Anniversary

It's been a year at work, we realised over dinner. And it only came as an afterthought. With none of the fanfare or celebrations when we first joined the workforce.

A year since we stepped in with wide-eyed wonder and anticipation.
With those hopes, ambitions, curiousity and energy.
Meticulously coordinated outfit and accessories.
That crease-free jacket. Matching skirts/ties/shoes.
That positiveness- all fired up to impress and please.
That zest to learn.
That willigness to stay late, to skip lunch to help out, to share the load.

One year down the road and we've all learnt:

- To pack up within the shortest time and leave discreetly when there's an opportunity to. Talk about efficiency:P

- To dine/shop/party in that 'office wear'- Either i) being completely at ease with the stiff collars and heels and/or ii) gradually incorporating more and more casual clothes and sandals into the corporate wear wardrobe

- Prioritise what tasks are truly urgent and those non-urgent 'urgent' deadlines that can actually wait.

- Making mistakes, being misunderstood, being wedged in the middle of two opposing sides, being put in a spot are all part and parcel of work.
The key to doing well in the long run is not to take these issues (accusations/reprimands) too personally, learn &remember them but don't forget to move on.

- To struggle, fend and fight for survival in the corporate jungle- many times, alone. Being at the receiving end of tai-chi, then learning kung-fu and karate as defense.

- Developing a hide thick enough so as not to be excessively sensitive about the efforts that go unappreciated and curtness and impatience of supervisors. Learning to be more assertive, less sympathetic and obliging. Saying no to the requests beyond our means.

- Accept that many factors are beyond one's control and not allow these hindrances/hiccups/obstacles to overwhelm and cause outburst of tears, anxiety at work, stress and sleepless nights after work and burning out way before time.

Afterall, work is just work...


All kinds of terms have been used to describe work.
It's called getting wiser. Getting jaded. Getting more experienced. Getting caught in the work grind.

But well, as with everything, there are good days, there are bad.
And of course, trade-offs aplenty.

In the year, many idealistic notions have been dismissed. More realistic expectations are set.
Work has given the purpose, routine, interaction, the resistance and strength training:)
Especially when most of the time, one deals with the problems alone.
Not to forget the much sought after weekend elation and joy.
The good times catching up with frens and getting support/advice.
And financing those posh meals and travel plans.

Unless tai-tai dom strikes (very unlikely...sobz) :P - the first of many many years to come.
Happy first anniversary.
If we havent started off well, may we at least continue to end it off well.


To all those having it tough at work,
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

Pretense

Pretending

To look- as if the instructions were understood, what needs to be done is clear
To be comfortable with the people, interested in the conversations
To enjoy the company, indulge in the food, appreciate the drinks

Pretending, to ignite and show that confidence, sincerity, earnestness

And yet, pretending

Not to notice your presence
Not to need your concern, protection
Not to remember what you said, what you wore, what you ate
Not to care about the remarks you made and how much they actually mean

Pretending, to subdue that racing heart, restrain that interest and douse the sparks

Sometimes, a little trickery works- to give the mind tt leap of faith to surpass preconceived notions, to discover that actually one can take on the task and deliver the results.

But most of the time, pretending is a reflex against doubts, to conceal the fears and insecurities and bury them so deep in the hope that they wld never surface. In the process, they send wrong signals, create misunderstandings, let opportunities slip and cause regret.

God, give me the courage to admit and face these fears HEAD ON, and rip off tt shield of pretense.