Do it your way and be happy

I REFER to the letter, “Think twice, then jump confidently” ( The Star, Nov 4). The writer has probably put a person’s career choice in the most appropriate perspective.

True enough, although getting a pension is an attractive part of public service employment, many bold, dynamic, confident and capable people look at the more important aspects of one’s career in the business world or private sector – life’s challenges and inner satisfaction. To them, it is more than ringgit and sen and security of tenure; it is the moulding of character in a competitive, innovative and creative environment that gives many a strong incentive to quit a comfortable job and go into another with an uncertain outcome.

There is no answer to which sector is better, the public service or private sector? I served as a trained graduate teacher in the education sector for three decades with gratitude and joy, as that was my ideal job in terms of my attitude and aptitude.

Although I obtained a degree in Economics, I served as an English language teacher for more than 90% of my service. Due to my enthusiasm, I was given a chance to do a specialist course at a local university on full sponsorship to make me a better TESL personnel.

My roommate in college, Chew, preferred to enter the private sector after getting his Economics degree. He rose up slowly from an assistant manager to become president of a big corporation. He was a dynamic, intelligent and capable person and clearly the private sector offered him more opportunities to move up the ladder.

He once sent me a brief letter that said the money was good but the job was real tough. In terms of social status and financial achievement, my friend Chew beats me many times over. But in terms of job satisfaction, perhaps we are on par. We can proudly say, “It’s my way.” We are both happy.

A. Y. Yong Ipoh