A Moment To Remember- My Career Journey.

I'm writing this while I'm jobless. I left my previous job while no other companies waiting for me to join them. 

But even as I'm writing this, I remember that I'm not defined by my job or my unemployment, nor am I defined by what's listed on my resume or LinkedIn profile. Just as we celebrate our colleagues' new jobs and career breakthroughs, we should remind ourselves that receiving and accepting a job offer or getting a promotion isn't the only part of our career journeys. There are also moments when we quit, when we receive rejections, when we feel a slump in our careers.

Yes, I'm having a hard time. Looking at my savings gradually drop, everyday. As a father of my 4 kids and a husband to a full-time housewife, it is just putting everything at risk- being the only family's source of income. I lost my job by choice. Of course there are stories behind such 'silly' decision.

Across 10 years of my career, this is not my first time yet, this is a moment for me to remember. 

 
I know for sure I'm not the only one or the first one to experience this uncertainty, and I've definitely been comforted by similar posts before. But for anyone who read this and wants to chat, to reaffirm ourselves together, I'd be happy to do so. And if you've read this post all the way through, thank you.

Workplace Politics.

If you are a boss in your company. And one day, a staff under your line sending this into your mailbox, what would you do?

Hi boss,

Hope everything is treating you well. I've drafted this email since months ago since I don't know whether I should tell you or do you even interested to know. Well, eventually, you are reading this.

As far as I concern, I'm doing quite good in serving this company. I involved in things which not my area for exposures. My career grows beyond spanners & screwdrivers. In fact, for the first time, I was invited as a speaker to represent our company and discussions representing our country at regional level.

But, my soul is dying every moment I thought about the working environment.

There's no more respect between the staffs. Bully, backstabbing, self-proclaimed to take credits, pulling down each others to get to the top or to get management's attention. Situation is intense with negative vibes. Like we can fall to any traps that nothing to do with us.

Sometimes, the messages posted in WhatsApp groups were far from reality. We had daily meetings and that even worse.

Everyone seems to be so desperate to get attention. It happens like everyday, anytime. At times, I don't know whether to continue  to serve this company or to make move. I've a feeling that my future would be bright if those things disappeared and we all live in healthy working environment.

I'm counting the days I can return the stuffs I'm holding belongs to company and just leave. My bonding is still running and I hope I have a cash to pay them all so that I don't need to think about it anymore.

Some of my colleagues are outstanding taking care of their jobs to the next level but they are mentally provoked because of their achievement and recognition by management. This is nothing to do with technical or workmanship but purely politics.

Regards,

Your staff.

Or..

If you have something to tell your bosses, what would it be?

Not all people good in politics. Or should us all? I think differently. Some good staffs not even able to stand for him/herself when they were backstabbed. They just nodded or say nothing because they think there's no use for them to say a thing. "People just hated me".

And some others were like 'I don't give a damn' type. They neither the victim, or the 'beast'. They keep themselves away with 'pop-corn', unless their turns come. 

There's few things that caught my attention. Without specify to any company I joined, this situation is almost everywhere whereby, the management don't have any 'check-and-balance' system whenever they have meetings with their downlines. If their staffs (read: beast) tried to tell them something which is hard to comprehend or too technical, they can be tricked easily. Especially when the beast playing victim.

Secondly, no other staffs will intervene and say, "Hey, it doesn't sound like what actually happened. Technically, its wrong" or challenge the statement. It simply because, half of them are 'I don't give a damn' type person, some other think that they want to maintain their relationship as it is - don't bother or I'll spoilt it. And the other group is the victim who can't stand up for themselves.

The drama is everywhere with no good ending. Some are actors, some are puppets. Some are survivors who eventually left the company. Because politics, to each their own. We have choices. 

Bloom Where You Are Planted.

I don't know what others think.

But I guess, I'm doing quite well in Siemens, I would say. I had my jobs done or followed up reasonably every day. I learned new things, talked to people, tried out any opportunities relevant to my career path direction. I had chances to deliver my thoughts and represented my team for some discussions. I was invited to be a speaker by a big, prestigious local University, as the company's representative.

Another one box ticked!

I thanked my superiors who always put their trust on me and being generous for the opportunities & experiences. My career journey is not all about screwdrivers, spanners, and hardware. I loved to convey my ideas, meeting people with all different backgrounds, at all levels so that we know the answer of 'where are we now?'. If we 'syok sendiri', we never know where's the finish lines.

Meeting with our customers from Government Hospital.

Meeting with the PPP.

