Job Hunting 101

Ang Hirap Maghanap ng Trabaho. *BOW*

It's been six months since I was last employed. And man, do I miss working! I had to quit teaching for health issues and I was thinking that time that it's for my own good. Well, was it really? REALLY? Anyway, I missed blogging. I was hoping I could blog about something good or something I'm excited about, but unfortunately, life in Jeddah is not how I was really expecting it to be. 

SAUDIZATION. VISIT VISA. & A WHOLE LOT OF DRA-MUH.

Have you ever heard of the saying, "some things happen at the wrong place and at the wrong time?". Well, that's how I will describe my 2 month (almost) stay here in Jeddah. I am here on a visit visa and yes, I am having a hard time looking for a job. In this case, ANY job will do. I will not be picky anymore since I don't really have a choice. In a country wherein Filipinos are mostly Nurses, any medical related jobs, or engineers (and the like), I practically have to swim my way in finding a good paying job, regardless of the job itself.

FIRST SCAN. October 10, 2011. That was my first day in First Scan, a Private Radiology Clinic here in Jeddah and I am accepted as a Physician's Assistant. Salary-wise, not so. But the work itself, it's okay. I mean if you're the type of person who's okay with not doing anything and just waiting for the doctor to finish her work, then this is definitely a GREAT job for you. I've met great friends, even if I assume to be the youngest in the group, they welcomed me and I really appreciate it. But, unfortunately, as much as I would love to work with them longer, I had some issues with the clinic. (NOT NEGATIVE ISSUES) It's just that since I am on a visit visa, I am NOT allowed to work in whatever way here in Jeddah. I was just lucky enough that my employer allowed me to work for them. But apparently, I had to quit. The work schedule (broken time), my visa, the WORK itself. It's killing me. I had to give it up and start looking for a job that will actually provide me a working visa. So there, I lost my first job here in Jeddah. 

After First Scan. I was really hoping that when I resigned from First Scan, everything will be easy or should I say, I will be able to find a job quickly. But apparently, as much as there are A LOT of good opportunities, I always get rejected for two reasons: I AM ON A VISIT VISA and their SAUDIZATION POLICY. 

Saudization refers to the national policy of Saudi Arabia to encourage employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector, which, as of 2006, was largely dominated by expatriate workers from Southeast Asia and to a lesser extent with western expatriates. (Wikipedia)

It is really frustrating to hear from the Bosses that they like me and would really want to hire me but unfortunately they can't because of my status. I am devastated. I admit I lost hope. I was rejected three times. And that was not a good feeling, believe me. But then again, I need to stand firm on my FAITH that God did not allow me to travel a thousand miles away from home just for me just to sit around and sleep all day. He has a perfect plan for me. I just have to wait. 

And Yes, I am STILL waiting in VAIN. Waiting is the hardest part of my job hunting here in Jeddah. I am always anxious that someone might call me on my cell phone, anxiously waiting for a reply or a news from my mom every time she comes home. It's again, another FRUSTRATION. But the good part is, although it's painful to wait for uncertainty, my God is an awesome God and He always reminds me that I should not worry. He teaches me how to be humble and patient in times like this. I should stand firm and I should be strong not only for myself but also for my mom who did everything to help me and support me. So even if it will take a while before I actually get a permanent job, I will not give up. Even if they keep on saying that my application won't be processed, I will not be shaken, for it is written: "I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a bright future." Jer. 29:11. 

You just can't have it all. I am human. As much as I don't want to feel pain, frustrations, and rejections... I feel them, I experience them. So what should a human do in times like this? I can only think of one thing: PRAY. And of course, do your part by not giving up. I have a couple of applications in my mom's hospital as an admin. assistant, I've received good feed backs from the employers, but until I haven't received any final decision... I am still on the rocky side. I still have to earnestly pray for it and desire it with all my heart. I know after this humbling experience, I will be able to get the job that I deserve. You just can't have it all. And I honestly think that working abroad is that easy since you earn big. It's actually very hard and I must say I am in awe on how OFW's were able to stay here for a very long time.

So my pursuit of finding a job here in Jeddah is still not over. It's actually way from over, but I won't give up and I will keep on trying even if it takes a lot of rejections but at least in the end, I tried. I may have failed a few times but I know I will succeed one day. Some day. God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and faith, but definitely it's worth the wait.

