The cult leader of Club 30 is a Nurse! Hehe!
I think we should just let the girl lead her life and make her
own choices. Singaporeans are quick to criticise and condemn
others who don't take the 'typical' route, but it's really all up
to the individual how he/she charts his/her course in life.
Afterall, she will be the one to reap the fruits or bear the
consequences.
I never thought I'd be a nurse! Never, ever! And
yet, after working seven years in the corporate sector, I gave up a
well-salaried position, discarded the prestige, cut up my corporate
Gold Card, and ventered into Nursing.
It wasn't easy. I suffered a pay cut of more than
65%. I had to move out of my rented two-bedroom HDB apartment
into a rented bedroom. I had to give up my three cats for
adoption as a result of that. I packed up a lot of my stuff
to be hastily given away and I cried buckets for weeks over my
losses and drastic change in circumstances.
And then, in Nursing School, I realised that a lot in my cohort
entered Nursing because their results were so awful, they had no
other course that would accept them! Ack!
I had to face Nursing Managers, Nursing Officers and colleagues
who were pretty ruffian in their behaviour and their management
style was kinda commando-style. I nicknamed these people
"Empress Dowagers" because of their obsolete, 1960's
management style. It was mostly Management by Instilling Fear
and Enforcing Absolute Power, a real stark contrast to the open,
empowerment concept I was familiar with through my years of working
for and with Americans in the various MNC's I was with.
The few years I had to work in the local hospital was sheer
hell. Looking back, I do not know what kept me going on to
complete not just my bond period, but another extra year on top of
that. However, by the end of that period, I think a few of
you know that I sunk into deep depression. *shivers...
Anyways, that's all history. And the new chapter in my
life is looking real good! 
I've achieved my long-held dream of migrating
out of Singapore, and am now working in a ward of my choice,
receiving the all-rounded training I wanted all along, and
embarking on the first of two courses that will make me a
fully-qualified ICU Nurse.
People who criticised me for entering Nursing now have to eat
humble pie. 
Salary-wise, I'm now on par, if not
doing even better than them.
If you have a dream, you must decide to put your mind to
it. There will be obstacles along the way and sometimes,
situations will be heart-wrenching. However, persevere on,
and keep your dearest friends close to you because they will be the
ones who will help to keep you sane during your struggles. I
have two precious souls in Club 30 whom I'm deeply indebted to for
being my strong support during moments so desolate and dark, all
seemed hopeless. 
Somedays, I remember the terrible times I faced, lying on my
mattress, looking out the window at the vast sky, mesmerised by the
soft tinkles of my dreamcatcher windchime, tears slowly drying on
my face, heart aching so badly, I thought I would just perish...
and I realise how far I've come.
I wish this girl all the best in her endeavours! It will
be a journey of many challenges, but the skills gained will be
priceless. And yes, embrace true geographic mobility with
Nursing. And stand tall... because you WILL be saving
countless lives in this profession. 
I Salute U, My Lady!
