I Got Retrenched

On this fateful day many years ago, two planes flew into tall buildings overseas.

I was in Phuket organising a Global Sales Meeting for the American MNC I was working for.

Many colleagues and partners flew in from all over the world to learn new info and exchange market intelligence.

We were having dinner when we saw the news. Jaw-dropping.

Soon after, many many factories around the world stop churning out products as the world prepare for a possible war.

All airlines stopped flying.

Subsequently, I lost my job.

I started a retail business soon after. I lost much money and became $200K in debt.

Few years before that historical day, we bought a nice freehold condo, with private lifts, near popular school in prime part of Singapore, district 11.

As the condo was being built, we could not rent it out. We had to pay the monthly instalments to the bank.

Imagine, without active income, I was losing money in my business and condo.

How do you think I feel about myself ? I felt like a loser.

I regret producing three young children, as if I bring them to suffer in this world.

I hated myself for not having a good degree. I was sinking fast and furious.

Subsequently, my business failed (second time). And I went on to work for others.

Fortunately, the Universe favours the bold, adventurous and hardworking.

I found a job, did well, did very well, and paid up my debts within a year.

I found a tenant for my condo and subsequently sold the condo for a small profit.

I also started to invest more into non-residential properties.

Today, I am living a dream life, supported by passive income from local properties.

I would like to sum up my experience during those “colourful” years in a few words :
1. i can lose my job anytime, not due to our fault, despite being top salesman.

2. Make hay while the sun is shining … invest for passive income, while having a job.

3. I will not dare buy New Launch Properties when the market is going down … Nothing is worse than having no income and still having to pay bank loans.

4. I can go hungry, but it hurts more to see your wife and kids hungry.

5. I will never start a new business first … becos your family members may have to suffer with you.

6. Instead, I will secure my passive income to cover all the household expenses first, then start a business.

7. Business is risky, regardless of profit or losses, my kids and wife have to eat.

What do you think? did I grow wiser from the experience or dumber ?

Please comment.

Love,
Marko
Investor, Practitioner and Full-Time Coach