Voices

I am a manager in ZYX, an engineering and architecture company that has the highest prospect as compared to other players in the industry. I have 20 direct underlings, not to mention the underlings under my underlings. I demand my employees to pay attention to every detail, especially when it comes to bidding a contract. Last year, my team led the company to win the contract to construct a bridge linking Singapore and Batam. It is a major success to the company, and of course my career path. Have I ever mentioned that my ambition is to be a senior manager by the age of 35? The path is almost clear but there is one obstacle. In order to get promoted to senior management team, I need to win the approvals from the two executives, Kelvin and Merry. Kelvin, to date, has ignored all my gestures of goodwill and has been indifferent to all my achievements. He is very likely to be the stumbling block in my career path. Nonetheless, I will not be deterred by the likes of him. Next Saturday will be our company appreciation dinner where all the big figures are expected to attend. Recently, Jonathan, Kelvin's boss, has been complimenting me on handling on some difficult situations. He will be the key to my success.

I am a nurse working in a ABC hospital. I used to think I can save lives or the whole world, like Mother Teresa. At least, this is what the television programmes have taught me. But after 5 years working in the hospital, I realise that I am wrong. I can never save people. No, it is not because I am disillusioned by death of my patients. After all, a nurse need to be trained to deal with corpses infected with different kinds of diseases and cancers. No, not that. In reality, I lose the passion, the passion to save lives. I find my everyday job mundane. I no longer can treat my patients with care and love I used to possess. I feel empty yet I do not have to will to refill my heart with care and love once again. I am disillusioned by emptiness.