last day at Intel + future plans

It's a bittersweet day as I was laid off from Intel due to the pandemic. However, things are OK otherwise as I already have a job offer.

End of a chapter

As mentioned earlier, our group took a major hit due to coronavirus-related cancellations. To cut costs, upper management had to let a lot of people go. It's quite unfortunate because I've been an Intel fan a long time.

Despite recent events, my experience at Intel has been overwhelmingly positive. One memorable moment was going to Oregon last year. It was my first time flying on a private jet and also my first business trip. Oregon is also a beautiful state. Even though I wasn't there for leisure, the trip certainly felt like a vacation to me.

We also had a Diversity Day event last April. It was cool to meet people from different cultures. I also enjoyed trying different foods and watching the performances.

I'm definitely a bit sad to leave this job. But what really sucks is not being able to properly say goodbye to my co-workers. Sending a farewell message just isn't the same as having lunch together. Hopefully I can go back to visit once the pandemic is over.

A cross-country move?

The good news is that I already have a verbal offer from Silicon Labs. I'm still in the interview process, but the formal offer should come very soon. It's certainly looks very good so far.

But there are also challenges: the team is based all the way in Boston. Although this position is currently remote, I may have to relocate when the pandemic ends. On the bright side, Boston is a pretty nice place. At least that was the case when we went there 15 year ago. I'm excited to see what the future has to offer.

October 16 update: Silicon Labs has sent me a formal offer. I accepted it as this is a company I want to work for. Here's to looking forward to the next chapter.

Currently listening to: Final Fantasy VII soundtrack - "Cid's Theme" by Uematsu Nobuo

a somewhat normal 35th birthday

I just turned 35 and had a pretty good birthday despite all the recent craziness.

For starters, my parents took me to Nob Hill Foods to buy snacks. I didn't see too many things I wanted but did get some chocolates. Although I prefer to avoid public places for obvious reasons, birthdays only happen once a year. :-)

Dad later took us to Half Moon Bay after lunch. Our plan was to go shopping at a discount store called Twice as Nice, but we all needed to use the restroom after a long drive. Before there were no public restrooms in this store, my family decided to go to Safeway first. I took the opportunity to buy some snacks that weren't available at Nob Hill Foods. Having bought so much groceries here, the three of us decided that we didn't really need to go to Twice as Nice after all.

So we then went for a stroll along Pillar Point Harbor. One thing that surprised me is that there were so many people — the waterfront was even more crowded than before the pandemic. However, the good news is that most people were wearing masks. Although it would have been fun to eat at one of the restaurants, this would have been pretty risky even though we don't have as many COVID-19 cases here.

All things considered, my 35th birthday rocked. I definitely hope things will be back to normal by next year. :-)

Currently listening to: Epic Battle Fantasy 5 soundtrack - "Blade & Switch" by Phyrnna