one year

Today marks my first year anniversary of being employed with my present employer. Career-wise, it seems like nothing has improved and that I was stagnant for the past year. There are some new things that I have learned though but it was far beyond what my previous employer can offer.


I left GS after having been employed for almost five years mainly because of financial reasons. My current employer, being an American company has offered me almost twice the amount of what I have been receiving in GS. I also have no qualms having to go back to staff level and earn this much. I have made my mark with GS and climbing through the corporate ladder --- I was almost there but then the money motivated me more. My family is growing and I still have some obligations to my parents and my siblings, I accepted the offer with a heavy heart. It was tough leaving behind the company whom I have learned to love, whose culture I have learned to embrace and whose direction I am certain with.


Right now, I am uncertain what this company has in-store for me aside from the 10-digit salary that I am earning monthly. I just realize that in this rat race, money isn’t the “it”. It’s a motivation but will never be a satisfaction. I have longed to work again in the HR field. I miss the fulfilling role of working with people --- facilitating trainings, working on employee benefits, conducting interviews, company events, performance reviews, managing feelings. I miss the role of being the “employee champion” again.


I have a wonderful team in the executive support services department. I have a great boss we call Ms. O. But I just hate it when some people in the company misconstrue us of being “just the secretary” or simply somebody people can boss around with --- telephone operator, call for taxi, call for food delivery, supplier of tissue paper, sometimes the utility. It’s not that I’m complaining but sometimes it’s just too much and what they’re asking is no longer in my job description. Of course, there’s what you call “going the extra mile” in everything you do. Whatever!


So, it’s my one year anniversary in this company. I appreciated the fact that the company recognized our presence during our monthly general assembly. Oh yeah, and having to put our resume pictures in a powerpoint presentation showing our colleagues how we look like one year ago…it’s so sweet of them huh!


Pardon me if I’m like complaining a lot --- I’m just not happy anymore. Cheers to my one year anniversary…I’m glad I’m still alive!!!


The Graveyard Look

being happy...

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see life beyond the imperfections. So, don't say you're happy because everything is alright. Be happy because everything sucks but you're just fine..." -- Anonymous

While it’s true that I complain a lot about my life right now --- about the way I look, about my job, about my marriage, about our country, about our government --- it just dawned on me that there’s a lot of things to be thankful about. My life has been a roller-coaster ride for the past 26 years. I was faced with countless battles which I have won over without me realizing it.

Why am I writing about this? Because I came across that quotation above which really hit me.

There isn’t any person in this world that has a perfect life. Agree? Some may be successful in their careers at the expense of their relationships with their family. Some may have a great family but may be striving to make both ends meet. You see rich people flaunting their riches but are they really happy in the true essence of the word? You may see people who may have almost everything that money can buy but do you think they’re the happiest people this side of the planet?

I didn’t realize how lucky I was. I know my life isn’t perfect --- as I said, I’ve had my share of challenges and struggles yet I came out victorious. I simply slew the dragons of my life. You see, there will always be problems in my job, in my marriage, in our country, in our world but I know I’ll be okay. With my family as the source of my strength, I know I’ll get through this life unscathed.

Sometimes, life really sucks but I’ll get by especially when there’s family and friends around to share life’s bittersweet presents.