Challenge Accepted [Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure]

Adventure. Defined on the free online dictionary as…

1. a risky undertaking of unknown outcome
2. an exciting or unexpected event or course of events
3. a hazardous financial operation; commercial speculation
4.
a. danger or misadventure
b. chance
5. to take a risk or put at risk
6. (foll by: into, on, upon) to dare to go or enter (into a place, dangerous activity, etc)
7. to dare to say (something)

When challenged with the word ‘adventure‘, the first thing that came to mind as my greatest adventure was my solo trip to USA. Especially since I got lost in Downtown LA! But in researching the meaning of the word ‘adventure’ I realised that there’s something more adventurous in my life than my only solo trip.

Looking at the meaning of ‘adventure’ as one taking a risk or a risky undertaking of unknown outcome, the biggest adventure that took lots of guts and much consideration is still happening to me right now. (No. I’m not pregnant or entering motherhood.)

The ‘adventure’ I am referring to is quitting my job as a Research Writer at MediaCorp and embarking on a slightly different career path.

I began writing a blog (Entitled To Opinion) way back in November of 2010. I did so because I wanted to hone my skills as a writer. But not just any writer. I wanted to write for television. In fact, if you look at my bucket list, right at the top it says that I want to win an Oscar or Emmy for my work. I’ve had that dream for the longest time. And in order to stay in the industry, I’ve stuck it out with MediaCorp for 3 years and 7 months.

But in July this year, I quit my job.

The thought of quitting has long been on my mind. The long hours, the lack of a work life balance, and the little money I earned took a toll on me. But mid this year, 1 particular event made me finally do the deed. I had always thought about quitting. But my awesome relationship with my co-workers who have become my closest and dearest friends helped me keep it together and stick through it all. And there was the bigger issue of what do I want to do if not write for television.

Its been my biggest and loftiest dream. To leave MediaCorp made me feel like a quitter. And it made me feel like I’m abandoning my dream. Many people told me to just find another job that still allows me to write for television. But MediaCorp is the only broadcasting station in Singapore. If one wanted to work in television, there really was just one place to go. So I felt stuck and frustrated. Why? Because I didn’t know what else I wanted to do if I left MediaCorp.

Since I graduated from Polytechnic, MediaCorp has been the one and only company I’ve worked for. I knew the people. I knew the working style. I knew what I was in for when I signed the contract with them after coming back the second time (well, some say four but who’s counting). The thought of leaving MediaCorp scared me to death. So I shook off thoughts about leaving the industry and tried to just suck it up and stick it out.

I should have asked the fundamental question: What do I want to do after I left MediaCorp? But I didn’t.

By the time I made my decision to quit in July, I had figured out what I wanted to do after MediaCorp. I wanted to write for magazines (traditional or online). I wanted to work on developing my travel and review blog and maybe one day be self sufficient on it.

When I was offered the job with Travelzoo. Everything fell into place. I figured out what should I do next. I was still terrified. What if I hate my new job? What if I got bored after a short period of time away from the only thing I’ve ever know – writing for television? What if I don’t get along with my new colleagues? What if leaving MediaCorp turns out to be the worse decision of my life? To me, it was “a risky undertaking of unknown outcome” as well as “an exciting (and) unexpected event”. But as you now know, I took the risk and began on my new adventure with Travelzoo on July 21.

It’s still an adventure to me. I still wonder and fear that it was a mistake to leave MediaCorp. I’m still learning new things at Travelzoo. I’m still getting used to going from someone who worked behind the scenes, to being just a spectator at home like everyone else. I’m really relieved that I have very friendly and helpful colleagues who make me feel welcomed. And as for the rest, I’ll figure it out along the way.

Dear friends,

Thank you for the fun, love, and friendship over the years. I will always miss you and love you all. And I will always be your ‘Gor’.

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What do you think?

What is your take on the word ‘adventure’? Do you think my ‘adventure’ fits the bill?