In 2000, after helping a telecommunications company compile a new system manual and participating in conducting a trial of the company's system to ensure that the company's system could pass through the 20th century and enter the 21st century, I began to apply to the company to move to the Information Technology department. According to company regulations, the first step was to get official permission from my supervisor to release me to another department. At that time, I had worked at the company for 3.5 years.

Prepare to move into the Information Technology department for 1.5 years

At the end of 1998, I had already started preparing to move to the Information Technology department of the company where I worked. The only way is to continue studying and taking the related certifications in the field of Information Technology.

At that time, Information Technology personnel were very needed, so courses related to this field were very expensive. I decided to learn from books and then take exams to get enough certifications for me to enter the Information Technology department.

I then bought textbooks for the exams and set up 2 additional computers in my room with used computers to prepare for the simulation exams so that I could better understand not only in theory.

My room in 1999. I added 2 used computers for home practice to deal with the simulation questions that appeared in the exam.

Every day I only sleep 3 hours and continue to study while riding public transport, at lunchtime, and at home

During office lunchtime, I often bring textbooks to the seating area on the 1st floor of Taikoo Place. At that time, Taikoo Place on the 1st floor had many sofas to rest. Sometimes I also go to lunch with my co-workers to maintain good relations with my colleagues and bosses.

I also always learned when I took the bus to and from work and after dinner at home. So at that time I only slept about 3 hours every day.

Area: Lobby, Tai Koo Place, Quarry Bay.

The first Information Technology Certificate I got in 1998.

My boss rejected my application to move to the Information Technology department

After successfully obtaining the certificates I wanted, I applied to the supervisor to allow and sign my application letter to transfer to the Information Technology department. My application was rejected because he considered me one of the best employees but also looked down on the fact that I would not dare to look for a job at another company.

Trying to apply for a job at another company

I was very disappointed in my supervisor's decision, so I was determined to find another job. At that time, it was common to look for work online. After sending emails to more than 10 companies, I got a reply from the personnel department at one of the largest British companies in Hong Kong and they called me to their office located in Pacific Place, Admiralty for a job interview to fill one of the positions in the Information Technology department.

When I arrived at the office, I met with a personnel employee who asked me several questions. Then he called the supervisor and manager of the Information Technology department to see me on the same day. They said they happened to be looking for someone who had information technology qualifications as well as experience in compiling manuals for company systems. Then I was immediately accepted by them and was given 1 month to apply for resignation from the telecommunications company where I worked at that time.

My boss was surprised to resign from the company

The next day I returned to the office, I immediately submitted a letter of resignation from the company, and all the superiors were surprised and wanted me to withdraw this decision with an offer of a promotion, a salary increase, and to try to transfer me to the Information Technology department. However, I have made the decision to leave, and they also started to scare me that the work in the field of Information Technology is a very professional job and I will not last long in that field. I ignored their words and gave them final confirmation of my decision.

A photo with my supervisor and other superiors in 1998.

In the next article, I will tell you about my experience working at one of the largest British companies in Hong Kong.