Weak Ties

Qilin, Sia, Michelle.

The strength of your weak ties - I heard this phrase online today.

It refers to a study which showed that people got their first jobs not through their 'strong' links such as their parents, spouse, friends, but via 'weaker' links. It suggests that there is greater potential for growth, by exploring the not-so-comfortable paths, rather than the habitual and predictable networks.

Coincidentally, we were talking about this phenomenon over breakfast with Michelle Vaz and Xie Qilin. They were (re) visiting Kuching from ChongQing - they talked about conducting workshops which put Bartlett students with local graduates. Using the unfamiliarity, language and cultural barriers to create stimulus and hopefully, fertile ground for ideas to cross-pollinate and friendships to form.

so, you don't want to be an architect?

In the past few days, I have heard several architect friends discouraging their children from studying architecture. I was quite surprised as these friends are successful practitioners - making good money (judging from the cars that they drive), and have had their projects published.

I am surprised and also a little disappointed. Architecture has been good to me (and my family). 

It hasn't been always easy, I still struggle to do a good job, and when I do - it is very rewarding. Perhaps, I am easier to please. (not comparing helps)