2024: Year in Review

7 Lessons I Learned from Navigating Big Changes in 2024

Dec 30, 2024 — 13 min read

Hello everyone! It's that time of year again. The time of self-reflection and gratitude for making it to the end of the year safely. I hope all of you have had a fruitful and successful 2024!

For me, it’s been quite the ride. I started this article back in May and slowly filled it with lots and lots of bullet points of lessons that I’ve learned throughout the year. If I had to sum it up, the question I’ve been asked more than anything this year is: “What are you up to now?”

Why? Well, after 3 years and 4 months as a solutions engineer, I made a big decision: I resigned. And that choice led me to one of the most transformative periods of my life. That’s why this will be a very long article. It’s a personal one so if you would like to skip to the Special Thanks section, please scroll to the bottom.

Part 1: The Lotus Casino - Awakening from Stagnation

If you haven’t read or seen Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, let me explain.

Percy, the hero, finds himself in the Lotus Casino. It’s a paradise where time feels like an illusion, and everyone indulges in these irresistible lotus flower snacks offered by the waitresses. Most people take the flowers without a second thought.

But these lotus flowers are deceptive. With each bite, they dull the senses, cloud judgment, and numb the mind into a state of blissful ignorance. Patrons, lulled by this false comfort, remain trapped in the casino -some for years- oblivious to how much time has slipped away, lost in a seductive haze of stagnation.

It wasn’t until Percy’s father, Poseidon, told him “don’t eat the flower” that Percy awakens from the lotus flower’s illusion of time. Suddenly, time became real again, and he realized a few days had passed unknowingly.

For me, my own Poseidon began to whisper last year. I found myself too comfortable in my role. Though I worked with an incredible team and in a supportive culture, something inside me knew it was time to move on. The work, once exciting, had become a familiar cycle. I was living in my own version of the Lotus Casino.

During this period of self-reflection, the “what-ifs” swirled in my mind: What if the next opportunity isn’t as good? What if I leave, only to find myself in a deeper Lotus Casino?

Then I remembered a piece of wisdom from one of my favourite books of all time, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson:

What-ifs are a distraction. Action is the only path toward clarity and progress.

And so, I made the leap. Not because there was anything wrong with my role or the company, but because I needed to leave the comfort of my own Lotus Casino to grow, to stretch, and to take control of my time again.

So, to answer the FAQ: What are you up to now?

I'm currently a Solutions Engineer Lead. My role involves balancing both the technical and strategic aspects of product development. I dive into coding when needed, explore innovative technologies, conduct market research, and ensure we're building solutions that meet both user and business needs. Alongside this, I lead efforts in tech innovation, experimenting with new tools, frameworks, and approaches to keep us on the cutting edge.

This role also gives me the opportunity to make big decisions that shape the product’s future and hone my leadership skills. From managing cross-functional teams to navigating complex challenges, I'm constantly growing in how I lead and drive impactful change. So far, this new opportunity has been very challenging yet rewarding at the same time.

Part 2: Cracking the Code to Networking - Networking for Meaning, Not Gain

In my journey to refine my networking skills, I found inspiration in the effortless way a friend interacts with people. By simply being around her, I absorbed her approach to conversations and relationships. I noticed how she engages others with genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and actively listening. It’s a skill that goes beyond just exchanging pleasantries; it’s about truly understanding the unique value each person brings to the table.

One vital lesson I’ve taken to heart is to introduce myself not by my job title, but by my identity and passions. This shift allows for more authentic interactions and helps others see me as a person, not just a corporate label.

And as I engage with my network, I strive to share resources and information that could benefit others, creating a cycle of support and growth. For example, I encountered someone feeling overwhelmed in their role, so I proactively offered to share resources in whatever small way I can.

Me finally meeting Ayu, who’s been an avid reader of mine for 4 years

(Picture above is me finally meeting Ayu, who’s been an avid reader of mine for 4 years)

The world is smaller than we often think; each interaction reinforces the idea that we’re all interconnected. Embracing this mindset has transformed my networking experiences into meaningful relationships that extend beyond professional gain, enriching both my life and the lives of those I connect with.

