A Year-End Career Introspection

This holiday season, I preferred to file a leave of absence for a vacation rather than going to office.  I actually planned this action in order to take a breather and leave the work atmosphere for a while. I wanted to take this time to think about my future actions regarding my career.


I wanted to weigh over my options.  Gladly, I found this article that was very helpful in assessing my predicaments.


(Article is from this site http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/111648/is-it-time-to-leave-your-job?mod=career-worklife_balance   )


Is it time to leave my job? The questions were bombs to my thoughts.

1. Does my company stand for something -- anything -- special?

It's hard to be thrilled with your job if the company you work for is struggling to succeed, or feels stuck and irrelevant. I'm not talking about obvious problems -- red ink and layoffs. I mean the nagging sense that the company will never be anything more than OK, just another ho-hum player in its field. In this hyper-competitive age, you can't do great things as a company if you're just a little better than everybody else. Does the company you work for really stand out from the crowd? If not, why on earth are you working there?

This is the biggest issue I have with the company.  Though I found myself relevant to my area of work, the company is struggling in terms of technical exploration and development.  Rate of development can kill your patience.  I am skeptical to talk about this, but as a person looking into the process/management, I can't help but be disappointed so as to voice out such grievances. The company has its vision and mission yet I can not comprehend a more elaborate and deeper meaning with great significance both to its employees and customers. Neither a concrete plan nor an operative and strategic routine is ever well-constructed at this point for the sake of the company's long years in business.

2. Am I excited to see my colleagues when I show up for work on Monday morning?

Lots of people sign on with a company because it's got a cool reputation, or it's prestigious, or it's got a great stock price. But quickly you realize that "working for" a company is an abstraction. The reality is that you work with the people closest to you -- those in your department, in your unit, in your region. Most experts say that over the long term, employees aren't loyal to a company as a company. They are loyal to the people they work beside day after day. Can you imagine not spending 40 or 50 hours a week with the people you work beside every day? If so, maybe it's time to make a move and fine a group of colleagues who stimulate you and motivate you.

Working in a dynamic group of professionals is something to look forward in any organization. It is a  determinant on how long should I stay with the company. I always make a point that I can contribute to the synergy that can push the activity of the organization.

At present, do I have this motivation?   I am still searching for it.  I found few colleagues that have the same spirit, same intentions, same goals and same missions as I am in introducing changes in the organization. I am just hoping that we are one in this endeavor.

3. Do I have a voice at work -- does anyone who matters listen to what I say?

There's nothing more depressing and demotivating than feeling that you don't matter as a person -- even if you're part of a group that's working well in a company that's doing fine. In this age of participation and communication, people are hungry for a say, a voice, a sense that their opinion counts. If you feel like your opinion doesn't count, maybe it's time to find a company where it does.

One thing I enjoy in the company is having a say in some company issues especially when it comes to the production-related schemes.   

Do they listen to me? 

It is something worthwhile. 

4. Am I learning as fast as the world is changing?

I first heard this question from strategy guru Gary Hamel, and I ask it of myself all the time. In a world that moves so fast, the most dangerous thing in anyone's career is the sense that you're standing still -- that you're not learning, that you're not being challenged, that you're stuck. If that's how you feel, that's a strong sign that it's time to make a change.

This question stabbed me right through.  This gives me endless frustrations, endless self-pressure, and endless battle against undetermined specialization. I really felt stuck. 

Currently, major problems that I have is tracing history so that can provide solutions, troubleshooting existing defects on consumers' products that are occurring abnormally, and providing innovative ideas for product development.

I hope this coming year is bound with boulders of challenges that will make me busy and mobile.

5. Am I making enough money?

Strange as it sounds, this is the worst reason to leave a job. Virtually every study I've seen shows that there's almost no connection between how much money you make and how satisfied you are with your job. There really are things that money can't buy -- and happiness at work is one of them.

This may be the worst reason but I bet this is the most anticipated reason here in the Philippines. And as for me, I am one of those underpaid professionals.

Whoa! I think enough has been said. And the verdict.....wait till I get another shot.!

Happy New Year! Wishing you a more prosperous career to look forward to.

WHAT A YEAR!

I felt that this year has been unproductive. Though I landed my first job that almost consumes my entire year, I felt empty in terms of career development.

January - April
I was very busy for job seeking.

May
I got my first job.

May - October
Probationary Period.

• A laboratory room was established.
• Initial acquisition of necessary laboratory tools and equipment.
• Initial study on new products.
• Compiled necessary Test Methods.
• PCO Assistance

November - present
Regularization

• New formulation for an existing product.
• New formulation for new type of the same product.
• Further study on other products.
• Working on Quality Assurance Development Plan.

