About Me — Loh Guo Ming
Lost in the Corporate Grind, Found in the Unknown: My Search for Purpose Outside the Office Walls
If there’s one thing I’ve learned lately, it’s that life doesn’t always follow a clear path.
Turning a Crisis into an Opportunity: My Journey from Retail to Tech
Before entering the tech industry, I worked as a Sales Promoter in Retail. When COVID-19 struck in late 2019, it brought fear and uncertainty for many of us, including concerns about job security during such a crisis. Yet, I saw it as a wake-up call and an opportunity to upskill. I decided to return to school at ITE, enrolling in the NITEC in Web Applications course. I knew it wouldn’t be easy — I’d be leaving my job for two years to pursue studies full-time — but I took a leap of faith. Through hard work and perseverance, I graduated as the top student in my cohort by clinching the CE ExcellenCE Award. I’m deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering support, even as they faced their own challenges.
Family
I come from a modest family that has taught me resilience and compassion. My brother has been navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and as my parents are both in their 60s and my grandmother in her 80s, they each face ongoing health challenges. These experiences have shaped my perspective and my values, grounding me in empathy and resilience as I continue my journey.
Education
My educational journey has been anything but smooth. In my younger years, I didn’t prioritize academics because I felt the need to work part-time to help support my family expenditures. I also lacked the maturity to see the long-term value of education. That all changed at 25 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that sparked a deep desire to take my studies seriously.
With renewed determination, I excelled, earning multiple awards and was recipient of multiple scholarships. This lead to me becoming the top student in my cohort. However, despite my hard work, I faced a setback when I was unable to gain admission to a polytechnic due to my age. Instead, I was given the opportunity to pursue a Work-Study Diploma in Cloud Management and Operations, a field I felt passionate about.
Just as I was nearing the finish line, I found myself struggling with depression and anxiety, largely due to a toxic work environment. I had to make the difficult decision to drop out two months before completing the program. Currently, I’m attending counselling sessions and receiving treatment at the Institute of Mental Health.
Why am I on Medium?
In the midst of this uncertainty, one thing has remained a constant spark: Technology. I’ve always been drawn to it — the possibilities, the constant evolution, and the ways it can change lives. This passion for tech is what I want to share here on Medium.
By putting aside everything behind me and restart afresh at the age of 30. I hope to document my learning journey, from the small victories to the inevitable missteps, and to connect with others who might feel just as lost but who are willing to keep exploring.
I’m not here because I have all the answers. Quite the opposite I suppose — I’m still figuring out who I am and what my purpose is. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can find a sense of direction and perhaps inspire others in similar situations.
Thank you for reading, and if my story resonates with you, I’d love to connect.
We may be wandering, but we’re not alone.
