Leaving is an interesting topic. We leave the house in the morning, the office in the evening, and the restaurant after a meal… These departures seem mundane, devoid of emotional waves. However, when we talk about leaving a person, a place, a job, a relationship, or even this world, different emotions come along.
Are such departures always full of sadness? In my previous column, I mentioned that this year marks the beginning of the “Feng Shui Period 9” (also known as the “Nine Purple Fire Luck”). After writing that, I finally made a long-awaited decision: to leave the company that had accompanied me for six years and start anew.
Leaving to Start Over
The last time I started anew was six years ago when I graduated from the University of Macau and decided not to go to Boston, but to stay in Macau. This time, after six years and eight months, I decided to continue developing in Macau but in a different way.
When people ask me why I’m leaving, my answer is always the same: I believe that encountering a new energy period during my prime years, especially in an era of advanced information, allows me to understand the attributes and characteristics of this cycle. If I don’t seize the opportunity and make changes accordingly, I will regret it.
Leaving as an Opportunity
Based on various sources, from 2024, the year of Jiachen in the Chinese calendar, we officially enter the years dominated by “Feng Shui Period 9”. From 2024 to 2043, industries related to fire, such as electricity, communications, energy and technology will flourish. Additionally, fire symbolises civilisation and culture. The cultural industry will undergo significant changes, with thought, education, film and media, cultural dissemination, and traditional culture being rejuvenated, along with new technological inventions and creations.
Moreover, Period 9 corresponds to the Li trigram, representing middle-aged women aged 30 to 55. This period will see them benefiting from the times, gaining great opportunities and resources, and using their accumulated life experiences and professional knowledge to receive recognition and praise in their fields.
Aside from the ancient Chinese theories of the Ganzhi and Ziwei Doushu, astrology is also worth considering. On May 25, Jupiter, the planet of luck, finally entered Gemini again after 12 years and will stay for over a year. This means that almost every corner of life will be filled with opportunities, meeting many new friends, and frequent traveling; career advancements are likely, with seeds planted this year will bear fruit between mid-2025 and mid-2026. Overall, the outlook is promising.
The Year of Rebirth
Encouraged by all this positive information, I decided to take another bold step, trust my decision, seize the opportunity, resign, rest, and prepare for what’s next. As a Gemini, I had just celebrated my 34th birthday, and as I write this article, it is my last day at work. Considering this, don’t you think this kind of departure is not sad at all, but actually full of strength?
Recently, there has been a popular meme: “The Year of Rebirth, I XXX.” Although those TV shows and short video plots are quite exaggerated, they are indeed enjoyable because the rebirth makes the characters incredibly powerful, almost delightfully so.
I, too, have exaggeratedly created a Year of Rebirth for myself, and I’m hoping to share this story soon, telling everyone just how I overcame all the obstacles and “ascended to the throne” (just kidding).
I’m grateful for everyone I’ve met over the years. Each person has taught me different lessons, allowing me to accumulate knowledge step by step. At my work, beyond learning industry knowledge, I’ve realised that in business and projects, one must first be a good person, a kind person. There will be mentors, and there will be benefactors, but first, you must be a person of integrity. Only then will your abilities and efforts be rewarded, and your talents discovered.
Future Directions
Next, I will venture into industries related to fire. I believe that choice is more important than effort. Choosing the right platform and track allows you to progress smoothly. When we are young, we always want to defy fate, thinking we can’t achieve something unless we challenge it, finding joy in the struggle.
In middle age, I realise that it’s not necessarily impressive to defy fate. Following the natural order, doing what suits you, and being smooth and comfortable is also a choice. Why make things hard for yourself?
So I’m ready to start my Year of Rebirth show. If there’s any resemblance to reality, it’s purely coincidental. Here’s to everyone embarking on a new journey!
WHAT SHE THINKS
By Annya Lai