So few accomplishments.  Most projects are on-going status. These give me frustrations.

But before the year ends, something worthwhile happened. I hope this will push through. I am keeping my fingers cross.

The 13th Month Pay

Will my 13th month pay enough to buy these stuffs that I need?

Adidas FORMOTION Medium Duffel Bag

Citizen Eco-Drive Calibre 8700

adiSTAR Salvation 2.0 Shoes

Oh! Please just the two out of three before the year ends! ('',)

HARDWORKING ASSHOLE

After two weeks of thinking whether to tackle or not this issue, I just moved by the sudden change of situation in the company.  So here it is.

* * * *

I always believe that for an organization to reach its goals at an optimum ability and phasing, choosing the right person with the right and exact qualifications and experiences is a major consideration that has to be scrutinized and given priority especially when this person has to hold a vital position in the organization. People is a machinery that boosts the productivity of the organization.

But what happens when people are little bit off to their ability to take major responsibility yet still clinging to that edge of desperation to impress the organization? A MAJOR DISASTER.

Here are the few signs that a high profile person in the organization is barely inexperienced yet trying hard to take the challenge.

(1) He/she holds a technical position that requires in depth knowledge on process and troubleshooting yet he/she is an accountant. (No offense to our best accountants that do their job well in the context of their ability and knowledge)

(2) He/she serves as a bridge over troubled technical know how between his/her subordinates and the management yet he/she can not justify the means.

(3) He/she tries his/her best to digest technical information including but not limited to chemical reactions, rejection data, quality standardization and material testing yet for sure he/she is very troubled.

(4) He/she always agrees with his/her subordinates trying to look that he/she knows the details of the topics yet he/she looks an asshole when having that kind of scenario.

(5) And the worst of all, he/she takes the credits of a well done job performed by his/her subordinates.  A MAJOR ASSHOLE!

For sure, some people will tell that this person is just exploring his/her other skills which is an acceptable reason.  He/she is trying to expand his/her unparalleled horizon of hardworking.  Yes! He/she is hardworking but please be a SMART WORKER.

LOADS ARE GETTING HEAVY

These past few days, my loads are getting heavy.  About 80% of those are work-related and the rests are personal matters.

My shoulders are tired.  I just need some rest, longer hours of sleep and good company.

RANDOM TXT MESSAGES

My inbox is full but I don't want to delete some messages.  So, I'd rather post and share these life quotations from friends.
*   *   *   *   *

I won't dare question God why I undergo trials and challenges because I never question Him when I experience victory and happiness.

Sometimes not everything you want is given to you like the ideal person you wanna be with.  It may not turn out the way you expect it to be, but at the end you will see what you have is better than what you wanted.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them  should fall, the other one can raise his partner. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Happiness can not be found at the end of the road.  It is the journey itself that matters.  Enjoy life and be happy.

Don't look for things or people that are not there. Just always be thankful for what you have; because the more you look for something not with you, the more you find something wrong with what you have. 

If God answers your prayers, He is increasing your faith.  If he delays, He is increasing your patience.  If He does not answer, He knows you can handle it.

The really happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery, even when they have to take a detour. (Sir James Jeans)

What you have right now is what you deserve for now until God see you ready for the next level.

As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned.

Not everything that you wanted and worked hard for is always meant to be yours. Somehow you lose. But when you lose, there will come a better one that you surely deserve more than anything.

Make your words soft, sweet and smooth. So when there comes a time you have to eat them, you can swallow easily.

There is always a part of that past that we want to have back but we could never have gotten what we have today if we did not let go of such yesterday.

Life daily task : Make sure you make someone happy before the day ends even if that someone is yourself.

When your life goes wrong, do not waste your time looking back at what you have lost for the road of life was not meant to be traveled backward. Just move on and say, "I am with God. I will get through."

VHINONG’S REVIEW : DUE DATE

My usual Sunday is laundry day.  Though I intended to spend my afternoon at home to take a nap, I felt crazy about this movie the first time I saw the trailer.  It was another Hangover-ly type of movie worthy to watch for a weekend laugh.

Getting to the moviehouse was a struggle.  There was the rain and my three-year old niece was very assertive to come with me.  I spent almost an hour trying to escape from him.  Fortunately, I managed to proceed as I handed him over to my cousin.

I was in the 5:00 PM movie schedule.  Although there were few moviegoers, It was a guaranteed seating policy, so it meant that there was no chance to watch it again which of course my preference. 

