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 :)