Employment issues

This is a long post with no pics, so be ready.

Last night, I had a nightmare. I dreamt that I went for an interview for a world class job at a world class company.
They asked me if I could explain to them the debacle regarding Lehman Brothers and why did they file for bankruptcy. I knew that it was somehow linked to the sub-prime mortgage issue and they having too much toxic debts on their balance sheet that caused them to fail. But I didn't know how were these issues linked.

I woke up and went to google it and read up on it.

I have been drafting my resume recently, but no one has called me up yet. I thought about what are the jobs that I want and came up with this list.
1) Underwriting
2) Risk Analysis
3) Investment Management
I feel these 3 are top of my list. Risk Analysis and Investment Management can be in an insurance firm or a bank, no difference to me.

I also contemplate going into sales. I really don't have a good impression on sales as the probability of you being successful in sales depends on luck. Yes, determination and good sales pitch etc plays a part, but this job needs luck to meet the potential buyer. Without luck, you won't succeed no matter how hardworking you are.

However, I recently notice that HSBC was offering the Personal Banker Associate Programme. I was very pessimistic at first, as the job title sounds more like Salesman.
But, I read the job description and notice that it is more of a programme, where you start in sales and you can fast track your career to be a branch manager. I don't mind this programme as long as I won't remain in sales for the rest of my career. I can go in the programme, finish it and use the experience to apply for other jobs.
The disadvantage would definitely be you can be stereotype as a salesman, and it will be hard for you to switch career paths. I saw this first hand with one HSBC Insurance staff. She applied as a customer service officer, and now is finding it hard to switch careers.
Nevertheless, I applied for it. I figure I can use the interview as a chance to train up my interview skills. Additionally, it gives me the chance to speak with the interviewers on more information about the job scope.
It also gives me the chance for professionals to review my CV. If my CV is impressive enough, they will call me up. If not, they won't call me and I know there is something wrong about my CV.

Deep down inside me, I am hoping they do call, as if they don't, I don't think I will be able to take that kind of rejection.

Wish me luck!

I have also been dreaming on what I will do with my salary if I get hired. Here is a top ten list of things I want to do with my salary.
In no order of importance,
1. Repay my debt to my brother. He paid for my holiday and my exam fees.

2. Bring Limin's parents out for dinner. They treat me dinner on numerous occasions and I think it would be polite and nice for me to do the same.

3. Buy Limin something she deserves. I didn't have much money during my 3 years in SIM, and couldn't treat her eat or buy her fancy stuff. I know she doesn't hanker after branded goods, but I still want to do it.

4. Buy a new computer. My current computer, which I got in 2007 has broken down at least once in every year. Worst computer ever.

5. Buy for myself new clothes/bags/shoes. Again, I didn't have much money so I really need new clothes. Majority of my clothes were bought during my army and SIM Year 1 days.

6. Give my maid money to buy groceries. My maid always complain to me that my mother doesn't give her enough money to buy groceries. So she always have to make do and improvise. I'm going to change that by giving her enough money to buy me Coke.

7. Manage my own investments. My insurance is paid for by my mother. I intend to review the insurance and change it to something that I need. Additionally, I have some money in some blue chips. I intend to manage and invest in that area as well.

8. Remove my dark eyebags. This issue is a big problem. I don't mind plastic sugery as it won't alter my looks drastically, but it definitely will stop others staring at me or making panda jokes.

9. Go on a holiday with Limin. As we stay so far apart from each other, we tend to spend less time together than the average couple do. I want her all for myself for awhile. I believe it is something I deserve for still being in the r/s despite so many obstacles!

10. Save. I have a bigger plan for my investments, and in order for it to succeed, I need funds. No better way of accumulating funds than saving. So I will try to make it a point to save.

I need a job first though :(