"You do your best work if you do a job that makes you happy."
Why this line so much caught my attention? For the sole reason that my current job had snatched me away from the things that I learn to love doing for the past three years, that includes this, blog writing. Not to mention my job somehow keeps me from doing some of my usual stuff like going to a mall for a window shop, or meeting with friends for a jog around the corner, or going to salon for a regular haircut... just like today! I am supposed to be out of the office as early as six pm and rush to a nearby decent salon to have a haircut but I'm stuck between demands and urgency of my work.
I did not post this to rant and fuss over a haircut that was missed. There's no use to rant, none at all, after all the years I've spent on this industry, where most people sat in front of their monitor for hours without even blinking an eye, where at some turn of unexpected events, people will be obliged to extend time beyond 8hrs and worst, stay 24hrs just to deliver what was committed to the client. I'm used to this but at some point I felt the routine tedious. And if not because I enjoy the job, I would just love to quit.
I love my job. I love my job. Does it sound like a chant? For some, maybe. But I just would like to stress more on the thought when you really enjoy what you are doing, when you really find joys on things however big or small, simple or complicated, you will feel blessed. Not to mention the gratification you'll get from it when your effort gets noticed.
I don't know why everyone keeps on complaining about the complexities and demands of their job when the simplest and best way to end their 'so called' misery is to just quit. You know, when you think you're no longer happy and all you've got is resentment, then leave, move forward. It's not healthy to stay when you no longer see the purpose why you're staying, when you no longer see what's the company/job has in store for your future. When you think you have already reached your maximum potential or that there's something preventing you from working out your capability, you might as well consider it as a go signal to look for a greener pasture. Don't spread out the bad vibes, keep it to yourself.
When everyone is asking why I'm still here, I just say I'm still good. But at the back of my mind, I do ponder some thoughts: I'm still here because...
- every morning, I woke up and found out I'm still thrilled with the thought of going to office (the excitement is still there)
- i think of my to do list
- i look forward to accomplish these tasks on my list
Enjoying your work makes it effortless. Loving your work always makes you put your best foot forward.
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Embracing the change
Today marks my first two days with my new company. I again, as new hire, go through the usual but very helpful stuff called orientation. Introduction to the company’s history and background, to the different process involved in managing its people and business, to the different policies enforce for the benefits of both the company and its employees. One day is not enough to fully orient oneself. A day or two is insufficient to have myself adjusted to the change of the environment, people, process, technology and business.
My previous company has been my comfort zone for quiet a time. Now that I moved out, I feel like I stepped into a different world. Strange! The changes are very obvious.
Sometime yesterday, I told myself to just feel the change and go on with the flow of the environment, be familiar with it because the change will become a part of me eventually. I’m here. This was what I was aiming for; the moving forward; the growing up. Now, I will just have to explore the change, understand, embrace it, and move forward with it while having a positive perspective in mind. This change is for my benefit.
On the lighter side, I am so excited to blog about receiving the gift sent across the miles from Allison. Thanks for Mel hosting the online exchange gift last December. Honestly, I never planned of joining but as if there's someone who coerced me to immediately signed for this activity. Turns out to be fun! Charge to experience. What I got? Two pieces of fashion jewelries: earrings & bracelet, a cosmetic set, a corsage and a journal. I absolutely like the journal, perfect for writing down thoughts. And the color, purple - love it ! Thanks again Allison. The package actually arrived second week of January. But since I addressed it to province, I was only able to check on it this week. Here are the snapshots... opps! the pictures are to follow. I am updating my blog from an internet cafe (I guess this will be the case from now on until my budget allows me to buy my own laptop), seems their USB port is not working :(
A Follow-up Update
This is a follow-up update of my previous post.
Yes, change brings challenges. And it's scary. You cannot just settle to an expectation of what is going to happen. Beyond of my first step is all unknown. It's a risk. And I think what I am doing now is the greatest risk that I have taken in my life so far. I'm afraid and I'm crossing my fingers. At the back of my mind is a little scared voice saying "you've done a wrong decision..."
Two year course.
More than 5 years of extensive experience.
Would the above combined qualifications weigh best than one with a 4-yr course of no or lesser experience?
There is a confusion of my recent job application. The qualification was at least an applicant should possess a degree in computer engineering or any related course. I applied anyway, thinking I've got an experience as a shield. I was thinking it will be up to my employer or headhunter to assess and if they will call me for an interview, it's a chance and I will definitely go for it. The end result. I was considered for the job. Already signed a job offer. Already prepared my pre-employment requirements. I submitted those pertinent papers today. After several hours, I got a call, a verification of my course - is it a degree or JUST a diploma? I said it's a diploma course. Why would I lie about my educational background in the first place?
