September Part 3: The Day I Recinded My Acceptance

The very next day Karson pulls me into his office to discuss the terms of my departure. Now contractually, I'm obligated to give 2 weeks notice, however because he was going to be away getting married, he felt it wasn't sufficient time for them to get a replacement in for training. Perhaps if they lended a hand and took more time to learn what it was that I was doing, they wouldn't have been so high and dry, but I digress. Anyways, he asks for 3 weeks, which I didn't want to do, because I really wanted that week to study, and basically asked that I start my new job 1 week later then planned. He also went on to re-iterate the fact that the company doesn't have a good business model, that his friend's told him horror stories about the place, and that I should be sure that this is the type of job I wanted and that this is the company I want to be at. He went on so long, that I didn't get out of his office until 5:10, and my airport shift starts at 6:30. So, I casually, look at my watch, and he gets the hint and lets me go, but to think about what he's said. Unfortunately, the whole drive to the airport, the entire shift at the airport, and even when I got home, I did nothing but think about it. Then I decided to ask my dad what his thoughts were. Being a former VP of Finance, an MBA, and a CMA, I figure he should have some insight. He basically said the same thing Karson did and wanted to know what it is that I wanted to do. After thinking about it all day, I had decided that what I wanted to do was to finish my CSC, finish my CFA, and work in the Investment industry. Why then, would I want to be in another financial analyst role? I honestly didn't know. I mean, it's closer to home and I'd be more financially sound, but down the road it does nothing for my career in investments. And with that, I decided this wasn't the job for me.

The very next morning, I went into Karson's office, closed the door, told him about my decision to stay, and went to make the phone call to Energy Saving's Corp. I told them why I was rescinding my acceptance, and eventually they accepted it. So what I thought was a new adventure, just turned into a brief 3 day saga. For the rest of the day I kept wondering whether I made the right choice, but now, I'm confident that I did.

September Part 2: The Day I Quit My Job

Indeed my prediction about getting the job came true. I got a phone call and an email 2 days later, stating that I was offered a full time financial analyst position, with benefits, bonus, and $7,000 more than I currently make at Olivieri. I was ecstatic. Since it's only 10-15 minutes from my house, this meant I'd save on gas, I'd save on rent, and with the increase in salary, I can have enough money for a house by the end of next year. The only thing left to do was go downstairs and break the news to my boss.

I wasn't really sure how I was going to do it. I've never resigned from a job before, but the oppurtunity seemed to good to let it go by. I walked into my boss's office, told him I had something that needed discussing, and closed his door. For the most part, he didn't seem upset, or even surprised. He did however ask about the job, and after telling him it was Energy Saving's Corp, he gave a small chuckle. He then goes on to say that he's heard about them, and that he's known people who've worked for them and quit. I didn't much care, and after he asked repeatedly if I'm sure this is what I wanted to do, I left and went back to my desk. I had 2 weeks left at Olivieri, at which point, I would have a week off to review for my CSC, and then I can start my new job.

Aside from working, preparing for my new job, and studying, I was also knee deep in the film fest. I had volunteer shifts coming up, and I hadn't even taken a look at what films were playing, or even thought about when I could watch them. Oh well, things always have a way of working out.

September Part 1: The Day Everything Went Right

Been awhile since I've posted anything, which has more to do with the fact that I've been busy, and not so much cause nothing interesting's happened in my life. In fact, there has been ALOT that's happened this month.

Like I've said before, September truly is the best month. It all started on September 6th. I was work from home in the morning, and have the rest of the afternoon off. After getting some work done, I visited my RRSP advisor at Clarica to check up on my portfolio. It's been years since I've taken a look at this thing, and figured I should update it. I made a few changes to my investment allocations, and then proceeded to court, where I had a trial to appeal that ticket I got earlier this spring.

Now, I've never been to court before, so I wasn't familiar with the procedure. What happens is you have what is called a "first apprearance". This is a meeting with the prosecutor, where you can discuss the case, and possibly come to an agreement to terms prior to seeing the judge. It took an hour before I got to see her, but after 5 mins of explaination she said she would ask to have the ticket withdrawn. It took another 30 mins before I finally saw the judge and this is what happened:

Prosecutor: This is case blah blah blah, for blah blah blah. For the record, please state your name.
Me: Darrin Chung
Prosecutor:I ask the court to have this case withdrawn, as I've seen proof that Mr. Chung purchased his permit, and I understand that this is Mr. Chung's first vehicle. Is that correct?
Me: Yes.
Judge: I hereby dimiss this case, blah blah blah, you're free to go.
Me: Thank you.
End Scene

Though it took 1.5 hours, it was well worth it. Who knew it was that simple?

So, feeling jubilated, I went to my job interview at Energy Saving's Corp. I met with the the Director of Finance and if I've said it once, I've said it a million times, I love interviews. An hour of some of the best interviewing I've ever done, and I knew I had this job.

Seeing as how I had some time left in the day, I also made a quick stop over at my TD branch, and re-opened my TD Waterhouse investment account. I'm not sure whether I'll use it, as there commission fees are typically high, but I'm glad I have it just in case, I feel the need to make a purchase.

The day didn't end there, as I had my first volunteer shift at the airport for the Film Festival. It was a fairly quick shift. I was there for maybe 2.5 hours, picked up 3 people, and came home.

All in all, it was a productive day, and everything went according to plan. Of course, in the days to come, little did I know that not everything can be as clear cut.

The Day for TIFF

That's right my friends. It's the greatest time of the year. Better than Christmas, better than any long weekend, it's the 10 days of the Toronto International Film Festival!

This year, we've got a new face joining. Last year Adil volunteered for the first time, and Jessani signed up for it this year. Almost had Jeff join as well, but he punked out to go to Cuba, so he missed the recruitment sessions. Me on the other hand, if i could, I'd quit my job like Terry just so I could have all my time for the Film Festival.

Unfortunately, I've got the CSC exam on the 29th, and I'm 2 days behind at the moment, and I'm sure that I'll be even further behind with all my volunteering and film watching. I did however cancel a few shifts so that I'll have more time to study (or watch films). If I can stay within a few days behind, and fall back more than 3-4 days, I should be all right. Oh, and then I have my birthday coming up, so there goes another day...maybe 2.

I've got a busy day on tomorrow. I'm going to work from home until 12, then I have to go and see my investment advisor about my RRSP, then I have to go to court, then I have an interview, then I have to the airport for my Film Festival Shift. And hopefully somewhere in between I can study a bit, and go to the bank to open up my own investment account. Can it work? we'll see