Even so, I'm not climbing any ladder. I'm just what I need to be since I don't see a way to be what I want to be. And thus, I don't be very specific on my career path. I am just whatever I can be. Just like an odd piece of puzzle finding a space which fits me. A position where I can contribute better to my team, being efficient and effective in healthy environment. That makes me flexible as if one day I'm not serving in biomedical field anymore, or no longer as an engineer.

Career is a chapter of life chapters. Of course I've targets for every single chapter in my life. The chapter called 'Career', has targets. This is one of those. What is next? He knows best! What I can do is put some efforts to bloom where I'm planted.

Training Tour- France, 🇫🇷

2 newly installed of immuno-analyzers hence required me to attend the training. That gonna be my 4th training held in Europe. Hooi Ni, office secretary has e-mailed me the itinerary and the training agenda before she asked me how do I want to proceed. The itinerary was quite good, allowed me to spend some times in Paris, because I know I’d spend the rest of my time in Pouilly, a small town surrounded by castles, walls, canals and agricultural centers with limited public transport facility.

I took an international transfer via Guangzhou Baiyun Airport before I touched down in Paris. Because of the route, the total traveling time was almost 20 hours. Just because I traveled heading the west, it wasn’t that bad. I enjoyed the list of Asian movies on board. I had a handwritten list of attraction places which I’ve finalized after surfed on few websites, and suggested by Taufik too. Taufik has attended the same training a year ago. He was so lucky when the training back then was held over 3 weeks -and he got a day off on one of the Mondays due to public holiday. I didn’t have the same luck but hey, my time was in winter!

Frigid days spent well here. 

Paris, honestly, the railroad system wasn’t easy. I usually survived without asking around how to get here and there but not this time. I, in fact spent more than ½ hour just to find the ‘deposito bagagli’ (left luggage) service at Gare de Lyon station. The symmetrical wings, floors, and exits in the building kept me frowning. After the struggles, I smiled from ear to ear because I knew; the Eifel Tower is just 10 minutes walk from the station, the top Paris attraction.

Fast-forward 9 hours:

No caption 🙄

Signature architecture of The Louvre

Zuhr & Asr at The Grande Mosquée de Paris

Notre Dame from behind. 

Pont Alexandre III 

Mona Lisa with her emblematic smile  

Arc de Triomphe was just few steps away. 

Pont des Arts- Ever heard about the padlock love bridge in Paris? They've been removed and been replaced with new parapets. 

Arc de Triomphe- Still can be seen from miles away. 

Paris was gorgeous, really, but on the second weekend I had, I decided to stay in Pouilly-en-Auxois. Enjoy the nature than the buildings. Furthermore, the cost to get to Paris is relatively high when you converted them into Ringgits. In Pouilly, the main issue was the public transport. The only way for me to get through along the canal conveniently was by a bicycle. I need to get one from the Office of Tourism, just opposite the IDS Training Center.

I and a friend from Turkey, Ĕrdogan rode through the canals, hills, historical castles and villages all day long. Route to Chateau de Commarin & Chateau de Châteauneuf. It was a ~40km ride before we completely flatted on the next day. We had steep climb and descend before those castles. Check it out!

Steep route along the way to the Chateau 

My favourite picture of all time (credit to Ĕrdogan )

The training itself was good. The system we learnt was almost new to me yet I wasn’t struggling to understand the contents. Among the participants, I don’t have any advantage over them. Every single thing is written neatly on the manuals. The best part was, the trainer didn’t do any assessment on us. As long as we able to get the system working after the ‘canibalization’, we entitled the certificate.

Last day wefie. We are all going home in one-piece. All went well 😆

Visiting Erdoğan's room for maghrib prayer.

Arturo, a guy from US. He is one of the good Americans. Survived as US Army, physically and emotionally. He is now working with IDS as engineer (and still serving the military) . Lot things to talk about him but I'm just too lazy. 

This post is probably bland and not really represent my actual feelings as when I was there enjoying every moment. Lot things to tell yet I lost words to describe them fairly but to be honest; Pouilly is one of the best places I ever visited in my whole life. I just loved everything I touched, or even smell. If I got a chance to be in France, I’d choose Pouilly rather than Paris.

Training Tour- Hong Kong

When I first arrived in Hong Kong for my 2-week training, the contrast of the life I had led in Malaysia was overwhelming. I felt suffocated by the crowds I encountered wherever I went. Most of important places are reachable by trains. Thus, their main ‘transportation’ is by their own legs. For the people like me, must be impressed by their efficient train schedules. 2-4 minutes different for every trip for a station- It’s pretty convenient to not have a car! And, since almost all the folk using the trains, they seemed so well educated in using the elevator as well. By default, if you are not in rush, you need to stand on the right side of the elevator. This rule has been ‘programmed’ to all Hong Kong people.

