Working Circles

Saturday, May 16, 2009

There's a ton of lessons to be learned from working in the world of corporations. You learn so much about life. You learn so much about others. And more importantly, you learn so much about yourself. To sum up one of the lessons I've picked up...

"Your daily surroundings are currently changing. Perhaps your circle of friends has already undergone a major change. The fact is that you no longer have so many prejudices about the people you meet, and no longer seek out only a certain type of person as a friend. You accept whoever comes along. You may not realize it, but your attitude is completely different now from what it once was."

After 4 years of working outside, my views/thinking have changed - in the positive direction - tremendously.

That should be good for me, right?

First Love

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Love can be an ugly, confusing and complicated affair practiced by fools. It'll trample your heart and leave you bleeding on the floor. And what does it really get you in the end…nothing but a few really incredible memories that you can't ever shake. The truth is, there's gonna be other guys out there. I mean, I hope. But I'm never gonna get another first love. That one is always gonna be him. And I won't have it any other way."

Why do some love have to end?

Survivor

Monday, November 24, 2008

I'm done taking the diplomatic route at work. I'm so over it. It frustrates me how some people can be too inconsiderate and self serving at times. Everyone seems to have their own agenda. Screw the opinions and perceptions they have of me. If they couldn't care a rat's ass about me then why should I care too? It's about time that I start fighting for myself because who else will? I'm not a war freak at all. I'm not much of a complainer either. Most often than not, I'm too apathetic and indifferent - to a fault pa nga eh. As my sister says, you have to choose your battles. In a way, I'm like that also. I fight only if it's something that I feel strongly about, only if it's worth it.

I had to deal with a difficult boss in my previous job. It was more personal then; something that went beyond office walls and hours. This time around I have issues at work albeit it's nothing personal - yet. So for now, I'd like to think I'm still better off. But looking back and even amidst all these issues, I don't think I'll ever want to trade it back for my old job. Hell no. Ibang usapan na kasi if may halong personalan na. Well I guess it's part of the job to deal with difficult people from time to time. As a result of recent events, I'm learning to be more assertive and straightforward. I don't think I can please everyone anyway so why bother? Some people are really pushing me to the limits. I was never the type who'd thrive on conflicts and issues. In fact, I try to avoid conflict as much as I can but I think I'm now forced to assert and defend myself lest I get left behind or worse, get ran over.

Of course, I still try to do right thing without going all gung ho. However, I don't think being nice will do me any good in this dog eat dog world. It's survival of the fittest out there, being nice just won't cut it anymore.

Happy 27

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I find birthdays overrated; well particularly mine only. (Note: I don't know what Clarisse's stand on this is. I can only speak for myself, hehe). To me, it's just a normal day; nothing special whatsoever about it. However, I'm happy to be celebrating my birthday this year. None of the whole shebang though, just simple and lowkey - just the way I like it. :)

I just turned 27 years old today (Clarisse also) and whatta year it has been! You know what's weird? Day to day nothing seems to change but pretty soon everything changes. It's funny how God throws little surprises your way when you least expect it. I guess I can only wish for better things to come.

Working Class

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Just 7 months into my new job and work is bordering on toxic levels already. I'm actually quite surprised to find myself still slugging it out despite my disappointments and frustrations. There's just too much work to do with so little time and resources. Sometimes I wonder how me and my officemates are still able to joke around despite the overwhelming workload and system inefficiencies and limitations that are well beyond our control. Nakakapagtaka talaga in a positive way. Being able to constantly laugh together even at the most trivial and mundane of things at work can be quite refreshing actually. I try not to let work affect me. I no longer try to take on the role of super achiever. I only do what I can do. After all at the end of the day, it's just work. It is what it is.

Dummy Choices

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Sometimes it feels as if what I want doesn't even matter anymore.

Sometimes I wonder if there really is ever such a thing as freedom of choice?

It's funny how you're being asked to choose or decide on your own but in reality, you don't really have a choice to begin with. It's as if a predetermined choice is already expected from you.

Making a choice entails the consideration of many factors. Making a choice involves the collaboration of both the heart and mind. Making a choice means that you are taking full responsibility for whatever consequences or repercussions. Making a choice may create fear, doubt and uncertainty but nothing in life is certain anyway. We can never know or predict the outcome. Making a choice is a risk in itself.

While the experiences and wisdom of others may be helpful, ultimately it is still your life to live, not theirs.

So hopefully someday if not now, we'll all find the courage to make choices regardless of how others may react, regardless of what others may say, regardless of the doubts and uncertainties. Regardless period.

More importantly, may we all have the courage to follow our hearts.

Life is too short to live on choices made by others for us.

Dare to Be

Saturday, June 21, 2008

I'd like to share a meaningful text from a friend slash officemate. I took the liberty of adding some personal touches so here it goes...

Some words to live by...

"Always live the life you want to live, be the person you can be proud of. Make decisions, make mistakes. If you fall, you fell because you tried. No regrets. You win some, you lose some. You can't win them all. You can't please everyone no matter how hard you try. Find reasons to be happy instead. Love yourself, help yourself and then some. Embrace the total dork in you because life is too short to be always cool. You are what you are, and a whole lot more if you want to."

Got Complimented

Friday, June 20, 2008

Natuwa naman ako. I received a nice compliment today. I was caught off guard, actually. I was surprised because I wasn’t feeling particularly good about myself. More so, I was just sporting a plain white shirt and jeans. Hmmm, I think it was one of the sincerest of compliments I’ve received. He said he just wanted to say it, no strings attached. I said thanks for making me smile, no strings attached too; to which he replied that he simply wanted to compliment me - not for anything else and in all honesty, it wasn’t even meant to make me smile.

Sometimes the nicest of compliments are those that are least expected. It goes to show that a simple compliment can go a loooong way. No need for flowery words, really. It doesn't even have to mean anything (i.e., it can actually be platonic).