Another Chapter

Three weeks ago, Raine (a friend of mine who recently left IBM and now working in Singapore) asked for my resume as they are in need of people who have recruiting and HRIS background. The next day, she called me up and said that her boss wanted to interview me during the week so I thought that it’s going to be a phone interview since they are based in Singapore. To my surprise, she said that I have to fly to Singapore for the interview and that the airfare and accommodation will be shouldered by their company. Being the traveler that I am, I said yes since I haven’t done anything or gone somewhere yet since the start of summer and everything’s for free anyway. I just thought there was nothing to lose if I go. As things were happening so fast, I consulted my family right away about the job opportunity as windows for migration are already opening. I also asked friends who are working in Singapore and surveyed on how much they normally spend for their needs on a monthly basis as cost of living is more expensive there as compared to what it is here in the Philippines. So I texted some close friends for prayers but I barely got any sleep as I was still thinking about the possibilities. When I got to the office that night, the first thing I saw in my email was my eticket to Singapore and the first person I saw was Robbie whom I discussed the events with. When Jeremy (my boss) arrived at the office, I talked to him right away and filed for a leave and had the resolve to tell him honestly that I’ll be having a job interview in Singapore. He gave me his permission and wished me luck. I even felt guilty because he asked me to go home right away since there was nothing much to do so I can pack up.

I still couldn’t get to sleep when I got home so I decided to pack up. I was able to get a decent sleep and able to wake up at the right time for my last-minute preparations for my flight. I traveled alone and had a flight at past 4 PM then arrived at Singapore 20 minutes before 8 PM. I noticed how clean the city is on my way to the hotel. From there, I was able to meet Matt, Raine’s friend and a former colleague of hers at Lufthansa. I have the same background as his and like me, he is also a candidate for the post I was being considered for.  The meeting was very casual and we were both glad to have known that we both attended the same program in CSB.

The next day was our interview and we had Philip, a British guy, for an interviewer. Matt was the first to be interviewed and told me that it was so simple and that he thought he had more questions for Philip than it was the other way around. When it was my turn, Matt was right as I thought that the interview was candid and was a simple discussion with a few inquiries about my background and my capabilities. Of course there were a few challenges about some points in the interview but in the end, we both agreed on something and told me that he will present a job offer to Matt and myself right away! So it was presented and upon thinking about all major points to consider, I thought that the offer was really promising for myself and for my family, most importantly. The next day, I handed over the signed job offer and started processing my requirements. I was also able to meet Paul and Lee, my closest friends in College who are already based in Singapore.

When I came back to the office, Jeremy was not shocked that I filed my resignation and I really felt fortunate that he was so happy for me and so supportive. The thing is, I never anticipated this opportunity coming nor was thinking about it but it came when I was thinking about so many things like some financial concerns, desire to do something better in my career, working on daytime, having more time to serve in SFC, and all others (relationship??? ). But this just came when I least expected it. Though another tradeoff is that I’ll be living away from my family, Singapore is just 3 hours away from the Philippines so visiting home will be easy and the fact that airfare isn’t too expensive. Ate Jeng and I agreed that it was just an answer to what we just recently discussed. All these can only be attributed to the One who has never abandoned me.

As I only have a few weeks here in the Philippines, I am making a great deal of effort to catch up with my friends and spend more quality time with my family. I am also busy turning over my work to the person replacing me and I will soon start looking for a house where I can stay. I just can’t believe that all of these are happening. Though I am absolutely excited about this new chapter in my life, I can’t deny the fact that I’ll miss a lot of people here. But I know things will turn out right…

At my hotel room

At the merlion

Durian Republic, hehe

With future team mates

With Lee

F1!!!

~ by juandimarco on May 11, 2008.