***Miracle***

You don't truly appreciate until you have to fight hard for it. One tends to take promotion for granted if you are in Sg Big four - the top four accounting/advisory firms globally. For those who had worked in Sg Big four before, one would certainly know that promotion/progression to the next level is almost guaranteed every year, as long as you don't "screwed" up any job engagement.

Since working in Oz big 4 for the last one year plus, I realised this was not the case. There's certainly no sure thing called "Definite promotion/progression". I couldn't believe it until I've seen cases of colleagues getting retained in their current level not once, but a few times. I begin to doubt my capability of getting promoted over here in oz especially when you realised there are so many smart people in your company, fighting to get promoted too. The competition is definitely very stiff. Also I realised the one main distinctive difference between me and my "ang mohs" colleagues is they can really talk and present themselves.

In my case, I was supposedly due for promotion to the next level (equivalent of Assistant Manager in Sg Big 4) in EY Perth (My ex boss had promised me the promotion and I've work very hard for it). However I resigned just 3 months away from my promotion as I've to relocate to Melb with the hubba (his company wanted him over in Melb). I felt it was such a waste and was extremely disappointed to forgo the promotion and substantive pay increment (A lot of $$$ per month man). Moreover, I've to start all over again in Melb. I decided to forget about it. Afterall I'd found a good job in Melb, with pay increment too. One should learnt to be contented especially I managed to found a job in just under 2 weeks and 2 months prior coming over to Melb. (I'm lucky!)

So two months ago, I started my current job in this new company. However I was still feeling sore over the loss of my promotion and pay increment. Imagine having to go through another full year of hard work again before I'll be considered for promotion mid of next year. The more I think about it, the more upset I was. I still cannot let it go as I was hoping for a miracle. I keep grumbling to the hubba and my current colleagues until I think they are so sick of my complaints. haha. I guess I was feeling even more disappointed when my manager and big boss told me that I'll definitely not be considered for promotion this coming July as I am still considered very new. My hope was shattered completely.

By twist of fate and combination of sheer luck, I was informed by my boss yesterday that I'll be getting the promotion and pay raise next month. Wah Wooo! I was in daze, shock, happiness and no words can describe my inner feelings. No one has expected me to get promoted, including myself. Why the sudden decision change by the firm to promote me, I really dunno. My big boss simply told me that he had received very good feedbacks from the other senior managers/directors whom I've worked for in the last two months and also I've fought very very hard for it too. He said this is really a rare case as the firm does not practise in promoting staff who have just joined the firm recently.

I broke the good news to the hubba and some of my close colleauges yesterday. The hubba was saying he never believe in miracle and this is too good to be true. And this is not the first time that such thing has happened to me (Only the hubba knows my secret). haha. I am indeed incredibly lucky and blessed. :)

I've came to the conclusion that opportunities are as random as gets and anything can happened. Most importantly, you must be able to grab hold, make good use and fight hard for it. To me, this is an important realisation because just two months ago I must admit I felt really down and upset. I wasn't sure joining my current firm was a right choice (I'm not sure now either but I guess time will tells) and having to forgo my promotion and hefty pay increment (of course whatever amount will never be sufficient) and I couldn't see any miracle happening.

Fast forward two month and the picture is completely different. Bloody amazing and surprising, I tell you! Who says there's no such thing called "the miracle"? Thank God for the blessings! The hubba and I are extremely grateful and thankful to the everything we've in Oz now. Things are certainly looking very positive and good for us. =)