The company is desperate for me to covert to full-time and it seems that they're hoping it's a cruel April Fools' joke I'm playing on them when I told them I'm not extending my contract because I'm going back to school. I mean, who wouldn't want someone (Yours Truly of course) who is nice, efficient, has a spirit of excellence, and who knows 70% of what the claim assistants there do? (Ahh, I know I'm blowing my own trumpet. :P )

Below are just 2 of the few conversations the manager and a senior executive officer have had with me:

I was moving some boxes to the 21st floor and when I returned to my office, my partner, ST told me that Sam was looking for me.

Me: Yes ah Sam? You looking for me?
Sam: Ya. Actually ah, have you ever considered converting to full-time anot?
Me: Hahahaha! Why leh?
Sam: Cuz you ST is leaving tomorrow right, then we need someone in. And the first person I thought of is you.
Me: Why leh?
Sam: Because I think you're very nice. You have a very good working attitude and besides you know how to do the e-filing. You're already so familiar with this place! And lastly, because of me! I'll miss you you know? Surely you'll stay for my sake.
Me: Hahahaha and I walked away.

After a while, we bumped into each other and here goes:

Me: You don't know I'm going back to school ah?
Sam: I know. But I thought maybe you're going back 1 year later or something mah. (DUH!!)
Sam: But seriously la, if let's say la, you cannot study right? Then you come back here ok?
Me: CHOY!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I was doing e-filing at the counter when suddenly my manager stood beside me, :

Mr Lim: You really going back to school?
Me: Why you don't believe me? I bring the acceptance letter for you on Monday la.
Mr Lim: (haha!)Which school?
Me: Mdis.
Mr Lim: I see. What course?
Me: Mass Comm
Mr Lim: How long is the course?
Me: 11 months
Mr Lim: (Looking apprenshive) Ok. Good. Good. It's good to go back to school.

(after which, he walked back to his place despondent.)

There was also this someone who came up to me and told me, "You must study hard ok? So, 3 years later, you can come back and apply for the position of executive officer." I gave a polite smile, and walked back to my place.

I can see why they want me to stay. I've been there for 9 months now, and I know almost everything. So if a new colleague were to come in now, they'll have to spend alot of time teaching and coaching and my department is already short of staff. Besides, a colleague of mine is going to give birth soon and that means she'll be away for 3 months.

They're desperate for me to stay because time is not on their side.. But, too bad. I'm not going to stay.

Staring into the Abyss,