2020 was by no means an easy year for anyone, but every cloud has a silver lining. Here are things that the AutoApp team is thankful for this year.
If there was ever a year not to repeat, 2020 definitely tops the list in modern times. And, while how 2021 will pan out remains anyone’s guess, there are signs that we can be hopeful of better things to come. As we bid 2020 adieu, there is no time like the present to reflect on the year as we prepare to usher in 2021. Here is what the AutoApp editorial team is thankful for this 2020.
Brin, our Editor of Futr.sg and a new mom, is thankful for …
… family, friends and her little bundle of joy!
So 2020 was the year that I became a mother, or “mam mam mam” as I am currently called by my 10-month-old. It was an incredibly unnerving year to bring a baby into this world, amidst a pandemic. I remember lying nervously in the delivery suite at the hospital while aimlessly scrolling through social media looking for comforting things. Instead, my feeds were flooded with images of people scrambling to buy daily necessities and such. Hours later, we welcomed my little girl into the world, and hours after that, Singapore went from Dorscon Yellow to Orange.
As it turned out though, the whole work-from-home situation that followed meant that I could spend more time with her and the hubby. So in some ways, it did turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Of course, I’m also grateful for my supportive family, friends and workfam who’ve been there for me all the way. Here’s to a better, brighter and bolder 2021!
Sam, our Editor of AutoApp.sg and a self-professed Korean junkie, is thankful for …
… her mental health.
“2020 is a terrible year” is the understatement of the decade. Truth be told, 2019 didn’t go that great either. The year ended with a version of me that was severely burned out and mentally frayed. It was a culmination of a lot of things; unrealistic expectations and stress, the lack of a work-life balance, the works. Regardless of how you rephrase it, my old work life was unhealthy.
So in January, I made the equally difficult and easy decision to leave my old job. The signs all pointed towards increasingly difficult times, and was I ready to set myself on a path of uncertainty? While I value security plenty, 2020 was a year I learnt to treasure my own mental health more too. Sometimes, as much as you want others to worry about your well-being, the only person you can really count on to make sure you’re OK, is yourself. Sure, 2020 still brought more than its fair share of struggles. But being able to be happy and smile despite all that? That’s something I’m thankful for, 2020 or not.
Sheldon, our Chief of Comms and veteran journalist, is thankful for …
… opportunities and trust.
Long before anyone saw the pandemic coming, Joel Tam, Alvin Tan and myself were planning to start AutoApp, we came up with idea, but there was a lot of work ahead of us. Not least founding a new company, Ignition Labs, building a team and actually launching the app.
By the time we were in full swing however, the pandemic hit. While this might have affected other businesses adversely, I believe that the situation actually helped us to focus on the app and our vision became a reality a few months later.
We not only launched an app, but also this website that has become an entertaining and informative source of car and lifestyle information. We also have a full-scale video and photography production team that creates content for our YouTube channel as well for our clients. Additionally, AutoApp has also led us to scoring a corporate gig with a major car dealer.
If Joel, Alvin and myself didn’t embark on this journey when we did, I honestly don’t know where I’d be this year. So thank you guys, for your putting your faith in me and the opportunity to work together to make this vision a reality!
Joel, our CEO and father of three, is thankful for …
… the chance to serve and work with people in a bigger way.
Actually, 2020 was a great year for me. I’ve grown closer to the people I care about — that includes family, friends and yes, even clients. The pandemic gave us a reason to meet in smaller, more intimate settings and made us share deeper thoughts with each other.
People are at the centre of everything we do, whether we do it with them or for them. The team grew from 5 to 25 and we’ve had opportunities to forge closer bonds and learn new things together. For that, I will be forever thankful.
What are you thankful for this 2020? Let us know in the Facebook comments!
Already making New Years’ resolutions? Plan some fitness goals or cultivate some smart shopping habits for 2021!