For those who actually paid attention in reading my blog, thank you. If you are experiencing the same problems, always bear in mind: I have a BIG God and He's bigger than any of my problems. I am not being self-righteous and all, it's just that in times like this, you gotta have faith. Faith can move mountains. and if you have faith, YOU can do too. :) 

Just a few verses to lighten up our day: 

 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Til my next blog. Thanks for reading. God bless :)  

FALCON.

RAIN DROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD.

I bet my life that everyone right now is freakin' pissed already with Falcon. Yes, I am guilty of always praying for rain so that it won't be that hot and humid here in the Philippines (haha!) but c'mon... it's been raining for like 4 days already! I love the bed weather but this storm is not only affecting my life but better yet... it's affecting the lives of thousands of people stranded, left without a home, lost a loved one or rather lost his/her own life. 

I just feel sad. I am hopeful that this rain will stop or rather it will lessen nalang. Hoping that people who's living on the affected areas are safe and dry. My prayers are with you. The hardest part of a calamity is losing someone you love, I just hope no one looses someone today. 

Please Mr.rain, please be nice. 

Good morning everyone! :)

There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

Can I GO now?

I just want to leave this place. 

Can I just go now? Please. #desperate. :|

LOVE hurts

WARNING: If you don't like reading blogs that are too emotional... Don't even dare read this. :)

Okay, so it all started with the rain, FALCON... AGAIN, umuulan na naman! Constant raining talaga gives me the inspiration to write. HAHA! 

Sometimes, Love just ain't enough... TRUE?

"It's amazing what people do for love, and it's even more amazing what love does to people."

How do we forget about the person we love? How do we move on? When is the right time for us to say that we've already moved on and that were totally FINE and ALRIGHT with the idea of being friends again with your ex? Well, good question huh. I'm no love guru, and definitely I can't say that I've moved on already from my break up with my long time boyfriend of 7 years... I myself can't answer all my questions. I am actually looking for a sensible person to tell me that I should stop hoping and start moving. 

Yes, we've had good days. happy days. I loved him so much that it came to the point that I can't let go of US anymore. but come to think of it, until when will I wait for our relationship to work when I know deep inside it is doomed to end... We are no longer "happy happy". We are happy but amidst that happiness, it is enveloped by sadness and constant arguments. I am guilty of always being this "mood swinger-bipolar-nagger girlfriend" and he is guilty of always jerking around with his buddies. 

I think you've heard of the "7 year itch". Is this the itch that we've been waiting for? (no, I didn't wait for it, it just came... unexpected actually.) The moment I thought everything's fine and that were going along soooooo WELL... all of a sudden, THIS happened. The ITCH that will never be removed from our bodies, heart and soul (okay... duhrama. sorry) 

I love him, he loves me... but is it enough to say that we are a loving couple?! It's not that our 7 years together will be considered as a waste of time... It's just that everything happens for a reason. and I know, there is a reason why we broke up.

Right now, I'm still feeling glitches of pain from time to time. I just want this past experiences eventually be just a distant memory.. and I can't wait to finally say: Past is past, let's all look forward to a brighter future. That not all things in life evolve around one person... we can be happy just by simply being happy with simple things around you. Not because, there is this one person who makes you happy. I'd rather be single for now... I know God has a better plan for me. 

Okay, I'm done. thank you. sorry for all the non-sense. Just needed to release all the negativity I've been feeling for the past few hours. :( 

Adios! Happy rainy season! :)

Tuwing Umuulan… at Kapiling ka ♥

Napaka-orihinal ng title ng blog ko. Haha! Nagising ako ng pasado alas-sais y media kanina at paikot-ikot nalang ako sa kama, naghahanap ng magandang posisyon para makatulog muli. Ngunit kahit anong ikot at yapos ko sa aking mga unan, tila ‘yung ingay at wasiwas ng malakas na ulan sa labas ng aming bahay ang nagsisilbing alarm clock ko at sinasabing “hoy, gumising ka na!”… At syempre, ako naman si uto-uto, gumising naman. Haha!

Dilat na ang mata at diwa, handa na muling harapin ang hamon ng panahon at ng araw na ito nang maisipan kong.. ang tagal ko na palang di nagsusulat. As in, parang Pebrero pa ang huling sulat ko sa blog ko. Masyado kasi akong naging busy at nawalan na ko ng panahong magsulat. Nakakamiss din pala. Etong ulang ‘to lang pala ang magsisilbing inspirasyon ko para magsulat muli. Hahaha!

