Career Stocktaking

Twenty five years...that's how long I've been earning a paycheck since graduating from university. Did I ever know I would carve out the career that I have? Let's put it this way...I knew I'd be a media professional after choosing to study communications and journalism. Was it a sector I've enjoyed being in? Yes. Having amassed close to 15 years in radio journalism and broadcast, it must be said that there aren't many jobs that give you an adrenalin rush each time you go to work (in this case, the studio) and turn on the microphone. In my case, my dedication to and passion for radio work is audible. Listeners and interviewees alike can tell if I've come to air prepared based on the quality of the interview, how I ask my questions, what I ask, how I steer each interview and how I make my guests comfortable. I've always seen my work on air as helping others tell their stories in the most authentic and honest way they can, and to showcase their domain knowledge.

Even before podcast came to be, radio's always been a theatre for the mind. It activates and exercises certain faculties in listeners only radio could do. Without visuals, radio presenters help listeners conjure images in their minds to make sense of what they hear. Unlike it's more 'glamourous' TV cousin, radio speaks more personally and can resonate more deeply. Just you and the voice/s you hear. How much do I believe in the continuing power of radio and the spoken word? Deeply and dearly, and radio will endure. Will I return to radio? Who's to say? But I did and I have.

What about you? Have you done a 'career boomerang'? It's when you do something somewhere...you leave...only to return. I have. Thank you Mediacorp Pte Ltd for embracing alums. The company has a three-strike policy, i.e. you can only ever resign from the company thrice. I've just used me second exit pass. I had initially thought that returning to a medium I've been passionate about in 2019 (and I still am) would have me stay for way longer. Alas, it wasn't in the bigger scheme of things.

My departure from radio this time is for vastly different reasons than when I left in 2010. Back then, I left after following the lead of a colleague who was of the same age. She said employers would be more willing to give new hires a chance before they turned 40 years old. That stuck and was exactly what I needed to peal myself away from radio after what had been a comfortable decade with the company, where radio had been my thriving ground, and plunge into public service where I'd devote 8 years. That departure from radio wasn't easy because of the fabulous work relationships I had at then-938LIVE. From awesome bosses like Rose Tan and Gerry Tan who were perpetually tuned in to ensure broadcast standards were maintained, right down to the correct pronunciation of each word, to cohosts who danced in tandem and were highly dedicated (looking at you Pamela Ho and Mahesha De Silva ), to colleagues who kept the station bustling with activity like Siew Shyan FOO and Mageline Lee. Lunches out together made us even tighter. Back then, everyone who worked at the station was family and we functioned like one, with care, respect and teamwork ... and of course the slight bickering, as would be the case in any family. But we mostly got along and there was a sense of belonging. There was already a sense of that in my first job when I joined Mediacorp Interactive as an online writer (they didn't call it 'digital' then) with a team helmed by Stephanie Yeo who was another fabulous and nurturing boss who played mother goose to 12 goslings.

Eight years in public service allowed me a deeper appreciation for how government agencies and departments work. So much deliberation, discourse, debate and policy planning happens before anything actionable is realised. What one does or doesn't do is often questioned and challenged by the public, but one things is certain - you can't please everyone. I appreciate the opportunities by the then-Overseas Singaporean Unit to serve the populace based overseas. Five of my 8 years in public service was dedicated to the engagement of Singaporeans working and studying in the US West Coast. I owe much to OSU's then-Director, Sim Ann (who is now Singapore's Senior Minister of State for National Development) for bringing on board OSU, and for the nurturing leadership and guidance of her successor, Wong Kan Foo . Karen Leo and Michelle Yap were also fabulous colleagues who coached and motivated me in operating in a very different system. I forged more great friendships through my course of work with both colleagues and overseas Singaporeans; these continue to endure time and distance till today.

My passion for radio was rekindled (never snuffed out) upon my return from my posting to San Francisco in 2018. There were other career opportunities in public service I was invited to explore, but none tugged at my heartstrings. I make reference to the heart because when it comes to work, it's not working for the sake of it or to put bread on the table, but working with heart (and head of course) at what tasks need to be performed. It's got to be more than a to-do checklist, obligations and the meeting of KPIs, it's got to mean more. Who says only Millennials and Gen Zs look for meaning and purpose in their work?

I appreciate receiving text messages from listeners on my final day on air conveying their appreciation for my work. A listener recently messaged me on Instagram to say "lunches will no longer be the same". I was puzzled why it'd be different since there's not been any programming change since my departure. The comeback was "Your assuring voice is no longer there". Another listener sent me a message saying she'll miss me. I appreciate these messages; they're reaffirmation that I've done something right and something well. Here's an except of that second message: "It is your genuine and nurturing voice behind the professional facade that kept me coming back. I could sense your mentoring nature with Andrea and Cheryl, always showing professionalism and giving them space to grow." The great thing is that growth works both ways!

Eugene Wee has taken over the reins at CNA938 and I wish him every success in having the station soar to even greater heights! Pity we overlapped for only a short time, but he's a genuine good boss who cares as much for his people as he does for operational aspects. Only good things can come from him if he is given the space and authority to strategically shape the station and programming.

And yes, twenty five years later, I'm off to be an 'apprentice' in another trade. I've been told it takes courage and boldness to leave something one's so comfortable and seasoned at and to try something new. I've done it before and I know, with God's enabling, I can do it again.

I start this month and it's my prayer I leave a good first impression and a positive legacy for the next chapter of my career. To new adventures!