For more details, read my Ultimate Networking Guide for Programmers

Part 3: Patience - Trusting the Unseen Path

Patience works in the strangest ways, doesn’t it? It often shows its value in unexpected moments, like when things don’t go as planned but later reveal a better outcome. It can feel frustrating, but sometimes I’ve come to realize is that those detours often lead to the most meaningful parts of the journey.

When I transitioned into my current role, I had to remind myself constantly not to expect fast results. Adjusting to a new role takes time—there’s a learning curve, new responsibilities, and the pressure of proving myself in a fresh environment, especially when I’m in a position of leadership. Everyone is observing you every minute. Everyone is evaluating you every minute.

However, I’ve come to appreciate being process-oriented rather than fixating on the outcome or proving myself. The arbitrary timelines we set for ourselves often just end up creating unnecessary stress.

Matt Fraser - Life is too beautiful to stress. Do you... | Facebook

This journey also reminds me of the doubts I faced when I first pivot from a business background into tech. Initially, I felt as though I had wasted the foundational knowledge I had gained in business school and developed Imposter’s Syndrome at the start of my tech journey. Yet, it turns out that this perceived detour has become an asset in my current role. Understanding the nuances of market dynamics, stakeholder communication, and customer needs gives me an edge, as my foundation allows me to bridge the gap between technology and business stakeholders.

One of the hardest lessons I learned this year was finding peace in idleness. I used to think that being still meant being unproductive, but I’ve come to understand the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and letting things unfold in their own time.

It’s about creating boundaries, not just with the outside world, but also within myself. That balance between spending time alone to recharge and engaging with others—through networking, volunteering, or simply showing up—is essential. I no longer look at my phone to check my emails when I’m commuting; I simply be present in the moment by looking at the scenery or observing people.

Humor has also become a vital tool for me this year. I’ve learned to approach unexpected issues with a lighter heart, like snapping my fingers during a public speaking appearance when the projector stops working, as if I could magically turn it back on (it actually did btw). Or joking that if the Slack notification is too soft, I’ll create a custom jingle set to my team's favorite song to get them to respond faster.

It reminds me not to take everything too seriously, because sometimes, patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about how you tolerate and navigate the unexpected with grace.

Part 4: Leadership - Leading with Heart and Humility

When I first stepped into a leadership role as a tech lead, I felt a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty. Leadership, I quickly learned, is a different game altogether. Previously as an individual contributor, my problems were largely my own to solve, with guidance from a manager. Now, as a leader, I realized that everyone’s problems became mine as well—it wasn’t just about delivering results, but also about supporting others in their journey.

In search for guidance, I turned to a book called My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi, one of the most inspiring female leaders of our time. Her insights shaped much of how I approach leadership today. One of the first lessons that hit home for me was the distinction between confidence and arrogance. True confidence, I’ve learned, comes from admitting when you don’t have all the answers, and being open about it. It’s not a weakness, but a strength—an invitation for collaboration and learning.

Holding onto my values has become my compass in this journey. Open communication is essential; it fosters trust and understanding within my team. I’ve found that having the courage to speak up, to be vocal and firm when necessary, is crucial, but it’s equally important to listen to others. Everyone is working hard and doing their best, even when things don’t go as planned. Instead of rushing to judge, I remind myself to give others grace and the space to grow.

Leadership also involves the art of persuasion, not force. It’s about guiding others toward a shared vision rather than imposing my will. This requires a deep understanding of my team’s strengths and perspectives, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

Kindness and respect are at the heart of my leadership philosophy. I make it a point to use people’s names often, from my colleagues to the janitor. Even with a simple “good morning, XXX”, it’s a small gesture that fosters a culture of inclusivity and appreciation.

Being responsible through my actions is another pillar of my leadership approach. If I commit to doing something, I follow through. Setting a good example creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to embody the same integrity.

Part 5: Finding, Nurturing, and Uplifting Your Tribe

This year has taught me how crucial it is to find your tribe—the people who see the world in different ways, push you to grow, and stand with you through difficulties. The ones who don’t just nod and agree but challenge your perspectives and make you rethink what you know. Your tribe becomes the mirror that reflects both your strengths and your blind spots.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that we are all eternal students and teachers. In my community, I am always learning from those around me, and I find equal fulfillment in sharing my own experiences and insights with them. There’s a powerful exchange that happens when you share knowledge—it strengthens the bond with your community and keeps you grounded in the reality that there’s always more to learn.

