A year after graduation

Two days ago marks the one year since I graduated from college and in that one year, a lot of things have happened. A lot of changes. A lot of good and not-so-good events that help mold one's life.

In that one year, I've had some pretty rough times dealing with those changes. Immediately after graduation, I left for the USA. Pretty much after that, I spent time adjusting to the changes in life. I had to set up myself here, make a home out of a house that was an empty space. Though I was a bum for a few months, I had to look for a job during that time. I hardly got anything. And then, in September 2004, came the trashiest of all jobs I ever took - Macy's. Back then, I was desperate. I knew I needed to build my resume and get work experience so I went for it. I stayed there for 3 months but those were agonizing 3 months of going to work, standing around, being nice, kissing ass, and all that crap. I hated it. Seriously. I hated it even more when customers stand around and treat you like dirt.

Then came a big break in December 2004. I got a job in some employment/staffing agency that turned out to be another hellhole. I ended up staying there for only a week because my boss was such a slave-driver with hardly any compensation. The nature of my job was also horrible.

Days later, I found a new job working in an Italian furniture company. I thought this was where I would stay. Though it wasn't really exactly the kind of job I wanted, the pay was good and it wasn't as stressful as the others were. Unfortunately, the people I worked with sucked. There were some high-nosed Italian people over there and I was very uncomfortable. I knew they didn't like me and they had to let me go in one of the worst moments in my life. They did it during the death of my grandfather and also the death of my dream.

I then spent some weeks languishing in a pitiful state mourning over those losses. Fortunately, a small break came in when my second cousin offered me a temporary two-week job at Panalpina. Originally, it was supposed to be just one week but they extended me for another.

With regards to that job, that was the one I really loved. It was an office setting, a cubicle-and-computer kind of thing. It was quiet and the people I worked with were such wonderful people. It totally rocked. There was also no specific time of coming in, either. I was just told to come between 8 and 9 AM and that was it. Otherwise, nobody bothered me with work and I just chugged along, enjoying the time I had there.

The time came when I wasn't renewed and I had to leave. Apparently, the company couldn't pay me anymore. It was just added expenses on their part. I then spent a few days babysitting for my cousins Keith and Kay and earned a little amount for it (it wasn't necessary but my Uncle was generous about it). About that time, I got a call from my present job at Franklin Covey and that leads me to where I am today. I like and enjoy the company of the people I work with and the company is terrific, along with the pay and benefits that come with it. So far, it has been a journey.

When I look back at what had happened and what I went through, I sometimes wish that life was much more simpler, much more satisfying. I wish I never had to go through all the crap I went through. But in the end, crap like this brings out the best in us. And sometimes, crap like this can be beneficial too. Out of all of this, I made a few good friends that still are with me today. And I'm glad for that.

Here's to another year of crap!