‘BROADEN HORIZONS’
Being of service in an institution for a decade has made it my comfort zone. I’ve got a permanent job. Everything that’s work related is provided by the company. I’ve got a family oriented employers. The workplace is very near my residential place. I got to be a career woman and a full-time mom as well. Through the years, I have mastered my everyday work very well. I have established a harmonious working relationship from the top to the bottom level management. What else could I ask, right?
Amidst all those benefits, I had felt this discontentment in me of my achievements in life. I’m lying if I say everything is all about achievements. Primary reason is about financial. As my kids get older, they will have increasing needs. My purpose of working so hard is for them to have good future, so I must prepare for that.
I started take the leap in my career. I decided to be in the government service because I learned that benefits of the government employees are way better than those of in the private institutions. It’s a practically wise decision for me. In the process, I heard different opinions. Some even warned me that life in the government is intricate.
Yes, I was hired in a public school. I was very happy, excited and nervous at the same time since I’m out of my comfort zone. I get the chance to meet new people with different personalities and lifestyle. With that, I could say equal opportunities were being given to government employees regardless of their attended school, family background, religion, and sexual identity.
Two weeks after being employed, my one and only co-worker in the office, whom I thought will be my coach, suddenly quit. I felt so down because I thought my decision was so wrong. I have the option to resign, but I decided to stay. I have to be strong because I only have myself to rely on. I am grateful because on the latter, the administration decided to assign someone who will help and teach me with my job even it’s just twice a week.
Every day has been so challenging to me, but I have to keep my hair on. My simple work became complex but I had to beat one’s brain out because at times I have to perform two jobs at the same time. I’m used to do multi-tasking, but because both jobs are new to me, I really have to make big adjustments. I started to do things which I have not done in my previous work like going to unfamiliar places through public transport. That’s one hella hard for me because of my motion sickness but I overcame it. With the limited resources that the institution can offer, it is very essential for me to be patient and ingenuity to life to realize my purpose. As per my personal experience, I would say that government employee, especially those of in the lower position deserves all the benefits they’ve been receiving.
Of course, I also complain even just to myself for I also get exhausted of the multiple workloads assigned to me. There are instances when my doubt dominates my limited mind. I have a lot of “what if” in my mind. Apparently, I just found myself doing things so easily, which I thought are hard to accomplish.
Until now, every day is a learning experience for me. It’s all thanks to my family and to the people around me for their untiring support, encouragement and assistance. Kudos to Ate Arlene and Quiandra for being so patient in teaching me with the things I need to learn. I am also grateful to my Don Bosco Family. For the years I’ve been working with them, unknowingly, they were able to instill in me great values that kept me going on especially during those times when I was so downhearted.
LUCTOR ET EMERGO. I Struggle, I win!
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The author is Disbursing Officer at Doña Asuncion Lee Integrated School