It took a very long time before I decided to start looking for another job. I felt comfortable and complacent in the job I am. One day I heard about a colleague who had been here doing the same job for over 10 years with no career progression and no real substantial salary increase. I thought to myself, it is so easy for one to fall in love with a routine. Doing the same thing day in day out. Going to the same place and being surrounded by the same colleagues turned friends. She must have a sense of belonging coupled with an overwhelming sense of loyalty to where she works. Hearing that and being here almost two years still didn't motivate me to start searching. "I will search when the time is right", I kept telling myself. I am happy where I am. The people here are lovely. Despite knowing my worth and complaining for months about not getting a decent salary increase, I still didn't apply for another job. Not only am I comfortable where I am, my employer is understanding. He understands when I need to take the morning off for a doctor's appointment. He understands emergency hospital visits. He understands I will need to take time off for my children's Sports Day or Picnic Day or School Assembly. He understands when I run out of the office at 5pm to get home to my kids or attend Parent's consulation. So one can understand why it is easy to remain where you are most comfortable and at peace.
All I needed was one conversation with my Pastor, God bless her. She explained a simple principle to me. She said, "You can be happy where you are, and satisfied with your position because you are comfortable, and that is just fine. However, if you really want to take a step in that direction and move on, DO NOT be scared of the unknown. You will find that where you will go will be better than where you are. You will be happier. God wants us to increase and grow". It is up to us if we wish to stay in the same boat year in year out. But just as a baby grows, so as adults, we need to grow. Professionally, mentally and in every other way. There should be no limit to how much we grow or learn. To keep challenging ourselves and pushing our limits. Especially those of us who have not reached the peak of our professional career.
That was it. That was all I needed to hear. After praying concerning it, the fear I once had disappeared. I started getting excited. I sent my CV to an agency, they called me for an interview, we went through my work history and educational background, I did a few online tests (painful, lol) and soon after, I was being called for interviews with law firms. "They like your CV and they want to interview you", they said excitedly. Oh wow! How wonderful, I thought to myself. I was excited yet nervous. The jitters came in and flooded me. How will they receive me? What if they don't like me? What if I am not good enough? What if I am not what they are looking for? How do I overcome these nerves? So many what ifs?
So for each interview, my husband took time out and followed me. He was my confidant, my pillar, my support system, my prayer partner. He would lift my spirits up and encourage me. "You will get it" he said. "If it is for you, you will get it. If you don't get it, then it was never meant to be. You are amazing. Only if they knew the greatness within you, they will offer you the job on the spot". How endearing he was and is. I had my suit, my husband(backbone), my skills, my experience and my confidence. I was ready.
So here came the shocker!
Went for the first interview. After 2 days on the weekend and 3 excruciating weekdays, I got a response. "Sorry, they chose to go with someone else. Will get feed back and revert to you".
Went for the second interview - till today, I am still waiting on a decision. I already know what it was but a simple courtesy call would suffice.
Went for the third interview- on the same day, they called back. It was lovely to meet me. I am just what they are looking for. Intelligent and flexible. I will fit right into their team. Another wow moment from me. What an amazing news. Went back for the second interview the following week, and after two more painful days of waiting by my phone, I was told, I didn't get it. It was hard. Very hard. Because I looked forward to it. there was a light of hope. I was almost certain that this one was for me. That I didn't give up after the first two failed attempts and this one, was mine. All mine. So my hopes came crashing down. I asked God, why. Why would I be lifted just to come crashing down.
The very next morning, I stopped feeling sorry for myself. The tears were dry. It has now gone under "one of those life experiences". Nothing good comes easy. I will keep trying. I will probably keep getting knocked down and disappointed. I will keep applying until I get what is mine. All hope is not lost. God's word never fails and His word concerning me is, ALL things are working together for my good. Not some things. All things. Whether I get a new job or I don't. It is all working together for my good. My experiences make me. I am an excellent work in progress.
Gearing up for the next interview! Wish me luck!
(When I do get another job, I will share interview skills and tips that I have learnt along the way. If it WILL work for me, it will work for ANYONE).
Life is a journey.
I am Inspired.
Be Inspired.
Be the Inspiration.
xoxo
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