In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH shares personal reflections and life lessons drawn from experiences, including the demanding work of running a school canteen and the impact of business closures. Choo Ann NGOH uses these anecdotes to explore themes of choice, resilience, and empathy in the face of adversity.
The post opens with a poignant reflection on a mother’s advice: “we cannot help everyone but we can help someone.” This sentiment is immediately contextualized by the challenges faced by school canteen operators. Choo Ann NGOH highlights the difficult decisions they must make when hungry children, unable to pay, seek meals.
“How does one identify which child really couldn’t pay from those who could but don’t want to pay?🤷😱😅”
Choo Ann NGOH elaborates on the physical demands of the job, noting the long hours required to cater to students in a two-session school system. This demanding schedule, as described by Choo Ann NGOH, underscores the difficult realities faced by many in service industries.
The Nature of Choice and Circumstance
A significant portion of Choo Ann NGOH’s post delves into the concept of choice. The author contrasts the idea of having agency with situations where choices are limited by external factors. This reflection is prompted by the story of a restaurant that opened its first Malaysian outlet in 2014, only to be forced to close permanently due to the pandemic.
As Choo Ann NGOH points out, the pandemic left many businesses with little recourse:
“Unfortunately the pandemic didn’t give them much choice but to close for good”
This situation leads Choo Ann NGOH to express a hopeful sentiment for those affected, stating, “I truly hope when one door closes, another one opens for those who were affected.” This expresses a desire for new opportunities to emerge from difficult circumstances.
Responding to Closed Doors
The post concludes with a direct question to the reader, prompting introspection on how individuals respond when faced with setbacks. Choo Ann NGOH poses a compelling question that encapsulates the essence of adaptability and initiative:
“When one door closes, do you look for another door OR do you make your own door?🤷”
This rhetorical question, according to Choo Ann NGOH, encourages a proactive approach to challenges. It suggests that while some situations may force closures, individuals have the agency to create their own paths forward rather than passively waiting for new opportunities to appear.
Choo Ann NGOH’s reflections offer valuable insights into empathy, the demands of service work, and the critical importance of resilience and proactivity when navigating life’s inevitable challenges. The post serves as a reminder that while circumstances can be limiting, personal response and agency play a crucial role in overcoming adversity.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Choo Ann NGOH on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →