I got a free iPad!

Yes, you didn't read the title wrongly. I had received an Apple iPad 10.2 inch (32 GB) WiFi for free after activating my newly approved credit card! Few months ago, I had submitted my credit card application through CompareHero.my during the Flash Deal period, where successful applicants stand a chance to win an iPad.

First Apple product in my life!

Unlike the traditional method of applying credit card through a sales person when you're wandering around a mall, the online application process is more straightforward and efficient, with lesser paperwork. As an introvert, I prefer the method which eliminates the needs to deal with hard selling sales person. I was required to fill in personal information through webform at CompareHero.my, which subsequently redirected me to the bank website to fill in more details. Within few working days, I received call from the bank to verify my information and request for supporting documents, to be sent via email.

After approximately one month, my application was successfully approved and the card was sent to my home. Unexpectedly, I was informed by CompareHero.my that I am eligible to claim a retractable folding fan as free gift. The required action was to provide my delivery details to CompareHero.my. The fan was delivered to me after one month and I really like it! 

Again, after approximately another month, CompareHero.my emailed to congratulate me on winning an iPad! Instead of responding to the good news ecstatically, I immensely suspected the authenticity of the email as I was aware that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics and the"durian runtuh" sounded pretty dodgy. I was also warned by my family and boyfriend on the possibility of me being scammed. 

Hence, I decided to perform verification on the authenticity of the email. The action required in order to claim the free iPad stated in the email was highly similar with the instructions to claim my free fan. Also, I called CompareHero.my to confirm the fact that I am the winner of Flash Deal. Even by doing so, I chose not to put high hopes on getting the free iPad, until I received call from logistics company to collect my iPad! The process of collecting iPad from delivery man to unboxing it was exceptionally thrilling and memorable.

Buying a tablet has been always on my wish list, yet I was reluctant to spend on it and decided to prioritize other spendings. Receiving a new tablet for free has saved me a fortune, not to mention iPad is much more costly than any other tablet brands. Besides, it has resolved the problem of me unable to install work related apps in my phone as the device is not supported. Now, I can easily access my work emails, chats and documents through my iPad! I can work from anywhere by carrying the lightweight iPad, which saved myself the hassle. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that my reading time has increased after having an iPad as the experience of reading from a larger screen is more decent. Thus, I am sincerely grateful to win the free iPad! 

Passed my probation without working at office

After landing my dream job at one of the big 4 accounting firms, completing my probationary period has become my very first challenge. Since I quit my previous job before I was confirmed by my ex employer, I had no experience in becoming a permanent staff in any firm. I was looking forward to be confirmed in my current role in order to enjoy the staff benefits and claim reimbursements for professional accountancy body's membership fees, which cost me a fortune.

Probationary period serves as a trial period in both ways: me getting to know my employer and they getting to know me. This "get-to-know" process became tougher due to work-from-home arrangement. Besides getting my laptop on my first day, I have not been to my office, not to mention meeting and working with my colleagues physically. Although working from home has become less uncommon and it's the safest method during the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, it still comes with challenges, especially for new joiners who are unfamiliar with the new job scope and work culture. 

Thankfully, my similar remote working experience when I was in a student organization had contributed to a smooth transition to my new job. It just felt like joining another organization where I had to explore new office tools and technology solutions, and the significant difference is, I'm getting paid! Kudos to my team which is digitally capable to leverage on work from home technology which I believe had minimized communication breakdown. I love the culture which encourages the usage of work messaging app to draw a clearer boundary between work and personal life. The most frequent messages I received from my one and only work related Whatsapp group are birthday wishes. It might sound like a sign of being left out, but I would rather not suffer the anxiety of bombarded with whatsapp notification outside work hours. 

My first project was an entirely new experience, memorable yet daunting to a new joiner. Unlike my previous work experience, I wasn't paired with any seniors! Despite adequate guidance from my superior who is approachable, I would definitely prefer to have someone to rely upon. Working without senior has trained me to stand on my own feet and work independently, which I believe it's an important trait in the virtual work environment. 

The most demanding part for my first project was pitching session with potential client. As a junior, I didn't expect to participate in such important session. My nervousness had negatively affected my performance. I was prepared to be condemned by my superior, but surprisingly he didn't. Instead, he pointed out areas of improvement and encouraged me to learn from mistakes.  

Looking back, my first project was indeed a steep learning curve, which prepared me better for my subsequent projects. There are few upcoming demo sessions with potential client within these few weeks, yet I'm not as nervous as before. Instead of over worrying on my performance, I concentrate on my work to prepare myself better for the demo session. I have also understood that our service is not regarded as essential like audit or tax filing, hence the process of looking out and selling to potential client is never ending. This would definitely involves countless rejection and failure but it does not mean the end of the road. Their rejection is a necessary path for us to learn and refine our solution. 

After completing my first project, I'm slowly assigned to more new projects. Although it indicates increased workload, I'm happy to have more things on my plate as I could gain new learning experience and provide valuable contribution to my team. What makes me more excited is I'm paired with senior associates now! They're very humble and willing to guide, but sadly, remote working arrangement has limited my opportunities to learn by watching others do. Hence, I try my best to catch on any opportunity to assist my senior, and also join discussion session to observe how they complete their deliverables.

In short, I'm satisfied and grateful with my current role. There might be better opportunities in other firms, but I would prefer to settle down, gain more fruitful experience and build my technical capabilities. Although I enjoy working from home a lot, it's undeniable that such arrangement brings along some pitfalls. My work experience is constrained by sitting in front of the laptop and facing the screen. I missed out annual dinner, CNY house opening session, company trip and hangout session with colleagues. Learning experience is important for work, but having a well-rounded life should be our priority. 

Looking forward to work in a world without COVID-19, at the same time enjoying the perks of working from home!