2014 - New Perspectives

The onset of the Year 2014 brought with it New Hopes for Old Dreams. As the clock neared the Witching Hour, I cannot help but look back at the year that was and look forward to what things await me.


Looking out the balcony, I can see a dark landscape being lit intermittently by colored flashes of fireworks. Soon, the countdown will be over and the gloom will settle in once more. There are yet things to sort out...

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Yep. Even today, almost two months after, these things remain unsorted, pushed farther back in the inner recesses of my brain where the daily struggle do not get entangled with them. Indeed, I am entangled...

I do not know exactly how but I ended up with an Executive Assistant job. There 
were many instances I could have packed up and run - but I remained... Actually, in a limbo because I do not even know what's in it for me...Only that I am needed to clear things...

                                                                        **********


Just look at the bits and pieces I put together from my recent job station...I had to provide some guidance to applicants because a lot were being swept under the rug. So, I wrote to prevent further demise:

Consider these guidelines for the next time you apply:

• Be simple and direct. It does not help to use my name to endorse. In fact, it will help to get you eliminated. The hiring manager dislikes endorsements, specially the undue use of my name. Only your samples will get you in.

• Consider cultural differences. Additional flamboyance or display of English proficiency will be taken as bragging, presumption or worst, challenging the capacity of the hiring personnel. This specifically applies to technical jobs.

• Once shortlisted, be prepared to wait for an interminable time to be picked up. Remember you are in queue, and many applicants are waiting to get in line.There is no guidance on the length of time an applicant is interviewed. 

• Patience will get you in the door and make you stay on the job. So, remember to cultivate it from the start of your application. Even after you are picked up, just be glad for the chance, and never express your pent up emotions. It will go down as a red mark in your record. 

• The recruitment procedure can be improved, but remember the "power of hiring" is in the opposite end of the dividing line. Unless you put up your own hiring agency, you cannot change the rules of the "hiring game".

For your personal development and success."*********

The roses I had received last February 14 eased up my heartache somewhat...