After I graduated with my master’s degree, it has been challenging to secure a proper job. The job hunting process is not only challenging but also quite exhausting, especially after facing rejection after rejection. I found myself settling for a job that does not align with my values and credentials, purely because I needed to pay bills and put food on the table for my family during tough times.
I’ve taken on a variety of part-time jobs—from interviewing passengers on public transport to selling cured meat during the holidays and even being an extra on TV series or movies. I’ve really been hustling to survive. Currently, I work at a housing cooperative as a secretary/office worker, but that income hardly sustains our monthly needs.
With so many questions swirling in my mind about what I could have done differently, I sometimes wonder if I took the right educational path or if I’m simply not good enough for the roles I aspire to. When I was studying, I had a clear visualization of what I wanted to achieve and the career path I wished to follow.
However, once I completed my studies, I faced the harsh reality of the job market and the immense competition within it. It hit me that success is not given; rather, it requires relentless pursuit and a hunger for one’s dreams. I continually remind myself that all experiences, whether related to work or life in general, possess intrinsic value. Each new situation presents an opportunity to learn something different, and we invariably grow from our mistakes.
During moments when doubt and uncertainty creep in, I strive to remind myself that this is just a phase. It’s a temporary period in my life that I must navigate through, and I truly believe that things will improve in due time. Nevertheless, there are days when the weight of it all feels heavier, particularly given the daunting economic situation that many of us are grappling with. The struggle to stretch limited resources every month can be overwhelming, especially when it seems like there’s hardly anything left to stretch.
I often ponder whether we sometimes apply for positions in the wrong places or at the wrong times. Perhaps we seek opportunities from the wrong people or under unfavorable circumstances, leading to moments of self-doubt and confusion about our career trajectories. What lessons are these situations intended to reveal? What aspects of my character are being developed and strengthened during this challenging time? Is it my patience, my ability to be grateful, or my understanding of my core values that are being refined? Each of these traits seems to be tested in ways I never anticipated.
When I look around and see others achieving their goals—whether it’s landing a dream job, purchasing a house, or traveling —I can feel a sense of stagnation creeping in, almost like a weight that tugs at my conscience. It is not about jealousy, but rather an acknowledgment that I am not that very young anymore, and the relentless passing of time amplifies my aspirations. Each day passes by seamlessly, yet I find myself digging deeper into my own graveyard of worries; the thought of not providing financial stability for my family can be concerning, casting a shadow over my achievements.
However, I remind myself that everyone’s journey is unique, and we all have our own timelines to shine. Just as the sun and the moon have their respective moments to glow in the vast sky, we, too, have our own paths to follow, illuminated by the experiences that shape us. It is essential to trust the process, embrace the unpredictable nature of life, and keep faith that our time will come, allowing us to flourish in our own right.
Throughout this process, I have witnessed significant growth in myself as an individual. My approach and perspective on life have evolved, enabling me to become a better person. I consciously remind myself that rather than being buried under a mountain of challenges, I am simply being prepared for what lies ahead. This preparation is crucial for managing the blessings that will inevitably come my way at the right moment.
Sometimes, we believe we are ready for a particular opportunity, but when that opportunity arises, we might not be equipped to handle it. Life has a way of polishing and refining us, much like how pearls are formed in the ocean. Just as the waves challenge the pearls, our life challenges serve to transform us, shaping us into the individuals we are meant to be.
Ultimately, it’s about embracing the journey, cherishing the lessons learned, and trusting that we are being prepared for our future successes.
Footprints in the sand
One night in a dream,
I walked with the Lord
by the beach.
There were two footprints,
mine and the Lord's.
But during tough times,
I just saw mine and I wondered
why.
So I asked the Lord,
"Why leave me alone when
I was down?"
The Lord said, "My precious child,
I have never left you
during your times of trial
and suffering,
When I saw you only one set of
footprints,
it was then that I carried you.
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