(for the short plot of the movie, follow this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Due_Date )

From start to finish, it was a bomb of laughter. The whole package of Ethan Tremblay was hilarious.  His gestures, his crazy but trendy outfit, his masturbating dog – Sonny, and to top it all was his acting prowess.  The “Godfather lines” really gave me that jolt of exhilaration. As for Peter, I just loved that Robert Downey Jr played it.  Robert’s charisma added spice to the film - his sarcastic lines, his Ironman physique and Sherlock Holmes’ humor. A perfect blend of characters to match Ethan.

There were some heart-touching moments but never dull moments.  The scene with Jamie Foxx having a coffee (not knowing that it was the ashes of Ethan’s father) really put me in a laugh mess.  The ever commando rescue style in the US-Mexico border was another good shot. 

Overall, the film was a good icebreaker for my weekend boredom.

CHAT WITH ATTORNEY

Last night was a long conversation with a newly found friend. The conversation was spontaneous although most of the stories were his. We jumped from one topic to another as we talked about life, religion, dreams, personality and character, and life-changing experiences. From that small chat, I got a glimpse of what future can offer, of what things that I should take seriously, of what important decisions to make and of what should I be.

These are few tid-bits that I have to ponder:

• Should I dream bigger?  Before I graduated in college, I already had my plans.  Enter the industry for at least two years to gain experience. Target industry or work area concerns industrial waste management.  While working, enroll in a graduate schools here in the Philippines or abroad for a Master's degree with the specialization in Environmental Engineering and Management. After receiving the degree, enter the government or the academe to give back the goodness of life.  Basically, that is the structure.

As of now, although as optimistic as I can be, I'm quite skeptical if things will go the way I planned. Thanks to attorney.  I have my answer.

"Part of our plans will not work the way we expected but it is just a matter of adjusting our thinking close to reality".  We often frustrate ourselves with expectations yet we are aware that our expectations is beyond reality.  We want a prospering career in a span of short time yet our expertise are not well-equipped.  For a beginner like me, I dream to be at the top of my game yet what I have in the moment are technical theories yet very lacking in actual practice.  To realize that dream, reality check is needed.  "Wait, is it really possible with this period of time?  Let me evaluate. How long will it take me to be at the top? How long will it take to master my specialization? How long will it take to be an expert? How long will I achieve that big dream?"

The big dreams are part of me.  It may be set aside for a while due to unforeseen circumstances but it's still burning.  The passion. The dynamics, The pulsating excitement.  The gyration of hope.  The realization of dreams. Those are still alive inside me.

• What are the things that will satisfy and, at the same time, content me?  I always say that contentment is relative.  It is upon the discretion of the people based on nature and nurture. You may hear a lot of people talking about the zeroes in their paycheck, newly acquired properties, top of the line cars, and other luxuries of life yet they are still clamoring for more. They particularly know what are the things that fill them but time will come that those are no longer satisfying.  They are no longer contented.  So the important question is how long till I feel full and content?  When will that be?

As a young professional, I often told myself that CAREER can give me satisfaction and to be more particular, a REMARKABLE CAREER.  I accepted the challenge in my present workplace because of this.  The position I handle is a pioneer.  It means I am the one that will build great things from ashes. I will design my plans in conformance to the goals of the company.  Does it feel rewarding?

Yes. It feels great.  Greatness, I must say, is one of the things that is very attracting and addicting. It satisfies me whereas contentment is another thing worthy to find.  And I believed attorney found it already.

"A point in your life will tell you that it is the time to enjoy.  Feel free from responsibility.  Feel free from the arrogance of strangers.  Feel the warmth of the sun.  Hear the whispering wind that touches your skin.  Throw away your burden on your shoulders.  Live life to the fullest because at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to yourself to be happy and content."

• Life offers much of what I need but what can I offer to life?  Culture of community belongingness is a major trademark during my college years.  We did regular outreach activities both for short and long term development assistance.  We crossed rivers to reach the Dumagats of Bulacan. We facilitated literacy program for underprivileged children of Ipo.  We tried to build homes in conjunction of the vision of Gawad Kalinga.  This spirit of sharing was indeed life changing experiences. 

I almost forgot that particular endeavor of becoming a VOLUNTEER when I enter the industry and focus on my career.  I became inactive in civic clubs where I used to be a member. I became a plain person without purpose.  That's how it felt.

Fortunately, I was invited in our Alma Mater to be a Guest Speaker in their Annual Student Congress with the Alumni last September.  It was a career congress per se.  I shared pieces of experiences which concerns my career.  Cited some instances that encouraged the students to pursue their career with utmost devotion. Shortly after that, the feeling was familiar.  It was a privilege that revived the VOLUNTEER in me.