All the while I thought they know. During interviews, they never asked for my updated resume. I guess they got my resume from Jobstreet, which unfortunately my profile is not completely accomplished. I asked them what will be the problem then. They said nothing, just verifying to settle the mismatch. What will happen next? Will they still consider me knowing my education did not meet the qualifications they've set? I don't know.... what I could do is pray and cross my fingers hoping for their consideration. I know they still have the prerogative to withdraw my contract even though it was already signed. But just in case, I believe my capability will have significant contributions to their company's goal.
The risks: I have few days left in my current company, I am as good as a resigned employee. If my contract is withdrawn, I would end up jobless - for the first time. This would jeopardize my other plans on finances, business and personal. Another scared voice said: "you should have not resigned, not yet." Ahh... what a domino-effect!
Yes, change brings challenges. And it's scary. You cannot just settle to an expectation of what is going to happen. Beyond of my first step is all unknown. It's a risk. And I think what I am doing now is the greatest risk that I have taken in my life so far. I'm afraid and I'm crossing my fingers. At the back of my mind is a little scared voice saying "you've done a wrong decision..."
Two year course.
More than 5 years of extensive experience.
Would the above combined qualifications weigh best than one with a 4-yr course of no or lesser experience?
There is a confusion of my recent job application. The qualification was at least an applicant should possess a degree in computer engineering or any related course. I applied anyway, thinking I've got an experience as a shield. I was thinking it will be up to my employer or headhunter to assess and if they will call me for an interview, it's a chance and I will definitely go for it. The end result. I was considered for the job. Already signed a job offer. Already prepared my pre-employment requirements. I submitted those pertinent papers today. After several hours, I got a call, a verification of my course - is it a degree or JUST a diploma? I said it's a diploma course. Why would I lie about my educational background in the first place?
All the while I thought they know. During interviews, they never asked for my updated resume. I guess they got my resume from Jobstreet, which unfortunately my profile is not completely accomplished. I asked them what will be the problem then. They said nothing, just verifying to settle the mismatch. What will happen next? Will they still consider me knowing my education did not meet the qualifications they've set? I don't know.... what I could do is pray and cross my fingers hoping for their consideration. I know they still have the prerogative to withdraw my contract even though it was already signed. But just in case, I believe my capability will have significant contributions to their company's goal.
The risks: I have few days left in my current company, I am as good as a resigned employee. If my contract is withdrawn, I would end up jobless - for the first time. This would jeopardize my other plans on finances, business and personal. Another scared voice said: "you should have not resigned, not yet." Ahh... what a domino-effect!
Another career realization
The world is evolving.The universe is moving forward.
The age and civilization we have now is far greater than what we had before.
Lots of changes happening.
Every thing is in great advancement and the question is are you reflecting the latest changes?
No, I'm not talking about fashion only. I'm talking about every thing in general. What's in, what's new and what's in demand from fashion, technology, profession, etc.
Last Saturday, I happen to take sometime off with friends, actually, all of them are previous office mates.
We exchanged chats and laughs about the silly things we did back days. Of course, matters about work is unavoidable.
With all the bits and pieces of life and career updates from each other, I silently evaluated myself. Where am I now?
Career-wise, I think I am being left behind.
Some years ago, all of us were on the same level of knowledge. Fresh grads, first job.
Knowledge-wise, all of them had moved forward for better career-advancement.
I am an IT Professional, my specialization involves testing the software applications developed to suit the business needs of our client. There are several techniques, process and tools involve that a Software Tester like me should know.
My work is in line with technology. Technology evolves at a very fast pace. Last Saturday, realization again hits me to keep abreast with times. To learn the hottest trends or the latest technology. To KEEP on learning.
Now what would I do?
This is something that needs planning. It would involve shifting career or shifting company (I guess, anyone who read my post 'Stay or Quit? It's your Choice' will understand why I came up with these two choices).
Stay or Quit? It's your choice!
My day is done, for now. For a while, I thought I am out in a snow-packed space (although I don't seem to feel the coolness, lagi naka-warmer ang aircon namin) because everywhere I glance, everything that my sight touches is white. It might due to the fact that I've been burrying my nose over this assigned task, so engrossed I did not notice I am nearly kissing my computer screen. For the whole day I was only seeing the one screen in my computer - RoboHelp - with its wide white space (the editor screen) and with few images. While hearing the irregular sound of my keyboard (tick tack, tickitack....) and due to my eye's mistiness, I thought the images were already floating.
