wealth

There are many lessons that one can learn in life and I had the privilege of gaining such valuable knowledge today. I went for another interview this afternoon and this time, everything went smoothly. Time, 2.30 pm 29th July 2005. Place, SS25. The interviewer was a friendly Chinese man in his 30s. He greeted me with an enthusiastic smile and I thought to myself, “This time, I am sure things will work out just great.” He proceeded into asking me a little about my background and as every interview, you would have to fill in a form before the interview is to be conducted. He then asked me what my business my father was into, as every other interviewer before this did. I told him. He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I wondered to myself, “What this time?”

Interviewer : Then I suppose that you come from a wealthy family?

Me : I would say that my family does alright.

Interviewer : Why is it that you are here?

Me : I am here to apply for a job, to learn new things.

Interviewer : Your dad has a successful business. Why are you not working for him?

Me : I wanted to try to work things out on my own. Furthermore, there is not much of a chance for me to grow as I would not be able to learn much. Reason I say that is because no one will dare to tell me if I have done things wrongly. Besides my dad, no one will dare to tell me off and I don’t think that I will be able to gain much experience in the business world. It is very disadvantageous to me. I know that I will work there one day but I want to go in only when I am prepared. Haha, many people did ask me this question before.

Interviewer: I just don’t understand that’s all. Let me give you an advice.

Me : Ok.

Interviewer: Next time when someone ask you about your dad’s business, do not be so honest. The reason I say this is because, knowing that you come from a wealthy family, employer will think twice before hiring you. They tend to think that kong chi (prince) like you would not be determined to work. Siu yeh (young master) like you will be spoilt and will not be able to take any pressure.

Me : I do not see how that me coming from a quite well to do family could be a factor in this.

Interviewer: Tell me, how many interviews have you been to?

It was then I realize the ugly truth that what he said did make sense. I view myself as someone articulate and I believe I am able to charm my way into many things if I wanted to. Maybe that was an overstatement but the thing is, I could be convincing if I wanted to be. Why do interviewers ask that question? Does it even matter?
Stereotyping. That is something that I often do but when I am viewed as someone who is unwilling to learn, to work, to progress, I feel the need to defend myself. I am someone very motivated if I choose to be. I do not view myself as someone wealthy because I know of many friends who are far far wealthier than me. Houses like castles. Cars that could buy many cars. I am just an average Joe. I stand in the middle of the pyramid. Maybe just a step higher but I am not one of the minority who could afford to buy expensive cars without even thinking of the zero second hand value. I am still just a guy, who wants to learn, wants to have a career and in desperate need of cash. My wallet is seriously running dry. I only need a chance to prove my worth. Give me a chance and I will not disappoint.

Is wealth really the measure of one’s personality? Personally, I do not believe so. Sure enough there are those extremely rich people who are full of themselves and there are also those not so privileged who look down on themselves because they feel insecure. Just this afternoon after my interview, I sat in a coffee shop to have a drink and along came this guy selling ‘Gel Pen’. He kept blabbering on and on about the pen and so I took it and tried it. There was no difference from the normal ink pen that we use so I just chuckled and said “No thanks,” and gave it back to him. He just took it back and said, “ It is alright, people from poor family like me who did not study much would have to do this kind of job. We get ridiculed often and so we are used to it.” What the hell was that? I felt so insulted that he assumed that I looked down on him because of his profession. Maybe he said that because I chuckled. It was because he was talking and smiling all the while an so I just wanted to be friendly. He is earning an honest living and I respect that. There are rubbish who comes to you to collect money after you park your car to ensure that no one (themselves) scratches your car. Those people I curse them to hell. Wealth is measured beyond the properties that you own. Wealth is the love that you have, the friends by your side. There is something that I truly believe in, with confidence, you do not need any Gucci or Armani to look a million bucks.