I had the same feeling last night when attorney revealed to me a story that led to the establishment of his foundation.  I was amazed on how people touch other people's lives in an instant, on how God moves people to serve Him, on how a person changes lives and making a difference.  As for me, another door opens for me to get in and catch up to the journey I started.

Our conversation ended with much appreciation, learning and hope.

TV SERIES WORTHY TO FOLLOW

You should probably meet the Walker Family!!!

Everybody lies.

Will I ever see the ending of this series?

PREDICAMENTS

I wonder how many people dream to have successful and growing careers. I wonder how many of them want to be remarkable in their workplace. I wonder how many of them commit to have legacy at their own right that can be always remembered. I wonder how many of them dream big as much as I dream exaggerations. I wonder how many of them express their discontentment on their impressive achievements. I wonder how many of them want to initiate change. I always wonder...

When I enter an organization, I always bring high hopes, dynamic drive, spontaneous passion and commitment in me and expect to share the same spirit with others. I am optimistic that every hour is worthy of staying and learning. I am a contributor that wants to take every step to a higher level of growth and precision. I am a revolutionary. There is a part of me that jostles against inappropriate culture and norms. Inappropriate culture that hinders development, and norms that deprive the rule of new beneficial expectations and actions.  

Unconventional. That is the idea. 

Now that I am part of an organization, where do I stand?

At this moment, I stand at the edge. I want to question their rule and expectations. I want to question their ability to cope with a drastic change of technical development. I want to see their ability to accept change. I want to scrutinize their plans on how they will invest not only in the future of the organization but also in the machinery that boosts the production of their valuable goods. I want to know the basis of accepting qualified people. I need to comprehend how they value people. I need to know the answers to the puzzling questions that can trigger a sudden turn down of events that may affect the organization in a blitz.  

But for now, I can do my observations. Examine the prevailing atmosphere. Do my job at best. Invest in my own development. Do my part.

Afterwards, if things are still the same, radical change may crawl without signs.

CAREER. POLITICS. RELIGION

Career is a race.  Race of endless learning.  Race of timeless experience.  Race of progress through life.  Race of self-competitiveness.

Politics is a collective effort.  An effort to make things in order.  An effort to withdraw non-conformance.  An effort to withstand power.

Bad politics is a riot.  A riot of effort to grab some ass*s of superiors.  A riot of crawling self-interest.  A riot of grudges to make other people unproductive.  A riot of provocation.

Religion is a belief.  A belief of origin.  A belief of organized worshiping.  A belief of submitting oneself to the Creator.  A belief of giving back the blessings of life.  A belief of concern.

Mislead religion is a disgrace. A disgrace of insanity that clings to quantitative value.  A disgrace of egoistic claim.  A disgrace of self-proclaimed savior.  A disgrace of gathering people towards the idea of salvation and of which the sole provider is the mislead belief.

Is it possible to see these elements working hand-in-hand in a workplace?

Absolutely YES!  Try to ponder this example.
     
       John was a new technical employee at Company A.  He had good credentials upon application: good grades, strong leadership background, remarkable achievements, and excellent communication skills.  Though a stranger in his new job, he adjusted quickly which can be validated by his successful projects and on-going technical proposals.
       With these results, his superior was impressed and proud.  Proud of himself that he was the one who discovered that potential in John.  Proud of himself that he got an eye for a glistening gold.  One thing unusual about them was John and his superior were of completely different field of expertise.  John was a technical person while his superior was a not-so technical.  So, how the heck did they understand each other?
        Every time John proposed a project, it was his superior who presented it to the management.  John did not have any idea how things were presented if it was convincing and worthy of approval.  Feedbacks that were always given by his superior, "it is for further study", "it is under consideration" and the worst, no feedback at all.
         John was always blinded on the progress he wanted to.       

So how are the three working?

D I F F E R E N C E S

Differences is the key for bad politics and mislead religion to oppress a dynamic career.  You may not totally agree with me but where in the world could you see that career, politics and religion work harmoniously to reach an ultimate goal of development?  Even church and state have its separation and whenever one is trying to influence the other, for sure it is a riot.

On the contrary, differences can be settled upon compromising. Meet halfway.  But the sad part, compromising can not be reached in a workplace where greediness for power, inflicting self-interests and cultural stagnation are prevailing.

So what will happen to poor John?

He has his choices.

VALUE OF CAREER

How do you value yourself?  How do people value your potentials?

