Well.
Urm, yeah if you didn’t already know about this then you can take a while for it to register.
I’m just going to answer all these FAQ right here so you can read it,
and everyone can stop asking me the same questions.
Why are you leaving?
Because i want to do other things now. I found starting TiC an immense challenge which i enjoyed thoroughly.
Funny thing is that when i was drowning in 12-hour days last year, i didn’t have time to think about disliking it, cos i didn’t.
I have to admit, that i prefer writing to editing.
I think it’s ironic how so many writers work their way up to editor,
and when i got there, i got really sick of editing other people’s writing after awhile.
Not that it was a terrible job, i just didn’t PREFER it.
I’m the type who’d very much rather research, experience and craft my own story, then than re-craft someone else’s.
I think i was feeling kinda down from being cooped up in the office all the time,
and in April earlier this year, i told Adrian that i’d like to leave (much to his distress, i’m sorry!)
I still remember him asking me: What are you long term plans?
And i replied: I have no long term plans :p
I told him the truth – that i wasn’t completely happy at the job,
that i wanted to travel more before i became more ‘settled’ in life of sorts.
What really scares me is my own fear at taking that step to change things.
I think i was already feeling that for some time, that i really wanted to move on and do something different,
but i didn’t know what yet, and was scared to take the next step.
And that IS the problem isn’t it?
Not knowing what exactly you want to do, and the fear of taking that step because it’s one into the unknown.
I admit i took some time before coming to a sudden conclusion that i had to quit cos i just FELT in my heart that that is something i wanted and needed to do for myself.
I want to travel more. Experience more places and all that is out there that the world has to offer.
I don’t want to get so comfortable in a day job that i forget how to experience life.
I don’t want to be 30-something and wish i traveled more in my 20s (which is what many of my friends in their 30s say to me!)
So you’re not going to be involved in TIC anymore?
I will still be working with Freeform on a freelance basis as Editor-at-Large for TiC.
TiC is like my baby, and i’d feel like a bad mother for abandoning it completely :p
Ok, seriously, what’s the REAL reason you quit?
Fine, there was one particular incident that was my tipping point.
I was watching this show on History Channel (Monday night, i love Michio Kaku!)
and it was a 2-hour long episode about the evolution of earth from billions of years ago,
till the possibility of how long humankind will stay on earth.
After watching that show, i was thinking to myself:
MY life on earth is so short!
What am i doing?!
All the time i tell people to do things as if it’s going to be their last year,
and i’m not doing it MYSELF.
And honestly, that, was the tipping point for me.
A show on History Channel made me quit my job :p
It was 2 days after that when i told Adrian that i wanted to leave.
>.<
Who’s going to replace you?
There was only one person in the entire city of KL that i could think of to replace me.
I needed someone who’s experienced in the media industry,
yet young at heart and has fun with fashion, cos that’s what TIC is all about.
And that person is Sueann ChongΒ 
I’m ecstatic that she felt equally ecstatic to take up the job,
else i really wouldn’t know what to do!
Is it the people in the office that made you quit?
No. I must stress how much i LOVE FREEFORM.
I think i’ve been very fortunate in the past jobs i’ve had, where the people i work with are some of the best in the industry.
This has been no different at Freeform, and dare i say it, a higher level altogether.
I’m constantly amazed at how Adrian manages to pull together such a diverse and brilliant team of creative, efficient and GENUINE individuals.
Oh, trust me, i could go on and on all day how amazing the Freeformers are.
*I* feel very lucky that i was a part of their full-time teamΒ 
Any regrets?
Abso-fucking-lutely not. Starting TIC was a dream.
To see a project you have in mind actually work out and receive such amazing response is mindblowing.
It really showed me that anything is possible when you put your mind and heart to it.
I learned so much from the team in the time i’ve been at Freeform.
Invaluable and great stuff i wouldn’t have known if i’d never joined them!
What are you going to do now?
I’m going to be traveling more, focusing on Kinkybluefairy, while still working on TiC from other angles.
I think what a lot of people don’t understand is how much time has to be dedicated to KBF, as well as TIC.
I would give my day time to TIC,
whereas late nights and weekends went to blogging on KBF.
So it was really tiring la after awhile…
To spend so much time in front of the computer can be very taxing when it goes beyond 14 hours a day.
I’m going to be spending more time with myself –
exercise more, i told ClaudiaOnCrack i’ll go running with her, and we’ll go picnic afterwards haha.
I want to get back into my painting, and start reading more.
Basically more time for ME.
So… there.
A new chapter in my life about to startΒ 
I guess it’s good for the soul and creativity when you take sabbatical in between work.
Just recently watched this inspirational 17 mins on sabbatical on Ted talk.
http://www.ted.com/talks/stefan_sagmeister_the_power_of_time_off.html
Good to be able to do more traveling and see the world.
