Despite how tumultuous and challenging 2020 has been, SKL has adapted well to the changes that this year has brought to our office and to how we conduct our business. All members of our team remained in their positions dutifully, with no reductions in salary and a brilliant groupwork mentality that saw us work strongly and grateful for the many opportunities our clients have provided us this year. We even moved offices after lockdown and is gradually expanding our team with new members joining us as the year is closing. We are really looking forward to the new team dynamics that 2021 will bring us.
Christmas is just around the corner and with the past year’s many negativities, SKL has placed a special importance on the end of year festivities.
Last week, we had our annual Christmas lunch which started at Bopp and Tone near our new office. Delectable share plates and bubbles started the merriness and brought our whole team together, with our remote team members (who had chosen the flexibility of remaining WFH) coming in and finally bantering with the normally in-office team members in-person rather than through the daily Zoom meetings online.
With our bellies full and our spirits high, we tottered to our Cocktail Making Class arranged at the Shangri-La Hotel. There we quickly discovered that amongst us, there were quite a few aspiring cocktail-makers whilst some were more suited to drinking than concocting.
Cradling our zesty drinks, we settled down and came to reflect on how the past year has impacted our goals and what each of us aspires for in the upcoming year of 2021.
Jas – I didn’t deep breathe enough, which was my 2020 resolution so for 2021 I will work on breathing more, aim to improve my flexibility in my lower back and hamstring area and perform more anti-gravitational exercises.
Aliza – My resolution for 2020 was to meditate more which I did. I started meditating quite regularly till a couple of months ago – probably a prompt reminder to get back into it! My resolution for 2021 is to cook and eat my own fish that I have caught by myself!
Jenny – Looking back at my resolution posted last year it was “Work Less” but I think COVID has made me feel like I have worked more this year as all my roles have required more work to respond to COVID and being at home made getting away from the work harder to do. So, for 2021 I am not saying work less but “Look for and find new opportunities outside of traditional work”.
John – My main goal for 2019 set as the year dawned was to monitor my personal health. The pandemic impact brought that into focus of course. Successfully avoiding COVID19 was achieved but after three successful skin cancer operations, the impact of the harsh Australian sun over my lifetime has been brought home to me. I’m lucky to live in the right country but unlucky to have the wrong genetic heritage. My goals for 2021 is to apply sunscreen vigorously to my legs as well as arms and face and enjoying the increasing face2face contact with my fellow humans, stay aware of lessons taught during the pandemic.
Eleanor – My resolution for 2020 was to travel different parts of the world. Unfortunately, this did not happen due to travel restrictions put in place because of COVID. I still would definitely like to achieve this goal when restrictions ease! My resolution for 2021 is to make better use of my time. After having a lot of time spent at home this year, it has becoming increasingly important to me that time with those around you is valuable and so I hope that in 2021 I use this knowledge to make the most of the time and resources that are available to me.
Aaliyah – With my 2020 resolution to be more fiscally responsible and not attend any festivals in the second half of 2020, COVID helped me achieve that and so my 2021 new years resolution is to upskill myself in coding and to join a BJJ class.
Keytan – My main goal for 2021 is to improve my golf handicap from 22 – 20.
Harry – My resolution for 2021 is to read a book every two weeks and to go to the gym three times a week.
For me, I did not accomplish doing 5 push ups each week so cannot accomplish 10 push ups (without being on my knees, important to clarify) which was my 2020 resolution, but next year instead of a physical challenge, I will take on the challenge of building an investment portfolio. COVID has made it blatantly clear to me that planning ahead is so important but to also view life with a grain of salt because no amount of planning may prepare you for what life throws at you.
However, planning for an interview and searching for new opportunities will always yield good returns, so pop our Consultants a message on their LinkedIn and email them if you have any questions about interview preparation or if you are just looking for information about the actuarial market in the upcoming 2021.
We all wish you a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!