Finding my first job was not an easy shot.  It took about six months to finally landed the job that I preferred.  The job that I thought to be an application of my bachelor degree.  Prior to that, I sent resume to different companies ranging from manufacturing of goods to sales, quality assurance tasks to technical salesman work, and then I ended up to manufacturing of polyurethane foam, which I believe is very relevant to my area of study.

The task at hand was paramount.  The pressure was at high level in the barometer.  The job that I took was a Goliath for a David like me but it was a BIG CHALLENGE!

I had to start from scratch.  No history.  No data.  No materials to study.  No standards.  No traces of technical development.  It was a den of traditions that declined science and technical change.

For a neophyte that barely starting his career, the work seemed to be unbearable unless there was a mentor, an adviser, or a consultant that could consecrate his/her expertise to the trainee which is a customary working environment for most companies in the country.  Most entry level employees receive multiple assistance from the organizations where they belong.  They are well supervised, guided and instructed to the tiniest details of technical processes. For this case, these setups are missing.  No traces that personnel competency is transferred from one generation to another.

The five-month probationay period ended well.  A laboratory room was built.  Acquisition of necessary equipment to start the research and development was facilitated.  Some minor laboratory trials for various products were conducted and produced remarkable results.  These were the work of a beginner.

Are these accomplishments enough to say that this neophyte has great potential?

Well, the company did not give much attention or simply did not see it.  Or should I say that the company has this culture of personnel development deprivation.

The day I signed for my regularization, I deeply express my dismay on how they evaluate the important unit of their development.  I was disheartened.  I value my career as much as I value myself but do they value the right person as much as they value their spirit of gaining more profit?

I am still hoping.

PANIMULA

Reset.

Kelangan ko ng bago...bagong ideya para sa lumang blog na ito na wala man lang bumabasa kundi ako.  Kelangan ng matinding pagbabago.....mabilis at masidhi ang nararapat upang makapukaw ng atensyon ng mga piling mambabasa.

Kelangan magbagong bihis upang hindi pagsawaan katulad ng pagkasawa ko sa adobong may sabaw...sa pritong manok...sa itlog at hotdog...at sa panonood ng mga walang kasaysayang programa sa telebisyon.  Nakakasawa na! Nakaka-uta kumbaga.

Kelangan ng bagong timpla upang pumatok sa metikolosong panlasa.
Kelangan ng bagong hugis upang magkaroon ng bagong salat.
Kelangan ng bagong kulay upang hindi mabulagan.
Kelangan ng bagong buhay upang hindi maiwan sa dakong ilalim ng karagatan.
Kelangan ng bagong personalidad upang hindi ayawan.

Gaya ng pagbalasa ng baraha, dito magsisimula ang bagong kabanata, ng bagong kwento, ng bagong emosyon at ng bagong pagbabahagi ng sarili.

TIME for a CHANGE

TIME. CHANGE. HEALING.

Something inside is bothering me.  Though can hardly explain what it is, I am 100% sure that it is EMOTIONAL STRESS.  From time to time, it has been my little thingy jerk that hurt me from the inside.  It triggers disbelief, false hope and endless longing.  Yes! I'm talking about heartaches brought by emotional dependency.

Three things that dishearten my emotional dependency are TIME, CHANGE and HEALING.  These are abstracts that create rejection, adjustment and moving on.

TIME is like a shadow from the past that is terrifying.  It pushes me to decide faster, act swifter, and move further even though there are still remnants of failed relationship to ponder.  It always reminds of me resentment and disappointments.  I could have been better if time permitted.  I could have been more valuing if TIME took its longer time.  I could have been more ME.

CHANGE is a bullet that can not be stopped.  If you try to stop it, you're the one who will earn the pain.  Change does not give its speed.  Sometimes it is in a slow pace but more often it is in rapid state.  Never close your eyes or else it will just pass by.  Though there are things that provide clue for the coming change, still I can not see it cause mostly it's coming from behind.  It changes its colors, shapes, and size.  If only I tried to ride with change, I might be stronger.  I might be wiser.  I might be still holding that life of comfort and assurance.  Not this loneliness and loveless aches.

HEALING also disheartens me but it is a feeling of something new is coming.  I might not be 100% prepared but I know it is something to look forward.  Healing is like whispers from the past that gave you glimpse of failed relationship, wrong decisions, and things that I cried over spilled milk.

CHANGE and HEALING take TIME.  And for sure, a stronger, wiser, and  more prepared MAN is in the frontier of bigger opportunity, brighter future and well deserved love after TIME, CHANGE and HEALING take its course.