There are many people who splurge their entire salary the moment they get it, but let Patricia Mok tell you why it’s so important to save, save, save.
In a recent interview with Chinese media Zaobao.sg, the 54-year-old local comedian looked back on the life-changing decision she made in 1997.
That year, Patricia, quit her full-time job at the American Express office to sign with Jack Neo’s J Team Productions.
“I didn’t hesitate. I wasn’t worried about my income, and I didn’t discuss it with my family,” said Pat, who had only been getting calefare acting gigs prior to that.
Despite becoming a full-time artiste with no fixed income, Pat was fortunate enough to land the role of “Ah Lian” in Jack’s long-running hit variety show Comedy Night.
That was also when her popularity skyrocketed alongside Jack, Mark Lee and Henry Thia.
She recalled the four of them travelling to Muar, Malaysia, for an event, where a huge crowd of fans packed the shopping mall.
It was only then that Pat realised: “We were actually that popular.”
So, when did the actress feel that she had finally made it? Pat had a very practical perspective.
“[It was] when I saw the income. Every time, I’d think: ‘That’s great, I can buy this and that.’”
With the many opportunities she was given at J Team, Pat revealed that there were times when her monthly income could even reach a five-figure sum.
You’d think that meant she was financially comfortable with no money woes, right? Think again.
“But there was a time when I had only $1 left in my bank account,” she confessed.
“Work has its ups and downs. Things went very well for several consecutive years, followed by a slump.”
The actress admitted that it was a terrifying experience, especially after she had exhausted all her savings.
“My biggest regret is that I didn’t learn how to manage my money back then. It wasn’t until I bought a house a few years ago that I finally started saving,” she said.