Lady at the corner desk office
SINGAPORE, Central Business District— She has everything that every top executive ever dream of. Life in the corporate world has been treating her right; the 5-digit salary, a swanky condo apartment and the hi-tea contract signings are just some of the many perks that her company offers.
The 32-year-old Sylvia* is the quintessential top executive; A driven, high achieving professional who worked her way up and is on her way to join ranks with the upper echelons of her corporation. She should be proud of what she has accomplished so far, yet some part of her is feeling incomplete.
She paused and gazed over the window — her usual habit — but this time, pondering on her future.
The full height glass window in her corner office displayed a panoramic slice of the modern skyscrapers in range, complemented with the tropical blue waters of the busy port in the backdrop.
Most of her girlfriends are getting hitched and she is worried that she will be left all alone on the shelf. For as long as she could remember, she has been choosing to prioritise career over anything else in life.
She tried to pin the blame on her past. That one guy who broke her heart, but that was way back in high school. People change, after all, and pinning blames on others should have an expiry date.
Frustration turns to worry as no one is asking her out. Is her status too high to the point of intimidation to men?
She hates the fact that some men — and women, viewed her achievements in life as a setback instead of strength. To Sylvia, it does not make sense to ‘dumb down’ in order to increase her chances, as advised by some dubious “professional” dating gurus.
Dilemma
She was torn apart from either deciding to wait for her Mr Right or settle for Mr Good Enough. As a striving professional in her field, settling for average is like slinging mud on her face. Is that her ego speaking or just a way to strive for the best? Or does she need a paradigm shift in her mindset? Either way, she’s not sure.
Day by day, her usual cliques are getting harder to bear as group conversations lead to couple issues, the next baby fair sale and getting that good in the housing deal in the family-friendly suburbs.
Despite her confident and assertive exterior, Sylvia felt vulnerable within.
She longed to fit in, to reconnect as a human being and not just an asset to a corporation.
*Names has been changed to maintain their anonymity.
