It's 2004! Happy New Year!

Blog Update
It's been some time since I've updated this blog. I don't feel bad about it, because I've realized a long time ago that it is better to update it when I want to, not when I feel obligated to or write simply to take up space. In fact, that was the reason why I finally decided to end my last blog.

I have been writing in my diary, albeit not as frequently as I intended. It has its benefits since I could write names and tell stories which are too personal to tell online (or if I reveal too much information, it might just come back to haunt me later on). And, of course, there are some things that I wish to keep personal.

Job/Career

There have been many changes since my last few entries. I started a job almost a month ago in a different field.

At that time, I had two job prospects. One is in IT (my field of study) and is considered my "dream" job. The company's ideals and philosophies align with my values, and the hours/benefits are similar to those at my last job. It's the type of work that I hoped to get when I first decided to pursue my degree in Computer Information Systems. It was as perfect a match as it could possibly get.

The hiring manager was looking for someone with my experience and background. I, on the other hand, was genuinely interested in the position. I had only recently resigned from my last job out of necessity and was not yet looking for a job just for the sake of having a job. I knew how THAT felt though, since I was unemployed for some months after my college graduation. It gave me an understanding that I might not have otherwise if I had gotten a job immediately after graduation. The taste of being unemployed is one I hope I shall never forget (even in good times).

Anyway, the hiring manager and I got along surprisingly well. I knew the hiring manager wanted to hire me, but it was just not meant to be. The VP of Operations decided to put the position on hold, as they are going through organizational changes. Still, I take some comfort to know that I must have done something right to be invited for the interviews. They had received over 400 resumes and interviewed three (I was the third and the last). Maybe I should've been angry that the company didn't figure out if the position is approved before they start the interviewing process, but I'm not. After all, I've really enjoyed the interviews...

Luckily for me, I have been interviewing at another company concurrently and was given a competitive offer. I had a pleasant conversation with the HR person, and I think she was surprised to hear that I have received another offer (given this economy). She told me that if I ever see this position relisted and if it's not working out at my job, then I should feel free to contact her *directly*.

If the scenerio indeed happens, I honestly don't know what I'd do. On one hand, I feel a sense of loyalty to my current employer. After all, they hired (or invested) in me, right? On the other hand, could I pass up an opportunity if it falls on my lap? My dream job, no less? Now, is this what is considered an ethical dilemma? :) Obviously, there are lots of other variables to consider - do I get along with my coworkers? do I like my job? is there career growth? I wonder...but maybe things would be clearer when/if I'm in that position to make that decision? Fortunately, I don't have to. :D

Movie
I watched the Return of the King and loved it! I have been looking forward to December every year for the last two years...and now that it's over, I can't help but feel a hint of sadness in my heart. Still, I've purchased the books to read at my leisure. In fact, I finished The Hobbit this weekend. I've never read it before, and it's a dandy good adventure book! Maybe I'll write more on this and the movie when I have time...

New Year Resolutions
I don't believe in New Year resolutions and don't make them. Still there are some things that I'd like to remind myself:

- I ought to be brave and try out more new things; meet more people
- Be kind (and no, that doesn't mean I am a mean person now. At least I hope not). ;)
- Travel
- I have a beautiful picture frame given to me from my sister on my birthday this year. I keep it on my bedside table, and it has the quote, which I hope to remind myself often: "May God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things that I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference".

Here's to a safe, healthy and happy new year!

Posted 3:40 PM by hiu k.