There will always be rough patches in one's journey. Things happen, all we have to do is face it and live it. I recently received a new job offer that would mean relocation. It was something I wanted to explore - new surroundings, new boss, new kind of work - in short, NEW LIFE! But then, at the back of my mind, there was this hesitation, and when hesitation lingers, it becomes a dilemma.
I have decided to test the waters, meet my would-be-employer and see how it goes. So I booked a flight to Manila and prepared myself for a possible exploratory talk. My companion was the one who actually offered me this job for this employer - promises of bigger pay, commissions and travel meant a great deal to me plus the fact that I would be uprooted from the island which I called "home" for the last 10 years of my life.
First day came easy, our hostess graciously lent one unit of her condo for us to stay in. We were in a high-rise building, safe neighborhood, posh malls and most of all - we were treated to sumptuous meals. But that only lasted for a day...apparently, my hostess cared so much for her privacy that I am not permitted to meet friends while Im in her care. This was okay for me, except that she didnt tell us ahead of her rules, so when she learned that a girl friend of mine came to visit, she freaked out. That triggered the alarm...I could not have an employer who could not TRUST me. We were on different floors - in fact we took different elevators to reach our respective condo units...so I dont find any logic that she would not allow me to have friends over when in fact, there is only a remote possibility that they would cross paths. But since those are her rules, I have to live by it...and above it all, she owns the unit, so I had no right to mess with her rules. The problem is that she offered that unit for me if I accept the offer, so that makes it complicated. I decided right there and then that I want my FREEDOM more than I want FAT PAYCHECK...so I guess there's no need to tell you the outcome of that offer as it is obviously screaming! Thing went sour #1.
Whenever Im in town, I always try to touch base with my friends and peers. So I carefully plot out my schedule to meet them all. I went to see my former boss but he was so busy that he could only allot 30 minutes of his time to me, and that short time was interrupted by occasional knocks from his secretary for more visitors waiting outside to meet him...thing went sour #2.
Another friend couldnt spare more time with me than just 2 hours of lunch as he is also very busy. I tried hard to be within reach (literally)so I would not rob so much of his precious time, but then he always REFUSED...I could only meet him when he is free which for me is too much for me to adjust to. To think that he is part of my IT makes it thing went sour #3. This one disappointed me a great deal because I had expectations...but then....
So when things went sour..I had to do something - and there - the sugar just came from heavens. My friend Eunice went out of her way to meet me - she has never done this before - so when she came to visit me in my hotel ( I moved out from the condo of my hostess when my companion flew back home ahead of me)I was touched. In fact, when she learned I have had no decent meal yet for the day, she bought me a congee and delivered it to my room just when I thought she was already heading home. Next was the visit of my other friend Stephanie, she too made sure that I wont be sleeping alone in my apartment suite..it was a gesture I never expected her to do because on my previous trips to Manila - we never arranged for meet ups. She even brought me a gift to think that we are not that really close. This was another cube of sugar from heaven! Of course I could not thank Maya enough for filing a leave to see me and accompany me to the office of my former boss - she too is another spoonful of sugar!
My gDev peers also took time to travel 2 hours to meet me -even for just a quick dinner and coffee...they too made my day! Jomz and partner also made sure I could visit my fave bar - Zemen took care of me while I was there...my gee, they all erased the sourness of my trip.
I have realized that when some people let you down, there are still others who would cheer you up. I almost decided that this trip was my worst trip ever, but with these people around, I decided otherwise.
So my trip was not really wasted - I have proven so many things - expectations versus determination, promises versus delivery, money versus principles and friends versus acquaintances - now I would say that sugar is still best for things gone sour. I just have proven it!!!
Tomorrow I am heading home and I would carry with me a thankful heart for the people who made my trip so SWEET!
More sugar please....!
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