. It is such a blessed opportunity to serve and minister to the children, youths and women. More importantly, this time, we progressed and equipped them with skills for sustainability. Whichever social cause you believe in or support, this is the perfect time to serve and bless others.

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4. Quality Family Time

Needless to say, this is the prime time to travel, coach, cook and have fun with family and friends. Learn new dishes or create a secret recipe ! I did, with Crème Brulee and Roasted Pork

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5. Reflection

I started my break with one principle – be disciplined and not waste a day sleeping in or be a couch potato. Looking back, I am proud that I have achieved the following. After all, what you do today is history in making, so make it count!

• Created my own website

• Started a startup

• Registered and owned a business

• Mentored startups

• Teach balloon sculpting skills to the poor

• Coached my lil 7 year old (Scored A’s J)

• Learned ballet from my lil one

• Hosted and cooked for awesome folks !

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 Lastly, sharing the Top 5 Quotes that spoke to me this break:

• Top-line is vanity. Bottom-line is sanity.

• Not magical belief. But make magic.

• Women see through a different lens than men.

• Helpfulness out-passes intelligent people.

• Manage energy levels, not time.

 

That's all for my inaugural post and may your next career break be transformational !

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 Mojo^ in Cambridge dictionary means a quality that attracts people to you and makes you successful and full of energy

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WOLO^^ We Only Live Once