During our college tropa reunion two weeks ago, Omarotti has announced his purchase of a Ford Fiesta. A bank has just approved his 500K loan.
I do not know his reasons for buying a brand new sports car, but his No Girlfriend Since Birth (NGSB) status might give a hint.
Meanwhile, the annual reunion was held at another tropa's newly constructed 3-floor house. His mansion - his first act as a family man - stands a few steps from the Global City. Everyone was impressed by the leaps and bounds covered by these gentlemen.
Its hard not to make comparisons.
Once, these young men learned the rudiments of "life" under the watchful eyes of the publishing house. They still fondly speak of employees leaving their food inside a piss-stench bathroom only to get it later to continue their meal. They were nurtured by the House of Jomania while they were away from their homes. Who would forget the nights we ate Ma-Ling and Noodles for dinner, and then scamper into the night to beat a finals' project?
While fortunes ebb and flow, I cannot help but wonder what happened to my own life. Did I make a wrong turn in my career, or my measure of success was never at par with everyone?
And while talks of promotion at the price of other people's jobs loom large in the workplace, I ask myself,
will I still grow in my chosen career path?
will I have to give up my immaterial leanings?
do I have to give up some business allegiances so I can look after my own needs?
All I know is that changes are coming, and maybe, just maybe, for the first time I will have to courage to against the flow.