Long overdue.
Finally found the time to update my details under 'The Writer' tab.
For the past few months, I have been busy with our business over at Kaijia Muslim Food. From the initial stages of setting up the business, to creating the website and curating social media posts, I have to admit, it took a toll on me.
But that is all in the past now. I have gotten the hang of things (I hope) and I figured it is time for me to resume with enhancing and diversifying my freelancing portfolio. To be honest, I still find it hard to believe that I actually miss writing financial and business articles. Given a choice, I would rather write about food, or eating, or anything that has to do with food and eating. What is there not to love about food?
Anyway, I was informed that some clients had difficulties locating my contact information. To make it easy for future clients who happen to stumble upon my blog, I have included my email at the upper right-hand corner of this blog. I am not sure if it shows on your mobile, but if you happen to read this post, feel free to drop me an email at hajar.alwi@gmail.com. I will definitely get back to you the soonest possible.
Now that I have gotten these items off my chest, I have to go do some research on social media marketing, to further equip my knowledge about it. You can never know enough now, can you?
Hello Facebook!
2.54pm, Malaysian Time
Working from home.
Recently read an article on LinkedIn: "How Work-From-Home Can Work For The Best".
Extracts
Para 2: In an interesting survey on workplace flexibility1 conducted by Randstad, 53% of respondents said they preferred telecommuting or working from home. Of this number, the gender split was almost equal - meaning that an equal number of men and women preferred telecommuting to working from an office.
Para 6, Line 3: For these women, flexibility and telecommuting play a big role in helping them to balance their personal and professional lives. This sort of flexibility empowers women to be the best that they can be, by giving them an enabling environment to contribute and be productive on their own terms.
1 year and 8 months have passed since I started working from home. Although the nature of my work is on a freelance basis, it comes with a fixed income and certain perks. Needless to say, I have no intention of turning back the clock just yet to re-enter the 9 to 5 job market.
At my age I suppose we tend to value things differently. Top priority now is on establishing a healthy balance, between family, personal and working life. No longer do I have the adrenaline rush to make the next million or climb the corporate ladder. Emphasis is on nurturing relationships, discovering beautiful memories and working on self-development, the few yet crucial things that I lacked of when I was a part of the rat race.
Being productive on our own terms. That is the kind of life I am living now. If you ever wonder whether you should make the leap of faith into the flexible working lifestyle, just ask yourself what are your priorities. Your priorities will determine your commitments, your next course of action. Will it be difficult? Like any path, the difficulty level depends on your ability to manage and adapt to the situation. Only you can make it work.
Of course it helps a lot if you have a supportive environment.
One fine example is my current working arrangement does not limit me. I am not bounded by a contract that says I cannot be commissioned by others. As long as I deliver accordingly, I am given the mobility to spread my wings far and wide, enabling me to further develop and acquire new skills, experiences and working relationships.
While it may be a tad bit early for a new year's resolution, come 2017 I hope I can continue to make some kind of contribution to the society and the industries. Without having to trade-off my priorities.
Fingers crossed.
10.36am, Malaysian Time
Does it exist?
Sitting at home, sorting out my work pile. Hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I made the decision to leave the average 9 to 5 working hours for a more flexible working arrangement.
The transition has not been easy. Yet, underneath it all, it is still well worth it. For starters, Alhamdulillah more time can be spent on the people, ideas and areas that truly matter.
Do I regret the choice that I chose to make?
Not likely. Though I have to admit there were times when I miss the chaotic mess office work can have, impromptu lunch dates with colleagues and even the occasional office politics.
One thing is for certain, the very change we embark on, the non-conformity that we chose to tread upon, certainly prepares us for the things to come. Things that are far beyond our expectations.
And when it comes, it comes like the waves. Crashing in on you to the point you begin to doubt your own credibility, and sometimes, your own self-worth.
Under intense pressure, diamonds are formed.
Have faith.
8.12am, Malaysian Time
