1st quarter so far

March 27, 2009
4:30PM
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

April is already coming and still, I am waiting. A week ago, I had an interview as Senior Analyst Programmer; again, the interview went well, based on how I explained my previous work experiences and things that I can do. The employer mentioned that for this position, it will require me to maintain servers (that I never did in my entire career). So he asked me if I can do it, with confidence I said, “Yes I believe I can do it”. He gave me a scenario and asked me what I will do with that case, after answering, he said “Fair Enough”. Seems I can’t convince him. But still I am hoping that my qualifications will outdo this requirement. I already sent an email to make a follow-up, but I am not receiving any reply. New job posting on jobsdb for this position has been posted so I am assuming that it’s a no for me. BUT there is still a little hope on me, I am thinking that the employer is still shortlisting, and IF they will not find any suitable for that position, they might review again my application and finally consider me. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE (Please Lord give it to me.).

On the other news, my previous company called yesterday and informed me that they will be canceling my work permit at the end of March, so I asked my wife to ask her employer that she is planning to get her husband a dependent pass. The working spouse can apply for a dependent pass provided his/her employer is willing to sponsor. Her employer replied promptly and they are willing to assist and sponsor me with the application of the dependent visa.

Today I went to the Philippine Embassy to get our Marriage Contract Authenticated by the Consul. I also requested for a Certification that the person on the new and old passport refers to the same person (last Feb I requested for a new passport to correct my birthday). Good thing that the person who assisted me is kind enough to handle my requests and inquiries (For all we know, Government Employees are not so accommodating, if you are lucky, they will even shout at you. Try it at DFA). So I finished my purpose smoothly except that I waited for a long queue; I paid 193 RM (Php2500) just for these two documents – expensive! ; I almost slipped on the floor (it’s wet and I did not see it. hehe).

Hopefully I can get a new job soon… In God’s time. Amen.

the cycle repeats once again

March 9, 2009
10:35PM
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My wife left the house around 6:30am to catch the 6:55am bus schedule, because once she missed this one, she will get the next bus after an hour, making her late to her office. Here in Kuala Lumpur, 6:30 is still dark, it’s as if 5:30am in the Philippines. After crossing the intersection, she noticed approximately 10 guys driving a motorcycle but didn’t paid attention to it until she heard a woman screaming on the other side of the street. This woman actually is visible to her already, since they are both taking the same bus. After hearing the commotion, she immediately ran towards the bus station and tried to inform the parking guard and some people that something is happening on the dark area. We don’t know what happened to the woman and the guy accompanying her. Thank God, my wife was on the other side and was not noticed by these gangsters.

That’s how my day started, a call from my wife informing about the incident. After knowing that she’s on a safe place already, I went back to sleep and woke up around 10:30am. I just checked my mail and browsed some updates on the net. Had my lunch plus coffee since its raining outside; Watched TV; Went out to gym for sauna; Craved for grilled beef; dinner @ mcdo; and searched for bioman (trying to bring back childhood days) ; the day was so fine.

It’s a holiday actually, so no work for majority of the offices here in KL. So for a job hunter waiting for something, holiday is not a good idea for it just prolongs the agony of waiting for a possible interview or job offer. I’ve attended an interview 2 weeks ago, the exam was OK, the interview was OK, making me to expect an OK result. Next day after the interview, I checked the jobstreet status and it was viewed 3 times by the employer (2 times prior to the interview and 1 after the interview), making me more excited for the result. I am counting each day, waiting for my fone to ring. Today, before going to bed, I tried to login on my jobstreet account just to check for new postings and updates. I browsed through the job application status, and noticed a status written in red-colored-bold font, “unsuccessful”. The one that I am excited to wait just gave their judgment. Yes, I didn’t get the job. I felt sad the moment I read it and I tried to comfort myself by looking for some online job postings and convinced myself that “there is a better plan for me”.

The process of searching, applying, attending an interview, spending money for the taxi, the waiting; will start all over again; the cycle repeats once again.

Lord God, please give me the courage to face each day - to welcome each morning with hope; a day with a smile and an evening free from worries. I know you have a reason of doing this. Please Lord, I humbly pray to please give me a job that will sustain my families’ needs and my financial obligations; In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

the agony of waiting

March 5, 2009
2:02PM
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It’s been a month since I became officially jobless. My company has forced us to resign earlier than the end of our contract (mine should end March next year). Yeah, I am one of the many victims of the global economic crisis.

I am now inside my room in front of my laptop, searching for a prospective employer, trying to look for a job that fits my qualifications. Yeah, I have been invited for some job interviews, but I haven’t received any reply from them. I am confident that I did well on the interviews, but one thing that I am worried that might be affecting their decision, is that I might be asking a salary that is too high. As we all know, “the world is in crisis” so companies are also doing some measures just to survive 2009. I am now thinking, of asking a lower pay just to get a job, anyway, what is important is I have a job that will keep me going plus some of my other responsibilities.

I am very free right now, that’s why a lot of things are running on my mind. So instead of sleeping or staying in one corner of the room, I opted to put everything in writing – an extension of what I am feeling right now.

I never felt sad during the first month of me being jobless; I have been busy doing my school requirements, watching tv, dipping into the pool, gym, badminton as if I am just taking a luxurious vacation. Now, I am nearing to the 2nd month as a bum, and as each day reaches its end without receiving any email or any call, the cycle of waiting will start again. That’s the reason why I am always excited for the next day, new openings might be posted, employers might review my applications, I might be receiving a call with good news that will set the end of waiting and put the future plans that I have set to “offline” into “online” once again.

But don’t get me wrong that I am losing hope. No, I am not. With the support that is coming from my wife and friends, I am stronger than before. This is just like the test of life that I was able to surpass and able to find happiness later on. This test might have overlapped with the test that I am still trying to finish, but I will make sure to complete each stage and move forward.

Lord God, I know you have plans for each one of us and I will be patiently waiting. You know that I have also a lot of plans and a lot of people to help. Forgive me if have forgotten you during those times of happiness. I am humbly praying to you to please grant my petitions and give me a good job. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.