2020 Review: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Imagine……

On 31st Dec 2019, someone had a time-machine and subsequently used it to observe my life for the next 365 days, before travelling back in time to inform me of the findings.

What?!?! How could all this happen because of Covid-19?!

I would have attributed a probability of less than 0.01% to those whisperings. If you think about it, not too dissimilar odds to the existence of a time machine AND it falling into the hands of the Mrs (who else would be THAT interested in my life).

But happen it did and here’s my reflections for 2020:

The GOOD

Income Growth

We are full-time tutors and virtually had zero income for two weeks after the Circuit Breaker was announced. Time was needed to prepare for the switch to virtual lessons and there was also (understandably) resistance from some parents.

But thankfully, most of our students’ parents were not adversely affected from the Covid-19 fallout and the lessons largely resumed without a hitch. In fact, since nobody could travel, parents were inclined to continue sending their kids to our lessons during both the June and December school holidays.

I also had a bumper crop of A Level students in 2020, which helped to increase our income (higher fees).

On hindsight, I do find it quite miraculous that despite such a challenging year, we managed to eke out a higher income as compared to previous years.

Substantial Investment Gains

Let me clarify that I don’t regard myself as a great investor. Erm, maybe slightly above average?

I know there are people dangling somewhat pornographic returns (>100% or >50%)  for this year out there. Kudos to them and I do not doubt their returns. It has been that kind of year. A K-shaped recovery.

Mine is likely 20-30% which does pale in comparison. Comparison is a bitch. Heck,  I probably even got a higher annual return 7 or 8 years back.

But hand to heart, I am quietly delighted with this year’s returns. The investment base is growing beyond my expectation and there’s no doubt this is the best year yet in terms of absolute investment gains.

Steady Health

No Covid-19 and there was no visits to the doctor. With mandatory 5- Day MCs earlier in the year, a fever or a flu would have put me out of work for a week easily.

The BAD

Neglecting This Blog

This is the 5th post over the past two years. When previously, I was easily producing >5 articles every month.

Basically, I left the scene.

If I am being kind, I could bring out “focusing on my students” as a reason. The A Level syllabus was tough, sure. Especially when I had to do both Math and Economics, not to mention a H3 Econs module.

But the truth is I allowed myself knee-deep into some addictive time sinks for my remaining free time. Pleasurable yes, but fleeting at most.

Absence does make the heart grow fonder and going forward, I really do see myself as a full-time writer. 

I must apologise to readers who might have felt “abandoned” when I left this platform. I really assumed I might not return.

Wanton Spending

No, I don’t buy or eat that many wantons everyday ;p

I have stopped keeping track of my expenses for some time and the chains were unshackled. Whether it’s dining out, buying a new Celine handbag or getting a new latex bed, there was little refrain.

You could argue getting high from shopping was somewhat necessary in this pandemic year. Not to mention supporting local businesses.

Nonetheless, it’s time to rein it in (at least a little) next year.

The UGLY

Distress in April

Most of my REITs are in the retail and commercial space. In my humble opinion, Singapore retail and commercial REITs (caveat: large Singapore geographical exposure) are probably the best in the world.

Unfortunately, they were not spared in April, when the malls and offices had to close during Circuit Breaker. So you could imagine my distress that month when I had no income and the whole stock portfolio was declining by ~30%.

Not to mention having lots of free time during CB to ponder and second-guess my investment decisions.

Low Spirits

Being cooped up at home during the second quarter exerted considerable toll, even for an introvert like me. I actually believe that with social distancing still in place and limited face-to-face interactions, the negative effects linger on.

I am not exactly a wanderlust, but boy am I glad that I made a short trip to Bali during the Chinese New Year period. At this moment, leisure travel in 2021 still appears unlikely, which is quite depressing, especially for businesses and employees in the industry.

Consuming too much negative news (deaths and poverty) did not lift spirits too. I have to remind myself that these stuff are simply outside my sphere of influence.

Declining Fitness & Weight Gain

Prior to Covid-19, I had a good habit of visiting the gym at least twice a week.

The few months of closure and subsequent hassle of pre-booking for the workouts meant that it’s almost a year since I have visited one. I have also found out that runs and HIIT workouts at home are not great substitutes for weights training. 

I also have to remind myself that as I approach my mid thirties, it’s time to start counting calories and remind myself I can no longer binge eat like a teenager. Yes, I am still prone to finishing half a pint of ice-cream in one sitting. 

The good news is that over the past two months, I have lost half of the Covid-19 weight gain and a new dumbbell kit is set to arrive next week.

Conclusion

Would you rather…. Make $100,000 but everyone around you makes $200,000? – OR – Have a salary of $50,000 when everyone around you only makes $25,000.

I always thought the above situation was a conundrum. But after a year like this, my choice is obvious. So no matter how I spin it, it’s hard to conclude 2020 as a great year.

The silver lining is that we will start off 2021 with the lowest of expectations. May the odds be in 2021’s favour.

Here’s wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading.