June 24, 2011
Today is my last day of work in a very recently applied job as a QA. This is also the day when typhoon Falcon is still on its peak. The office administration suddenly declared earlier during the afternoon that our work was suspended. We could already go home at 1 in the afternoon. Wow. I thought that was quick. I packed my small stuff, said goodbye to my officemates and left around 2 PM. There were no mushy goodbyes, just plane goodbyes.
My Application
Beginning the end of the month last year, I saw my finances going below critical point. I had to look for a job really fast. This was not part of my initial plan, but I had no other choice.
It was almost 1 year that we tried and failed our first business. I used up half of my separation pay that I received on my retrenchment). I realized that starting a new business was not that easy, especially when the business is not part of my “core gift”. It was a wise choice that I did not spend everything for that business. And we had to let go of that business.
I discovered 2 new great business opportunities late last year. I fell in love with these businesses because of its core values— reaching out, teaching and helping people how to be healthy and how to properly manage their finances. And the great thing was that I could do this on a part time basis.
So while learning these new businesses, I also prayed to God for a job, and started looking and applying for one. I did a mass application. I applied to every company that I see an IT position opened.
By January, I was able to apply to many companies. They started calling me and setting up interviews and exams. I took all exams and interviews that was scheduled-- one exam after another, one interview after another. It was a tough journey for me since I have not done this for more than ten years now. And the interviews made by the HR were often times really quick. It was as if they were blabbering. It was like a mechanical thing for them. I could barely understand the questions that they were throwing at me. The exams were tough as well. I asked myself if the exams were really difficult, or was it just me.
Finally, an answered prayer-- someone called me up for an interview. I went to their office. They let me fill up an application form. After a few minutes of waiting, the receptionist signaled that it was my turn already. I went inside the room. A sweet HR lady was sitting in the table and warmly greeted me. It was my first time to encounter such a warm HR person. Though she had a cold at that time, yet she was warm. The interview was a conversational type. It was not a mechanical one unlike my previous interviews. I had a pleasant time with that interview. After the interview, she told me to wait for them to call me.
The next day, I got a call from them. I was set up again for another interview on the client site. The interview went well. They gave me an informal examination. The following day, I received another phone call telling me that I was already hired and that I can start working the next week. That was really quick.
My First Day of Duty
I had one last problem with regards to the schedule of my work. During the interview, I was told that we had to do overtime work during weekdays, and sometimes even during weekends. I told her that it was ok for me to do overtime. But when I left the office, I realized that I could not do overtime work since I am doing my part time business in the evening. I called up the agency that directly hired me, and told them this. They told me that they will be the one to tell the client. But when I went for my first day of work, the agency still did not mention this yet to the client. So I have to do it myself. I was really scared. I prayed to God for peace and wisdom as to what I’m going to say. I waited for the right moment.
Finally, during lunch time, I found the courage to tell my boss. She told me that it was not possible for her to make an exception for me. I thought I would get fired at that moment. But she told me this. Therefore, since it was not possible for me to do overtime, she will transfer me to another team. That was a great relief for me. She then led me to a conference room where I was assigned. There were less than 10 young, good looking people inside the conference room. I was introduced to all of them, and they said hi to me. It was such a relief for me that I could still continue working in this company with my new team mates. God truly works wonders and miracles.
My New Office Environment
My experience in this new environment is truly a very unique one.
This was how my usual day went… One of my colleagues would tell a story on how her/his day went. Or maybe he/she would share a joke. Each and every one of us laughs. Someone would make a comment. There will be interactions. More laughter… I would laugh…, they would laugh. Every one of us would laugh. It’s a very lively and happy time… I would really laugh hard… I almost could not breathe laughing…. They could not stop laughing… Imagine this in a slow motion mode… Each face is focused – laughing… Such a lively and happy day… Such a joyful day….But there’s just one thing… They hardly spoke with me, and I hardly spoke with them. If you ask me, why this, my answer would be… I really don’t know. On my first few days in that office, I tried going with them during lunch time. But I felt like everyone just moved away from me every time I tried going near them. It’s like I’m a magnet that have “like signs” as them… it’s impossible for us to be together. Maybe we have different wavelengths. I’m like oil that tried to mix in water. So, after a few try… I decided to withdraw myself from them and be in seclusion inside the room where we are working during lunch time. I just totally gave up the struggle. Good thing, my landlady prepares food for me for lunch. The great thing about this was that I was able to be in silence, reflect and talk more often to God. I felt God’s greatest love on those moments. I could hear Him speak clearer during those moments. And I was truly blessed. I was also able to read great books during those moments. And I felt God spoke to me through those great books. Slowly, everything made sense. Every thing that happened and is happening to me is slowly making sense. My good and bad experiences are transformed to really great experience.
My Short Lived Job
When I applied for QA, I had no idea what was the job role for this position. Learning their new system and this new job role was really tough. After the first 2 months, our boss called me for my evaluation. It was not a good one. She was mad, and she did not like my performance at all. She wanted to end my contract after the 3rd month. But she decided to give me another chance and made another 3 months extension. I really appreciated her decision to give me another chance.
But only a few weeks after, “failure” upon “failure” in my work again was encountered. My boss was losing her patience on me.
Finally, I decided to talk to my boss. I prayed and asked God for wisdom, strength and the opportunity to do this. I realized that the major portion of the job that I took was not part of my strengths. Our conversation went well. God is truly good. My boss was very professional. She even wanted very much to help me, but did not know how. The resolution – she decided to give me a much lighter work load. But she told me that it was almost impossible for her to extend my contract after the 6th month. I agreed on her decision. Even if that was so, I felt so much more at peace in my work. I just made the most out of the work load that was given to me.
After a few weeks, she called me again. She made another change in her decision. She would like to shorten my stay to 2 weeks (instead of 1 month). She told me that it was pointless for her to allow me to stay until the end of the month. And that the work loads that she is giving me is not helping me to grow in my skills. My reaction? Instead of being heart broken, I felt much more at peace. It was like a big load that was unloaded from my shoulders. It was a great relief for both of us. I got really excited on what new surprises would arise.
A day after I received the news, one of my teammates talked to me (through chat). She was deeply concerned as to what had happened. She offered if there was a way that she could help me. I was really moved by this gesture. This made me realize that even if we were not really verbally communicating, there was still that kind of connection between me and the team -- that there was still communication in the midst of our silence. I felt the concern of each and every one of them. She opened up to me, and we talked for hours (through chat). I felt the love of God through that gesture. And that gave me a sense of joy and peace.
My Last Day at Work
Because of typhoon Falcon, we were told to go home earlier than usual. I felt a bit sorry that I could not stay a few hours more. Wow. I thought that was quick. I packed my small stuff, said goodbye to my officemates and left around 2 PM. There were no mushy goodbyes, just plane goodbyes. But during the last few minutes of my stay there, I felt that I wanted to talk to them for the last time. But then again, all I could say was – good bye. And they said good bye as well. And then I left.
This is the end of another very short chapter of my life. And I’m excited and looking forward for another great adventure. Another adventure filled with God’s love.
My Reflection, Realizations and God’s Messages
Here are the Tot 10 reflection, realization and God’s messages during this period. There is still more of this, but I decided to write the Top 10 only. So here it is.
- For every person, there are certain environments that would fit for them. Look for that environment, and don’t stop looking for it until you find it.
- In a crowd, you will find a friend. But not all people will be your friend. Not all people will be your enemy. Don’t be discouraged, if you don’t encounter a friend in that particular crowd, look for another crowd.
- “Failure” is not really failure in the eyes of God. It’s one of His ways of telling me that I must do something. That this is another opportunity that would lead me in the fulfillment of my purpose.
- Where there your heart is, lies your treasure. Don’t stop searching for your treasure until you find it. Search in the depths of your heart.
- Dream, Act – with excellence, but at the end of the day, surrender everything to God. He will turn your work into a great work.
- God has given me the strength I needed on that period. He was and is still is my greatest and constant companion to this journey.
- Often times, I don’t understand God’s great plan. But eventually, it is slowly revealed to me. Piece by piece. It is truly an amazing and great plan. I’m excited for more of His surprise for me.
- God often times tells me – Relax!!! Don’t worry too much… I’m right beside, behind, in front of you. You are completely covered by Me.
- Verbal communication is not the only communication for you to express your love. And I experienced immense love given by my colleagues through non verbal communication. God’s love flowed from them to me, and vice versa. It was an amazing experience.
- Everything is God’s grace. And that’s more than enough reason to thank and praise God! To God be the glory!
