Recent.

There are too many stories to tell recently. Just a couple interesting ones:

The struggled decision
I was given a very attractive full-time offer to work in an investment bank. It's all great: overly high compensation, luxurious lifestyle, numerous benefits. I had stayed hesitant and unsettled along the way since then, and yet to firmly stand out and said that:

"Heck, I am not going back there!"

Yet a best friend of mine simply reminded me what's important for this situation. Considering the fact that I don't like the nature of the job, I need to have extra time after work to do what I like. The fact is the job will be increasingly demanding and gradually eating up evening hours as the tasks demand, and the employees tend to spend their nights there. Then it is all clear! If I accepted the offer, I will be forced to work long-hours without passion, and it will consume my live. I will not be happy with that.

I repeat, I will not be happy with that.

P/S: Being happy is all it matters, no?

So the decision has been made.  

The appreciated mentorship
Shortly after I inform the delegates on the rejection of offer, I met up with my former line manager. Our encounter is just so happened to be so interesting, sharing much commonalities on education, yet walking on very different path and stage of life. His brain is wired in a unique way that few could mimic but I just happen to understand, his experience is unparalleled to my peers.

It was well appreciated that he shared his endeavors, his knowledge, his views on the current world to me even though I put upfront that I am not going to work under him in the future.

Just a few key topics:
A bad academia practice - merely circulating papers across different journals in hope to increase article count, but bringing no real value to research.

Views on current world - social unrest without clear direction, increasing demands on sustainable energy, in need of disruptive technology in energy sector, wealth inequality in countries regardless of economy development.

Personal advice - It does not matter which kind of companies that you join, but knowing which area you are heading to.