Jacky (also known as Wei Jie) never imagined that he would become a funeral director in the long run. He had his fair share of different jobs, from a trishaw rider to venturing in Universal Studios Singapore. Fate gave him a glimpse of the future when he garnered an opportunity as a freelance funeral assistant, though it wasn’t a commitment. In 2016, Jacky grasped another chance at becoming a funeral assistant here at Serenity Casket and Funerals. He found himself staying in the industry and built himself up, becoming a full-fledged funeral director. In this article, we explore his journey and how his unconventional career affected his views on life.
Q1: Before embarking as a funeral director in Serenity Casket & Funerals, what were you doing?
J: I was a trishaw rider when I was 15. I received $10 per ride, and as a teen, I felt like I was earning a lot. I did it sporadically until I turned 30. That’s about 15 years! I viewed life as tough, and that we needed to survive it the best we could. I think I still have those similar thoughts.
Q2: When you first started, how were your first few experiences at the funerals? How did you feel?
J: I felt scared, and I was afraid of the dead. But after understanding that they deserve respect as much as the living and their families attending the service, I began to feel more comfortable in handling cases. I started being a freelance funeral assistant after some odd jobs here and there. All we had to do was carry caskets in and out in addition to other preparation work for the funerals. I did it sporadically as well for about 2-3 years before pursuing other jobs. I fell out with another company I was in, and so I asked my friend if he knew of any jobs I could do. And so that began my journey as a funeral assistant in 2016 at Serenity. I never thought this would turn into a full-on career – I just needed an income to survive and saw it as it was. I officially started funeral directing in 2019, after much guidance from Elson, Serenity’s founder, who nurtured me. I can’t thank him enough. I think it all fell into place and it was planned ahead of me by God.
I never thought this would turn into a full-on career – I just needed an income to survive and saw it as it was.
Q3: How did your views on life change over time, and did it change how you act with your loved ones?
J: I treasure more of my time spent together with family and close ones. I’ve seen many cases of suicide, which, in comparison to those who go through the deaths of loved ones due to old age, families who experience a close one’s send-off through suicide are much more disheartening to witness. Their moments of grief are heart-wrenching. After seeing cases of students committing suicide when they see their exam results, I tell my son to just do his best and not worry too much about his studies. Personally, I actually found myself changing my temper over time; I don’t get flared up as much anymore. I used to get easily upset with small matters. I’m more loving towards my family now because I don’t want to have any regrets about how I treat them. I do my best in maintaining healthy communication between them and my work-life balance because I don’t know when I’ll leave this world and I don’t know when they’ll leave. As you grow older, you begin to let go of things even more. I think both my job as a funeral director and my age – I started funeral directing when I was about 30, and now I’m in my 40s – played a part in influencing this change.
I’m more loving towards my family now because I don’t want to have any regrets about how I treat them. I don’t know when I’ll leave this world and when they’ll leave.
Q4: Would you like to give any words of advice to others?
J: We might be together today but we don’t know if we’ll be apart tomorrow. Live your life to the fullest and without regrets – you only live once.
Are you interested in becoming a funeral director or joining the team in other ways?
Click the link to view our available openings: https://www.serenitycasket.com.sg/careers/.
We hope to speak to you soon!