I stayed in L’Hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View on Hong Kong Island. About 1km away, I found a large number of Indonesians along the Causeway Road and occupied the whole Victoria Park like celebrating something. But, no. They were just killing time there in groups doing anything they wanted, only on weekends. Thus, it was easy for me to find halal food around.

It was end of July; the weather was just like in Malaysia. I guessed, I’m gonna have typical chaotic KL life but in Hong Kong. A week passed and it’s time to discover the Island Town. Of course I studied a bit about the nearby attractions and Aberdeen Fishing Village was my first worthy destination. I went to the Central station and took the Bus 70. It brought me to Aberdeen Tunnel after few stops. I tried out the sampan ride (Sightseeing Sampan) and wander around the dried seafood stalls and seafood markets. I can sense the co-existence of modern life which catching up to the old traditions- I checked out some sorts of seafood being bartered away to the seafood restaurants and wholesalers.

Just stand close to this signage, someone will offer you a ride.

Po Toi Island

As I walked along the promenade, I saw a group of tourist queued up for tickets. I stood still for few minutes on the pier before I decided to join them to get aboard to emmm.. I don’t know where! It displayed 3 names of Island on the banner: Lamma Island, Po Toi Island, and Cheung Chau Island. I had difficulty to get explanation from them but the ferry schedule written on the ticket was helpful- it was an Island hopping. Po Toi Island was the first tiny Island, reached after 45 minutes ride. I had a steep climb and descend as well as casual tracking. The views? Check it out:

Snapped by Elpis, perfectionist with her perfection! 😊

Stanley Beach

While waiting for the ferry to fetch us to the next Island, I had a talk with a local Hong Kong lady, Ms. Elpis. She was enthusiast to introduce some attractive places and revised my weekend itinerary. So, instead of going to the other Islands, I eventually alighted to Stanley Beach. It was a good consultation since I can reserve the plans for next day. Elpis accompanied and showed me around before she left to her home few kilometers away from the coast. Besides the beach, the main attraction here was the Stanley Market for picking up t-shirts, keyrings, and other souvenirs. As usual, some items are overpriced. I believed I could get cheaper identical items somewhere else.

My Sunday :')

Yesterday owed me Lamma and Cheung Chau Islands. I geared up for the next adventurous trips as early as 7.30am. This time, I took a different route to Ferry Piers. As I reached the ticket counter, the staff was trying so hard to explain that they are shutting down the service. Yes, just like in some south east Asia countries, English is their second language. Some local people find it a bit difficult in such situation. I can’t get him until another tourist showed up to tell me that actually, typhoon no.8 is approaching. The tropical cyclone warning signals are issued. Once the signal is higher than no.3, all government agencies shut down their operations, including the ferry services. I was just in time to get aboard before the signal triggered. Plans cancelled.

Mong Kok Market

Sky 100

View from the pool. 

Symphony of Light

Elpis was so helpful as she kept updating me with the typhoon thingy via WhatApps. When the uptime of the operations, what are the alternative activities I shall consider. Many thanks, Elpis! Unfortunately, I found my shoes crumbled, and my feet were in pain because of it. I can’t tolerate the pain so yeah, I rest in the hotel for hours before I went up for swimming. That was my Sunday! Nonetheless, my weekend was still wonderful.

Stago Training Room

Dinner treated by trainer @The Peak

The Hospital- The Odd-Old Couple

As a biomedical service engineer, I spend half of my working hours in hospitals. Another half, in car or flights. Most of the time, I deal with machines, not humans. Doesn't it sounds interesting? Because for me, human is way more complicated than machines. Emotions and expressions not measurable. Not even identical to mechanical and electrical things- I've always got the multimeter and gauge with me.

Anyway, living with non-living things makes me believe that human too, is a unique creature. Its just that I isolating myself from crowds. Thus, once in a while, I take chances to talk to strangers. It's a task I giving to myself, every chance I got.

Today, I met a married couple. The husband is 57 y.o, and the wife is 53 y.o. It was a long conversation we had but the last part of the conversation was fascinating.

"We NEVER loved each other".

Brows furrowed. I asked, "what with the 4 sons and 2 daughters?"

"It was a shotgun marriage. It's funny when we eventually managed to get over it. The keyword is responsibility" she added.

The shocked silence in the hallway made her realize she should clarify.

"Well, at times, responsibility could override love. Sex could definitely override love. We are the living proof telling you that, it works".

I nodded, beginning to see her point. The husband agreed. I am still struggling to understand the whole idea. As I walked out leaving them, I affirmed that human is still a unique yet complicated. At the same time, I believe the story is not that simple.

...and the sex thing? Without love? At that age surviving their relationship, what say you?

