Simon Says

I’m trying to get into the habit of writing. It’s easier said than done. I’m not even a very expressive person, and putting things into words seems harder than I thought. I have no idea how to start. My friend in the States who recommended journalling said: “Just write whatever and don’t think too much about it.” Right. My contract with my last company ended before the Christmas holidays last year. I knew it was coming so I started job hunting a few months before my contract ended. But things didn’t go so well, so my American Dream finally came to an end. But I think it was fated for me to become unemployed. My parents have also hit 80 and need someone around. My 2 siblings are also working and living overseas with their families. So, my parents happily told me to come home. Suddenly, the middle child (yours truly) became the favorite child, despite not contributing any grandkids. No idea how she would tell the neighbors about her jobless son. Dad asked about money. Luckily, I ...

I’m Simon Lau, a Penangite and freelance engineering consultant. I previously worked in Philly until the end of 2023. Now I am back and staying home with my elderly parents. I don’t go by Simon professionally. I chose the name Simon because I was inspired by Ximen Chuixue, the fictional master swordsman from the Wuxia movies I enjoyed as a kid. I become Simon whenever I order Starbucks. I’m also Simon if I think the person I’m speaking to won’t be able to pronounce or remember my Chinese name. When I was living overseas, I was often Simon. Now, I am Simon in my first blog, Simon Says. The title’s not very original, but it sounds right. Why I’m doing this? I thought I would start writing regularly for my mental health. Maybe it will help me get through my mid-life crisis. A friend recommended journaling, swearing that it helped her with her emotional issues during the Covid lockdown, which cost her a close relative and her job. Those were indeed dark times. Since I no longer hav...