It's been month since my IS (immediate supervisor) told me that in addition to my team's QA related tasks, technical documentation will now fall under our responsibility. Oh my goodness! That was not a good news after all. My team obviously took the news with a heavy heart.
How are we going to accomplish and deliver a task where we do not have the fundamental knowledge? Imagine, an entirely different group of people is obliged to work on something urgent, a work that is usually handled by a different person equipped with the right skill set.
Why not come to your IS and discuss the matter at hand? Oh yes we did. And there the problem started. Because we do not have any choice but to accept the responsibility. As my IS said, you cannot say you're not going to do it because that cannot be. Which means whatever the explanations we have as to why we could not readily accept the additional job responsibility will be useless.
We're not fa... zip mouth
We don't... zip mouth
What... zip mouth
Being still an employee, if you found yourself in this kind of situation - there are only two things you could do: it's either you accept the job, treat it as a challenge or you quit, write your resignation letter and fly out.
Initially, I took it as a threat to my capability. And knowing it is somewhat not align to the career path I want to trudge, I took it as a negative blow. My mind suddenly process the inevitable and the what if's.
But I know I need to make a choice so I opted to accept it. I chose to accept it as a challenge. The fact that it threatens my aptitude, it is a challenge.
I stay. And so did my other team mates.
So there... I called my team for a meeting, we splitted out the tasks, talked about the deadlines and the best possible approaches we could used for the situation.
The documenting of online help was assigned to me. It's in HTML format so in order to accomplish the task, I have to use the RoboHelp and apparently I do not have any previous orientation with this tool which means I do not have any slightest idea how to use this tool. One of the bosses said it's like you're just using MS Word. That's a good news. True to what he said, its basic feature is like MS Word but totally different if we talk about the advanced features.
I started with the tutorials and with the basic steps of documentation. With continuous exploration, research, learning its navigation and reading RoboHelp related topics, I was able to move forward with the task. I had observed my progress overtime. I am learning it. And I marked the date today (October 29, 2009). After weeks of not knowing how to start, of being blinded on what could be the best approach, I am close to finishing the online help. A great accomplishment! Somebody ought to congratulate me!!! (shout).
I posted this not because I want to brag about my accomplishments but because I want to point out several important things:
1. First, you have to strongly consider why you were asked to do the things outside of your job scope. It could be because your employer has confident in your capability.
2. The more you try doing the work even if it is out of your job scope, the more you see the positive in it. Yes, that could be a chance for you to increase your knowledge base, improve your skill sets and expand your work experience.
3. This might be an opportunity for you to play a larger role at the company that could lead to a promotion or salary increase (particulary if the economy is doing good).
So take the ego out, take the whining out. If you believe you could not deliver something, then talk to your boss, laid out your problems, ask for guidance but still look at it with a positive view. Believe me it would lessen (if not sieze) the feeling of being obliged to do something. Also, never lose the enthusiasm to learn something new - this will be your motivation to get the job done.
Know what, I suddenly found a reason to rekindle my enjoyment of staying here. I am sure that if I leave my current company someday, it is definitely not because of this new assignment.
Here is a motivating thought from Harry S. Truman:
It's been month since my IS (immediate supervisor) told me that in addition to my team's QA related tasks, technical documentation will now fall under our responsibility. Oh my goodness! That was not a good news after all. My team obviously took the news with a heavy heart.
How are we going to accomplish and deliver a task where we do not have the fundamental knowledge? Imagine, an entirely different group of people is obliged to work on something urgent, a work that is usually handled by a different person equipped with the right skill set.
Why not come to your IS and discuss the matter at hand? Oh yes we did. And there the problem started. Because we do not have any choice but to accept the responsibility. As my IS said, you cannot say you're not going to do it because that cannot be. Which means whatever the explanations we have as to why we could not readily accept the additional job responsibility will be useless.
We're not fa... zip mouth
We don't... zip mouth
What... zip mouth
Being still an employee, if you found yourself in this kind of situation - there are only two things you could do: it's either you accept the job, treat it as a challenge or you quit, write your resignation letter and fly out.
Initially, I took it as a threat to my capability. And knowing it is somewhat not align to the career path I want to trudge, I took it as a negative blow. My mind suddenly process the inevitable and the what if's.
But I know I need to make a choice so I opted to accept it. I chose to accept it as a challenge. The fact that it threatens my aptitude, it is a challenge.
I stay. And so did my other team mates.
So there... I called my team for a meeting, we splitted out the tasks, talked about the deadlines and the best possible approaches we could used for the situation.
