Different perspectives: (From left) Tan, Sim and Low.
PETALING JAYA: With the Chinese New Year festivities drawing to a close on Chap Goh Meh tomorrow, many are back to the grind but hopeful of good fortune ahead after ushering in the Year of the Dragon.
This year’s CNY has been different for business analyst Choo Jia Yuan, 37, as he and his wife have just welcomed a new baby.
“We celebrated mostly at home to protect our newborn, and most of our relatives came to visit us instead,” he said, adding that he resumed work right after the public holidays due to work piling up.
“There are many changes this year with our baby, and my wife and I have plans to move to a new home...and hopefully, we earn more this year!” said Choo.
Insurance consultant Yvonne Gan said after her hefty spending for CNY, she is looking forward to a smooth working life.
“Every new year, I will spend on goods, gifts and ang pow. With the ringgit weakening, it cost me around RM7,000 this year,” the 54-year-old said, adding that she hopes for a joyful Dragon year.
Finance senior executive Tan Lee Chin said she had to mentally prepare herself before returning to work following the festive break.
“I had a whole week of fun and travel; once Monday came around, I suffered Monday blues.
“Thankfully, I felt refreshed from my holidays and so I dived back into work soon enough,” said Tan, 33.
Part-time tuition teacher Theresa Sim, 54, said that after her children returned to work in Kuala Lumpur, things have gotten quieter post-CNY.
“After cooking big meals, especially for the reunion dinner, I finally got time to rest,” said Sim, who lives in Sarawak.
The homemaker, however, does miss her children when they are away, and loves the joy of reunion as three generations of her family will gather every lunar new year.
University student Michael Hor said he had a wonderful time with his family and relatives celebrating the new year.
“Now, I am back to worrying about my university assignments, and to refocus on my projects,” said the 20-year-old.
Help desk analyst Xavier Low, 28, wants to step out of his comfort zone and forge his own path this year.
“Although I had a short break, I appreciated time spent with my family this year. Now, back to work,” he said.
After all the revelry, clinic assistant Jane is all eager to go on an upcoming overseas holiday with her family, and to run a half-marathon later.
“We have chosen to travel after the holidays to avoid the busy season.
“I have also just conquered Mount Kinabulu, which has given me a new year’s boost,” she said.