Training Tour- Germany

As I reached the hotel lobby, a lady slowed her pace and softened her face. She greeted me with her welcoming smile. Mdm. Monika, the owner of the Centro Hotel. We had a casual talk before she received my cash. “My staff is working on your room, someone just checked out. Maybe around 2pm?” Mdm. Monika explained in her most soothing voice. “Okay, any places to suggest while waiting the room ready?” I replied gently with a smile too. “Ehmmmm.. There’s a castle with some sculptures and… nothing much”. Then, I started to walk just to get myself familiar with the town. She was true, nothing much.

The right side of the hotel occupied by residential area.

Looks familiar? Somewhere in Malaysia?

One of the ancient sculptures

About 10pm at night, in front of Selzgold Hotel.

Castle is undergoing maintenance.

 I hadn’t been on a good long walk for months. Alzey was a pleasant place to go while having training in Wendelsheim. It is a cute town with not so much going on. The town is so quiet and occupied with migrants mostly after 7pm. No shopping center or subway, Alzey is just a plain town. Of course I can see some of the ancient sculptures, castle and walls but those are the things that people typically do- preserve them as much as they can. I didn’t feel well, had runny nose and fever on my first day. So, that’s all I got for my first day.

It was summer. I prefer to sleep after Subuh prayer (1.40am) and every 4.30am in the morning, I woke up for shower and wandered around the street. I became a regular customer to a Turkish bread shop. Not to mention the ‘Ali Family’ minimarket, I can get all halal foods as much as I wanted.  I got to know that they are Muslims when I saw the shelf of religious books and al-Quran. I got 1L of apple juice, 1 khabab, 3 plums, and 3 Turkish sweets with €8.00. €8.00 is definitely enough for lunch and dinner if you are not choosy. How heaven! What can I get for RM8.00 in my country? While visiting other countries, I can’t stop comparing, please accept my apology.

The Turkish bread shop selling religious books and al-Quran

Turkish bread shop. From raw wheat to various bread. I can feel the floury fresh bread.

Wendelsheim, the adjacent ‘town’ where the training center is located. I don’t know how to describe Wendelsheim. By ‘google image’, you can imagine what Wendelshiem is. Not really a town or a city. My half-an-hour car riding to Wendelshiem was confusing. Left and right of the roads are wheat fields, wind turbines, scattered houses, and grape fields. Mostly green. They made me hard to memorize the route to the training center. The signboards not really helped for a new comers like us. As I walked out from the Mercedes MPV, t he wind whipped my face so hard, chapping my lips and made them dry. The place is not concentrated with people, thus they never know what peak hour is and why do people hate traffic jam so much. 

Next day was the first day of my training. Knowing that I’m the only Asian and Muslim, it doesn’t made me uncomfortable. I’m here because I wanna be here. It wasn’t difficult to get along with them. I easily made them laugh and they made me LOL too. Some of them were curious about my practices as a Muslim. I made a chance to explain some of the misconceptions about my religion. I wish I can do it more often.

View from the pantry.

Peaceful surroundings

With Mr. Helios

Farewell dinner with technocrats.

As always, the training for engineer was focused on hands-on rather than making notes. As we dissemble and resemble the instrument, we kept the notes in mind, mostly. We touched instrument more than the pen and paper. We shared same background and we enjoyed the whole training concept. We know we are gonna have an evaluation and a test at the end of the session to make ourselves certified to operate and service the instrument, but it didn’t bother me at all. Learn as much as I could.

Immuno Fluorescent Assay (IFA) technology is a new thing to me and thus, it was a fantastic experience. I have something to compare with ELISA which I’ve familiar for years. Factors like result efficiency and effectiveness of the process are comparable. Of course they are so significant. 

My activities were not so much different from day to day. I made more friends and tried varies of local food. On the last day, I felt better than the days before as my flu didn’t affect me so much. During evaluation and test, we were allowed to use all resources we have accept discussion. We were allowed to play with the software, refer the notes, open the instrument, but no discussion. I obeyed. Compared to the tests I had before, this is a little bit tight but I don’t care.

LOL!

Messing around with Mr. Helios.

After half an hour break, the trainer announced the marks for each of us. Surprisingly, the top scorer goes to the only Asian participant from Malaysia. I got one minor mistake and the score was 78/80, 98% in percentage.  I was thinking I flunk as I have zero experience compared to anyone else in that room. Or maybe because of that I was being too focused. I just kept the presence of mind, how to get the high score for the technical quality as well.

Thumbs up!

After business card exchanged, alhamdulillah, all done here. I grabbed my suitcase and it’s time to say “lets meet again” to everybody.