Gosh, makes me think of how often I complain about being stuck in a rut and not doing anything about it. Although I’m not financially that secured to just quit my job and go travel the world. This is very inspiring! Thanks Joyce π
Best of luck!
congrats on your next step in life and the courage to do it =)
You’re amazing lah, Joyce! <3
Like seriously!
good luck! all the best.
Al i can say is good luck for all your future undertakings.
You are absolutely one hell of a hardworking lady..
All the best to you!!
good luck babe!!
Good luck Joyce, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your travels!
Hey Joyce, You are an inspiring person to look upon to. Wishing you all the best in your new found journey! π
Joyce, I will really miss you in TiC. But i am also giving you full support in what you want to do. Although i dont know you personally, judging from your blog and such, i believe you are a free spirit and you are more of an explorer/navigator and founder than anything else… so I am not very surprised. All the best to you yeah Joyce. Oh, don forget to keep us posted on KBF π
I once had a convo with my friends about TiC and a lot of my friends loved TiC π and you were the one who ‘cemented’ and introduced it to all of us … I’d always hear that you’re a very inspiring person to work with (one of many reasons I tried applying for an internship with TiC) and everyone is right! I honestly always felt amazed at how you would stay at the office damn long and yet still be able to juggle KBF, social life, and still look so good and fashionable everyday. O_O I could never do it!
‘tho I’m still young, I already “feel” what u described .. the urge to travel, experience life, and work for things beyond the usual reasons of money and stability. You’ve proven that it’s possible to follow your dreams =) not just listen to what the world tells you to do. I still can’t imagine TiC without you! But I’m sure u’ll continue to make big waves no matter what u do and where you’ll go!
Just love your spirit and courage to actually pursue something you really desire.
π Good luck…
hi KBF π
ive been a silent reader of yours for quite a long time..and i really enjoy reading TiC…though i can’t indulge in the shopping cos im still studying overseas!
anyway just wanted to wish you all the best as you start this new chapter of your life! π
sarah*~
Don’t know why but you were the one person I *really* wanted to say goodbye to on my last day of Freeform’s marketing intern. But when I was about to leave the office, you weren’t in π
But still, having said that, I wouldn’t dare say what I have to say now!
I think you’re an amazing person (Y)
Only 6 words, but it sums up all the good things I’ve experienced just knowing you. That of course, includes the 3 months of my internship @ Freeform, and the years I’ve spent reading your blog.
I wish you the very best in whatever you do, although I’m sure you’ll nail whatever you do anyway! π
And yeah, thanks Joyce! π
I’ve been following KBF for a long time, and this is the first time i post a comment, wanted to tell you….all the best fairy! I’m happy that you do things that make yourself happy! Unlike me.. i don’t have the guts. π
Hi Joyce,
I have been following your blog entries after reading it from Kennysia.com.
Then I found out that you are the person behind TiC which I have been following as well…
Now,this news comes as a shock to me…but I admire your courage to change to take risk!
You are living an “ALIVE” and “RESPONSIBLE” life…to be committed to your real self…
I wish you all the BEST in your future endeavour and hope someday I can meet up with the real you!
Cheers!
Many people failed to realise that it takes a huge bulk of courage to make changes in our life.
It is never easy to make the first step out.
Glad and admired you for being able to do that and the best of all, being yourself knew what/why you are doing that.
All the best to you π
really being enlighten by ur way of thinking, how many of us here working everyday come to realize in the end of the days what we are doing is what we love and most important doing it for ourselves! u gave me a clear light that what i need to focus on my life..cause i’m in the middle of redirecting my career too.. thanks for ur sharing n courage! hope u will be doing great in future n see you soon! oh ya…still thinking bout whether to get ur Olympus camera after seeing urs that’s day..real pricey!!!
didn’t know u r a writer first..
especially if you can’t tell then with than
omg OMG! i feel like i’m missing you already. reading tic without you in it anymore, it’s just not the same ='(
don’t forget to keep us posted in kbf. i’ve been following kfb for …ummm 4 yrs(?) now.
anyways, i love that spirit of yours! =) all the best!
Good luck on your new journey. When you told me that day, I was also like WTF??!!
I thought you did a great job with it. π You should be very proud!!
just have to say that i am a big follower of your work and Tic is not gonna be the same without you.
good luck in your future tho π
Babe, do what you gotta do. When your time is up and you need to move on, then do so. We all love you for your hard work, so give the time you need for yourself.
See you soon
Laydeh
Sorry for not replying sooner, but i read all your comments and thank you very much for them… very touched. π
Ah, now I know the answers. Tq π Will be quite missing your name at the TiC’s newsletter.
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