ULAAAAN.

Masarap talaga pag umuulan. Ramdam na ramdam mo iyong lamig ng panahon, ang sarap lang matulog at tumambay sa bahay, uminom ng mainit na kape o hot choco, kumain ng pandesal o tuyo with sinangag… Ang mga simpleng bagay na hindi natin napapansin kapag maaraw, nabibigyang-puna natin kapag umuulan. Kagaya ngayon na kasalukuyang ako palang ang gising sa bahay namin, ang dami kong naiisip, in English, daydream.

SPEAKING OF DAYDREAM…

 Naaalala ko ang nakaraan (alam niyo na siguro kung ano iyon), eto nanaman yung part na kakanta si Imelda Papin ng “SAAN, SAAN AKO NAGKAMALI??!” Hanggang ngayon, nalulungkot parin ako… sabi nga nila ang relasyong binuo sa pundasyon ng pagmamahal, mahirap bitawan at mahirap palitan. Sa tingin ko totoo siya… dahil hanggang ngayon, kahit hindi na kami nagkakausap o nagkikita; andoon parin yung lungkot na minsan naiisip mo nalang… “Sana wala nalang nangyari para Masaya parin ako ngayon.”  Pero, dahil sa nangyaring ito, natuto akong maging matatag. Pinaninindigan ko ang mga binitiwan kong salita at mas minahal ko na ang sarili ko higit sa lahat. Natuto din akong magpatawad at unti-unti ko naring kinakalimutan ang pait ng nakaraan. Sa tagal din naman naming nagsama, marami din kaming masasayang alaala. Sa ngayon, sinisikap kong magpakatatag at mag-move on… sa tulong ng mga taong nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit sa akin, alam kong ito’y isang pagsubok lamang para mas magtiwala ako sa Diyos at sa sarili ko.

Bukod sa aking ngayong non-existent lablyf, naaalala ko din ang mga kaibigan kong malamang eh mahihimbing parin ang tulog ngayon at kung kailan ang aming susunod na gala… hahaha! Inaaalala ko rin ang parking skills ko na hanggang ngayon gusto ko paring ma-perfect! Napakasaya ko kapag ako na ang nagmamaneho ng kotse namin, pakiramdam ko matured na matured na ako! Haha! J Sabi ko nga sa status ko sa twitter at fb kagabi: 

Driving is the best medicine for the sad/lonely/happy heart. totooo naman diba?

Isa pang sumasagi sa isip ko ngayon ay ang realidad na kabilang na talaga ako sa mga Pinoy na jobless … unemployed. Saklap noh? Noong nilisan ko ang pinaka-mamahal kong institusyon alam kong ang kapalit nito ay ilang buwang magbuburo ako sa bahay at maghahanap ng pagkakaabalahan. Nakakalungkot lang na minsan kasi nauubusan na ko ng gagawin eh mag-iisang linggo palang akong walang trabaho! Hahaha! Pero kahit pa nga ganto ang kalagayan ko, nagpapasalamat parin ako sa Maykapal dahil alam kong may mas maganda siyang plano para sakin. Kailangan ko lang ibukas ang aking puso at isipan sa mga posibilidad at oportunidad. J (ANG LALIM! Nosebleed)

HANDA NA BA AKO?

Marami pang bagay na pwedeng mangyari. Kailangan ko lang ihanda ang sarili ko sa mga pagbabago. Hindi ako pwedeng palaging ganIto na natatakot lumabas sa kanyang comfort zone. Kung gusto kong maging tunay na masaya sa lahat ng aspeto ng aking buhay, kailangan kong maging bukas sa mga pagbabago at mga matitinding hamon ng buhay  na ibabato sa akin (parang biggest loser lang! haha) Kailangan ko mag-umpisa ngayon. Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa? Sasama ka ba sa akin o magpapaiwan ka lang din? Ang buhay natin ay hiram lang, hindi natin afford ang paulit-ulit na magkakamali. 

We should learn to conquer ourselves if we want to touch the lives of others. Learn to love ourselves more before we can learn to love and appreciate others. Learn to accept mistakes and learn from it. Learn to live like were dying so everyday will always be a new adventure for us. :)  Magandang umaga po! :)