With so many events and activities happening when I am 14, time passed especially fast. I had turned 15. Do you still remember the job that I was holding when I am 14? Read about it here.

When I turned 15, there were more job openings instead of just limited to fast food restaurant server. I knew that I could earn more money for finding another part-time job. I bought a copy of The Straits Time to shortlist possible jobs. At that point of time, I am only in secondary 3 (= no certificate), i could not apply for many jobs as most of them minimally required a "N" or "O" level. I did not give up hope. I continued to search through the "Jobs ads" for a few more days.

Finally, my perseverance paid off. I saw a recruitment ads saying
"Odd jobs worker required. Min. 15yrs old, physically fit. Work in Defu area. P/t available. $4.50 per hour. Call 123 4567"

I knew this must be the job. Perfect requirement, perfect condition. Its a perfect match for me. I picked up the phone and called for an interview. I went for the interview as scheduled. During the interview, they took my height and weight and asked me about my physical activities. Satisfied with the answer, now they revealed what job I was apply for. Its a welding job (I will be the welder). My job scope includes cutting and preparing the metal rods to be welded, welding and also occasionally apply spray paint onto it. It was a tough job and physically straining. Nonetheless, I decided accept the job since the salary to me was attractive.

Image from http://www.batc.edu

On the first day of work, I was taken to a brief tour around the factory. Then I was taught how to cut metal rod. Thereafter, I was put onto the actual job (wasting no time!). It was very tiring and I got to endure the "smelly-rusty" metal smell. The job was tough, sweaty and I was always covered with rust. A few days later, I was taught to weld and later on, paint spraying. I did that for a few weeks and finally I decided to give up as my skin started to develop rashes. I submitted my resignation but was pleaded to stay till they found a replacement for me. I agreed and left the company eventually when the new guy came.

Photos from http://www.stewardingdepartment.com

I was jobless. I decided to find another job. I was thinking, odd jobs was "shiong". I would try to find another classification. I looked into "cleaner" section and found this "night-cleaner" job. I applied  and went for the interview. During the interview, I was told that I would be sent to "Shangri-La Hotel" as kitchen cleaner. The working hours were 11pm to 6am. The pay was about $30 per day. However, there was an important clause "If I did not turn u for work, I will have $50 deducted from my salary and $100 deducted from my salary the second time. Third time, I would be terminated and also salary confiscated".  I accepted it and on the next day I started work.

Photo from http://hotels.online.com.sg

I was assigned to clean the banquet kitchen. It was not really a tough job as compared to the welding job. Every time after the function in the ballroom, the kitchen was in a mess and we will be cleaning it like mad, However some times, when there was no functions, the kitchen was clean and we would find some place to sleep through the night. One of the most memorable thing was as a staff (although I am from sub-con), I was given coupon for supper and also breakfast to eat in the staff canteen. I had to emphasize, the food there was really fantastic. It was cooked by qualified chef. The food became part of the reason why I decided to work there till I turned 16 years old

So my routine was, school in the morning, go back home to sleep, work at night, go home and change to school uniform and the cycle starts again.

My reflection: Although work and study at the same time is not advisable, I will say that we may not be able to have the best of both world. This also goes to show that if we are willing, we will not starve. 

Continue to follow my blog. More will be revealed as I progressed onto the journey. Coming out next on my post will be related to the fashion. Stay tuned!



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