The documenting of online help was assigned to me. It's in HTML format so in order to accomplish the task, I have to use the RoboHelp and apparently I do not have any previous orientation with this tool which means I do not have any slightest idea how to use this tool. One of the bosses said it's like you're just using MS Word. That's a good news. True to what he said, its basic feature is like MS Word but totally different if we talk about the advanced features.
I started with the tutorials and with the basic steps of documentation. With continuous exploration, research, learning its navigation and reading RoboHelp related topics, I was able to move forward with the task. I had observed my progress overtime. I am learning it. And I marked the date today (October 29, 2009). After weeks of not knowing how to start, of being blinded on what could be the best approach, I am close to finishing the online help. A great accomplishment! Somebody ought to congratulate me!!! (shout).
I posted this not because I want to brag about my accomplishments but because I want to point out several important things:
1. First, you have to strongly consider why you were asked to do the things outside of your job scope. It could be because your employer has confident in your capability.
2. The more you try doing the work even if it is out of your job scope, the more you see the positive in it. Yes, that could be a chance for you to increase your knowledge base, improve your skill sets and expand your work experience.
3. This might be an opportunity for you to play a larger role at the company that could lead to a promotion or salary increase (particulary if the economy is doing good).
So take the ego out, take the whining out. If you believe you could not deliver something, then talk to your boss, laid out your problems, ask for guidance but still look at it with a positive view. Believe me it would lessen (if not sieze) the feeling of being obliged to do something. Also, never lose the enthusiasm to learn something new - this will be your motivation to get the job done.
Know what, I suddenly found a reason to rekindle my enjoyment of staying here. I am sure that if I leave my current company someday, it is definitely not because of this new assignment.
Here is a motivating thought from Harry S. Truman:
I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work.
When is the right time to move out (of the company)?
For days I was contemplating of writing and publishing this post. And whether writing down my thoughts would help me unload the heaviness I felt inside.
I remember two years ago when I attended an initial interview, my interviewer had asked me something that goes like this: "Do you think that your two-year stay with your company is enough for you to decide to get out?" I was speechless for a moment. I stuttered. And I think I reply something like "yes". Ugh. That was not the right answer, definitely not the right answer. And I guess, it was the reason why I was not shortlisted.
By then it was not very clear to me why I want to move out. Everytime I was asked for reasons of leaving, I always used the already worn-out statement: carreer move. And I could not supply statement that could justify my reason. I guess, behind the carreer-move reason is the willingness to stay, the enjoyment of working with the same colleagues, the enjoyment of doing the same thing everyday, the fulfilled feeling of doing something important and be recognized for it. And that carreer-move reason is just a mask for me to get out of the company because of financial reason.
As I gain years of working in my current company, I realized that time is not a factor for one employee to say "I've spent my maximum years here, I need to move out".
I am on my 3 years going to 4 years of stay with the company that has been my second home, a place where I had found friendship, an institution that had built my carreer over the last three years... as much as I don't want to be nostalgic about it but I can now say it's time for me to move on.
As I am pondering the thoughts of 'moving on', I have researched and written down the hidden reasons why one employee seeks other opportunities:
... these speak it all.
(Source: 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave)
I remember two years ago when I attended an initial interview, my interviewer had asked me something that goes like this: "Do you think that your two-year stay with your company is enough for you to decide to get out?" I was speechless for a moment. I stuttered. And I think I reply something like "yes". Ugh. That was not the right answer, definitely not the right answer. And I guess, it was the reason why I was not shortlisted.
By then it was not very clear to me why I want to move out. Everytime I was asked for reasons of leaving, I always used the already worn-out statement: carreer move. And I could not supply statement that could justify my reason. I guess, behind the carreer-move reason is the willingness to stay, the enjoyment of working with the same colleagues, the enjoyment of doing the same thing everyday, the fulfilled feeling of doing something important and be recognized for it. And that carreer-move reason is just a mask for me to get out of the company because of financial reason.
As I gain years of working in my current company, I realized that time is not a factor for one employee to say "I've spent my maximum years here, I need to move out".
I am on my 3 years going to 4 years of stay with the company that has been my second home, a place where I had found friendship, an institution that had built my carreer over the last three years... as much as I don't want to be nostalgic about it but I can now say it's time for me to move on.
As I am pondering the thoughts of 'moving on', I have researched and written down the hidden reasons why one employee seeks other opportunities:
- The job or workplace was not as expected
- The mismatch between job and person
- Too little coaching and feedback
- Too few growth and advancement opportunities
- Feeling devalued and unrecognized
- Stress from overwork and work-life imbalance
- Loss of trus and confidence in senior leaders
... these speak it all.
(Source: 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
