No longer trading! Thanks to everyone whom I have had the pleasure of meeting throughout the years and where I have called home for much of my transformative years! This home has created many fantastic memories for me over the years which has passed me by so quickly! From the TF2 community where I have learnt how to trade and develop a sense of understanding of the broad term of 'Business', I have learnt so much practical skills from many patient traders whom I've had the pleasure of seeing as my mentors, while aspiring to become a successful trader just like them!

Although I have not made it big like many traders have within the TF2 community, what I've learnt and understood was that even a random fish in the sea like me could have skills that are practical and realizable in the real world. From depositing $30 from purchasing steam wallets and building it into an inventory worth of ~$2,500, it has been an absolute thrill through and through embarking on this journey. I've met so many people who have been part of my journey, and I have done my part to pay back to the community which has taken care of me for a good 4/5 years of the time that I was here. I've met many great people over the years through TF2, some of whom I have heard went on to take on big responsibilities in the real world! For those up-and-coming traders and players in the TF2 scene, well, a word of advice from this old trader, trading isn't always about the profits, sometimes, it's really about the people you meet, encompassing the experiences and memories that you get, along the way. The landscape of TF2 will be ever-changing. For those who have helped you and having imparted valuable advice and skill sets to you over the years, do the same for those who look upon your shadows for inspiration and a guide, because at the end of the day, no one is going to remember you for your loaded backpack or the expensive items you possess, instead, it's always the moments and experiences you have with your friends and fellow online friends that you will remember as you roll back the years.

Now for the CS:GO community. Originally, I made this leap to play alongside my friends and wasn't really expecting more to come out from it rather than it being a fleeting game. Well, that thought is already 7 years old! I've went through many stages in life and have had played this game with many people that I've met throughout the years, some I've kept contact through the years and some I'll wonder about every once in a while, on how well they're doing in life. 3 different pivotal phases in my life have passed me by and till this day, much of the feelings I have had with this game playing alongside my friends, have been extremely positive. If I had to give a game that really pivoted me from an introverted fish in the sea to a not so introverted fish in the sea, this game would be my first choice. Personally, I've had experienced a lot of personal growth with this game as I have rumbled through every emotion possible while seeking to win a match. Ironically, for a game that indirectly advocates the fostering of a winning culture and mindset among a competitive environment, I've actually learnt more about myself rather than letting the game unleash out the worst in me. 2016 me would've done everything possible to win a game, be it through a verbal confrontation or a verbal exchange with the opposition. 2020 me would've done the same but tone it down by a bit. 2023 me sees the beauty of the game and understanding that life isn't always about a game of winning or losing. Rather, it’s more about checking upon yourself to find ways to improve and to respect the opposition (albeit there being some toxic MFs out there). As I roll back the years, honestly, these 2 games have been so life-changing that I can't and wouldn't want to see my life developing in any other way.

As much as I was young and hungry for success when I was younger, practicality and realism started to kick in when I grew a bit older (I'm not even past 25 btw) and I've realised that my future lies beyond the realms of the online world. I've felt it would be unfair if I had just left without a proper farewell to those who have watched me grow here as a trader, player and as a person, so I have decided to leave this note here. Much of my inventory has been sold off and my time on this wonderful site would slowly come to an end as the play enters its final act. As I take off into the Real World from the Reel World, I'll just like to thank once again everyone who has been so forgiving, understanding, and nurturing of the boy who once had much to ask and was annoying to entertain. You would now be able to watch this boy's steam journey come to a fruitful end as I embark on a new and fresh journey that I’m looking forward to start!

Ask me when I was 16 whether I had wanted to pursue a higher education and a resounding 'No' would have filled the room. Ask me when I was 16 whether I had wanted to pursue a career with numbers and analytics at its forefront and the silence within the room would immediately vanish. As I sit here writing my final goodbye, the 23 year old me who till this day is still scared of numbers, will look ahead and embrace this fresh new challenge while enjoying it. Every single moment of it.

Till we meet again in the sunset,
(TCFY)★Soaring Gem★ / ★blaME★