I started my first job in an engineering company in 2002. In my first job, I projected a very unfriendly image of myself as I had this fear of being used or bullied by senior colleagues and clients. Mind you, we were never taught in school the importance of communication and customer service. In 2004, I left to start my own business in 2 areas. First, it was in healthcare industry and second, was a freelance draftsman. Why did I go into that business? Do bear in mind that I never liked doing it. Given to peer pressure and the dream of earning passive income, I pushed myself into those business. In some months, the earnings were good but I started to have doubt in the business or even in myself. Should I or should i not carry on. I pushed myself till I hit my last dollar. That was how stubborn I was.
It was then I told myself that I did my best. What needs to be done has been done. No passion leads to no result, hence it is time to move on.
I started looking for a job. In a short time, I managed to secure a part-time job as a telemarketer for a FujiXerox reseller, Cal'Lite Solutions in Tras Street. My experience as a telemarketer which I took before I entered National Service in 1999 has helped me a lot here.
I was glad that I've secured a job, even though it's a part-time paycheck. However, I do not have money to even spend on travelling. This was the lowest point of my life. I had to borrow $10 from my mother to top up my ez-link card. $10 is not enough for a 2 week's travel by train. I had to tighten my already tight budget. I decided to use the fares on something more urgent, meaning, NOT to take any transportation to office. I decided to walk from Sengkang to Tras Street and walk back in the evening to get home. It was only today that I found out; the distance between Tras Street and Sengkang was 16 kilometers.
I've been walking 32kilometers every day for 6 days a week for 3 weeks! My shoes wore out, my pants was drenched with sweat and my ankles and knees hurt.
While I was walking, I thought about many things. In the beginning, I was angry at myself for stupidly embarking on a silly journey called self-employment and entrepreneurship. After a while, I decided to see my failures in a different light. How did that decision happen? I told myself that everything happens for a reason. I see this daily walk of 32km as a punishment for myself for not trying hard enough. Many times, I had to wipe my tears during those walks. I was drowned in disappointment, anger, bitterness. My weekends was so valuable because it's the only day that I could really rest and ice my joints.
In the fourth week, I got my check. With that check in my hand, I went to the toilet to cry. Sad moment? Well, I'm not sure there's a word to describe my feeling at that point. I cashed the check and took a bus home. That bus trip was so much sweeter.
While I was adjusting my life to the routine, I got called up to the office a few weeks later to meet up with the director, Eddy Teo. Eddy was a nice guy, very driven and has short fuse for non-performance. He complimented me for back end sales that I've made. He asked me if I would want to consider being a full time sales executive. I was thrilled but worried. In the back of my mind, the fear of failing began to roll. I told Eddy that I will need time to consider. Unfortunately, he told me that he is shutting down the telemarketing division and retrenching the whole team. He hopes that I could take up the sales role. After much consideration, I backed out. Got my last paycheck and went home.
I took 3 days to rest and to plan my move forward. I decided to get back to a job to clear my outstanding bills. I bought newspapers daily and looked through the classified section in detail. I was unable to use the internet.My internet connection was disconnected due to late payment.
I needed help. I contacted my good friend, Jiehui and Hui Hua.They are happily married now with kids. They weren't married yet at that time. We were in the failed business together in 2004. They got out early and managed to get back into employment fast. They helped by sending my resumes out to my selected prospective employer. I am so thankful for their help and even today, even though it's almost 10 years since they helped, I've never forget it even a little bit. On my end, I used the old way of application, sending resumes via the conventional mail.
2 weeks later i got a call for an interview. Had 2 interviews in one day from the same company and started work 3 days later.
I worked for that company for 3 years, and in those 3 years, I rose from a systems controller to a team leader then to an Account Manager. I believe those painful walks has made me more driven to achieve. In 2007, I turned a money-losing project to profit generating contract. That achievement raised my profile in the company.
Till today, my belief that 'everything that happened will lead to somewhere' remained strong. That walk has taught me humility, respect, compassion and love. This is, indeed, a valuable experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment