We all know how good your new job sounds on the job ad and how your bosses always seemed so nice, friendly and supportive during the interviews and orientations. That’s about the kindness you will receive. After that, it’s slog your way and principal of ’survival of the fittest’ comes into the picture (of course there are exceptions and I am generalising, perhaps. ;P).

The ‘honeymoon period’ applies to your job too. For the first 3 months, you are figuring how things are done, the team’s dynamics, work culture and environment, responsibilities. 6 months into the job, you are making mistakes, finding your foothold, learning on the job, etc. This is also the time where you evaluate whether this job is for you.

Some people might think that I am sceptical but really, how great can your colleagues be? At the end of the day, they are not your friends and though we promote teamwork, how many in that team really think so? To each his own and everyone wants lesser work and more pay. That’s the reality. So with such a tough time juggling life, work, relationships, etc, when do you really call it an end and move on?

To be honest, I get bored after working for 2 years, sometimes earlier than that and I am always contemplating to move on. I know this is unhealthy and future employers will frown upon my less than stable job record but really, I see no reason in staying in a place if you are unhappy and unchallenged. The older generation seemed to be able to stay on jobs longer than the younger ones. Maybe they are more resilient, patient and not as impatient or eager to succeed like us but in this fast paced environment, when do you have time to wait for the opportunity to prove yourself? Why not grab it?

Missus

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) - often, you hear your male friends, colleagues or loved ones muttering this acroynm under their breath almost once every month. When they are exasperated or can’t explain a particular female’s behaviour or thinking, the blame goes to PMS. Always deemed as the culprit, every unexplained fault always seemed to lie with PMS. Maligned? Perhaps and perhaps not…

When I was younger, I used to think PMS are for the weak, for the undisciplined. If you take control of your life, adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay positive, you would be able to combat any blues and yes, most of all, PMS. Alas I found out that PMS happens to every woman, especially as one ages and severity differs. I didn’t have any problems with PMS, maybe the occasional breakouts but other than that, no major problem and I was always sweet natured. But a quick check with women around me found out yes, PMS happens to every woman and I am no exception. It’s normal but you have to manage it.

Just a year back, I realised that my mood swings have worsened. I was becoming very easily tired (eyes grew tired and heavy by 8pm), emotional roller coaster, anxiety, depression, bloating, headache, lower immune system, breast aches, water retention, dark circles, so on so forth. It was amazing how I was more aware of my body and the effects hormones have on it. I thought that there was something wrong. I was also bingeing and feeling guilty, complaining how fat I was to everyone, starving, having irregular meals at odd times and quantity too. I began to worry about whether I need serious psychiatric help to cope with my PMS. But really, who seeks help for PMS?

DPL started to be a victim as my PMS unleashes its claws and scratches him brutally. He dreads it. I dread it. Every time of the month, I would warn him. “It’s coming…” the alert will sound and ringing bells go off in his head. But no matter how well prepared he is, he never can prepare himself as I hurt him with my words. It’s as if he’s dealing with an emotional bitch who enjoys torturing him by hurting him with words and verbally abusing him. I admitted that I said pretty mean stuff to him and he took it all - without any complains. I would feel so guilty after it, as if I woke up from a nightmare and keep apologise to him but this doesn’t stop. I never learn and was I truly sorry or did I just want to say something to make him feel that I am not a wacko? I know this is unfair to him and every month, he’s got to see my transformation and I think it scares him sometimes and puts him off but I can’t control it. It’s my hormones and much as I wished I wasn’t so emotional, I can’t.

That’s why, sometimes I hate being a woman because the PMS I experienced per month is enough to cause me grief (not only to me but people around me) to last for 1 year. Men will probably never comprehend us because we just can’t explain the changes our body undertake as well during the time of the month. So please bear with us as we try to make things up to yo when our menses are over but trust us. We never meant any malice because we are always struggling not to be emotional. It’s not easy and as we age, this seemed even tougher, with more stress, us juggling with more problems, etc.

On this note, I end it, urging all women to be more aware of their body, the hormonal changes they go through every month, causing them to be a different person. It’s alright to experience all these because like you, I experience it too. Coincidentally yesterday kickstart the PMS Awareness Week.

To all women out there, have a great week and life ahead of you!

Missus

Why do some people press the lift button furiously and repeatedly, thinking the lift will come faster because of that?

Don’t they know the principle behind the lift? It’s not as if the harder and more you jab, the faster the lift will come….>.<

Missus