At 22 years old, it is really hard to convince myself that I still have a long way to go.

In another 2 years' time, I will be working hard for my monthly salary. Or, I will be working hard earning a meager allowance while building up my business. It seems that starting my business is no longer feasible. The security of a job seems so much more important to me now. I don't think I can tolerate the uncertainty of a business.

Starting a business now will be very selfish of me, because it will only add more stress to my parents. My dad is going to retire in 1 or 2 years' time. Will I be selfish enough to ask my dad to work for another 5 years while I use his hard-earned money to splurge on my selfish desire of starting a business?

I think the choice is probably obvious by now. My parents had wanted to depend on me when my dad retire. My brother still need financial support from my dad's retirement funds for further education. Who am I to draw on these funds which are intended to support my brother's education needs? Will I really allow my parents to work until they are physically unable to work? What kind of son will allow that?

However, I will not give up on my dream of starting up a business, and a successful one, to state the obvious. Perhaps, I will jump on the chance when the capital requirement is within my budget. But till such an an occasion arises, I will be better off shelving these grandose plans, and focus on my studies.

The better your grades, the better your resume looks. The more senior your appointments in your CCa are, the more impressive you are. If you happen to dabble in community service, your resume will just be about perfect. This is such a game we must play. No one can avoid this game. Even if you think that it is morally wrong, participation in the "meritocracy" game of the society is still compulsory.

I feel that....... this is being practical. I know that stating these unspoken facts can be.... nauseating for some. But at this stage in my life, this is a game that I must play, no matter the cost. I only pray that I will be able to treat everyone fairly and sincerely, and not undermine my moral values.

To accomplish this with my integrity intact. I think I will have really aced this game.


What else have I been doing? I believe some of you may know that I have invested most of my savings in the stock market.

Have my investments done well? I think that my portfolio is already fortunate enough. The subprime crisis in the US have hammered the Asian markets this 2 weeks. The STI dropped below 3000 points in the afternoon and recovered to slightly above 3130 points. Do note that just a month ago, the STI was in the high 3500s.

What does it all mean? In layman terms, the stock market is not doing well. The general sentiment is one of anxiety, fear and uncertainty. What can a small time investor like me do?

I think that it is important to think rationally instead of acting on fears. My selections of stocks are so far, quite satisfactory to me. In fact, I was thinking of buying up more of these stocks if my target prices are met.

You may think that I am crazy for still wanting to invest some more into the volatile stock market. However, I think there it is only during periods where people act on emotions rather than rationale, are there big opportunities for level headed investors to choose from.

Let us observe the market and see how the market sentiments sway. Hopefully, there will be even more opportunities for me then!