Surrounding yourself with people who support you is essential, and don’t forget to also include those who inspire you to dream bigger, act boldly, and believe that you're capable of more than you know. I met some people this year who helped me find courage to step out of my comfort zone and reminded me of the quote:

"Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear walking.” - Susan David, PhD

Thanks to the WomenDevs Singapore community, I continue to love the process of learning, whether that’s through building our community, gaining new skills, or simply sharing what I’ve learned this year.

Part 6: How you do anything is how you do everything

As I reflect on my experiences this year, the saying “How you do anything is how you do everything” has taken on new meaning for me.

I have always been curious about many things. Whether it’s learning a new tool, technology, frameworks, my process is the same. I don’t just dabble; I dive deep. I document what I learn, experiment with techniques, and constantly look for ways to improve. I’ll tweak my approach until I get the result I want, and this exploration isn’t limited to just hobbies—it translates directly into my current work as a tech lead.

At work, I bring that same level of curiosity and diligence to everything I do. Whether I’m deep in coding, conducting product or market research, or strategizing on how to best communicate with stakeholders, I approach each task with the mindset of documenting, experimenting, and improving.

Then there’s the part of me that loves switching gears. I have a variety of hobbies and interests, and I thrive on moving between them. One day, I’m crocheting; the next, I’m engrossed in a new video game, and another, I’m painting, reading or making another random side project.

And it’s not just about keeping things fresh. This flexibility, this ability to adapt and focus on multiple interests, has become one of my strongest assets as a tech lead. One moment I’m diving into complex code, the next I’m deep in market research, and another moment, I’m in full communication mode, liaising with stakeholders. And it doesn’t stop there. I also take on leadership roles as a leader of WomenDevsSG and as a podcaster at ragTech.

This philosophy has grounded me in the belief that no task is too small or too disconnected from the bigger picture. How I learn or how I pick up new skills may seem trivial, but the level of curiosity and care I bring to those interests echoes how I solve problems at work. It makes me realize that how you approach the seemingly insignificant tasks in life becomes a mirror for how you approach the larger, more important ones. The tiny actions, decisions, and moments that make up our days build into larger patterns that shape who we are.

How we do anything truly is how we do everything. And when I reflect on how this mindset has shaped my life, I realize it’s not just about working harder—it’s about working with intent, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

Part 7: Embracing the Things You Love

Life can get overwhelming—between work, relationships, and all the daily demands, it's easy to feel like you have to put aside the things that bring you joy. The things you truly love. Sometimes, it feels inevitable that they get pushed to the back burner, at least for me in the first half of this year.

I found myself distancing from certain passions—activities like reading, diving into a new game, or even just taking time to switch off. There was always this lingering voice in the back of my mind saying, "You don’t deserve this time" or "You can’t afford to indulge in this right now." That voice can be loud, especially when life gets chaotic, and responsibilities pile up.

But here's the thing I learned this year: those loves, hobbies and passions, they don’t disappear. They stay with you, quietly waiting. Instead of letting them fade away completely, I’ve learned to pin them on a mental bulletin board; like little reminders that it’s okay if I’m not fully indulging in them right now. That time will come.

Embracing the things you love doesn't mean you have to do everything at once. It’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy those moments when they arrive. It’s about holding on to the things that fuel you, that spark curiosity and creativity. Sometimes, it’s simply accepting that the things you love are there, patiently waiting for you to make space for them again.

As always, I shall wrap up this article with the Special Thanks section. As you, my readers, have known this for many years: Success is never 100% yours, so don’t forget to thank the people who have helped you in your journey.

To each of you listed below, I want to say thank you for your unwavering support, wisdom, inspiration, and being the awesome cheerleaders you are when I needed it most. You’ve been such a crucial part of my journey this year, and I’m deeply grateful for every bit of it. Wishing you all the very best for next year! Cheers to 2025!