April 17, 2020
I thought my Friday will be a slow day after my weekly check-in with my boss at 8:30 am. Was I sooo wrong!
One call after the other, one follow up after another. Some crisis management and lesson in negotiating skills in a couple of conference calls. I didn’t get to have lunch until past 2 pm and around 3:30 pm, more emails requiring some answers. I was mentally exhausted at 4:30 pm when another matter came to my attention and I just had to tell one of my colleagues that it’s 4 thirsty on a Friday and time to let go. We will deal with the matter next week.
I do enjoy the pace though and since I’m only in the fifth month in my new job, people are surprised how well I’ve adapted to the issues and challenges. I must admit, I enjoy the challenge. I thrive on it. I enjoy the mental exercise and I find it fun to be able to share my expertise with some of our partners. I’m surprised that some of these people have been in this industry more than half of my life but majority of them look at issues in the same way they’ve always looked at things over those years. I guess I bring a new perspective and most are loving the new inputs.
My advice to those who are currently in the process of looking for a job or just landed a new one. Three things:
- Don’t be afraid to ASK. The worst that you can get is a NO. Don’t be shy to engage others for help if you need one and also don’t be shy to admit what you don’t know. My biggest pet peeve is for someone who pretends they know and then make excuses when they’re not able to deliver what’s expected of them.
- Develop a road map or strategic plan. Whether for your career or for the new job responsibility you’re about to undertake. You’ll see how much clarity you’ll get by just doing the basic SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. It’s your compass, make an effort to develop one. Now that we are sheltered-in-place, go for it!
- Reach out not only to your colleagues but also to your peers in the same industry. Identify potential mentors. You’ll be surprised how many would like to extend their helping hand and provide nuggets of wisdom that could be very useful as you navigate the unknown. Build a circle of advocates. You’ll need all the support you can get.
Now time for some me-time. It’s almost the weekend and I have a Zoom meet up with some friends in Asia right after dinner! It’s going to be a late night!
April 18, 2020
Today I decided to sleep in. No matter how much my lovely pestering kitty, Tara tried to get me off our bed, I didn’t give in. I felt I deserved the break. I didn’t even do my daily meditation nor my HIIT exercise. Today I resolved to be lazy. Well, not really entirely, just a little.
Admittedly, while I was lounging in bed, I was still being efficient. I was filling my Costco shopping cart. Finally, I was able to get a delivery window via Instacart so I had to take advantage of the opening. Shop away! I’m relieved I don’t have to get out and go through the trouble of worrying about my mask, gloves and sanitizer, etc. On weekends, we only do two meals – a heavy brunch and dinner. Sometimes, like today, I decided to make brownies for our afternoon snack.
After brunch, I got a ping that my Costco order was going to be delivered in the afternoon. It’s a pleasant surprise since I thought arrival will not be until tomorrow, Sunday. I love Instacart! I can actually view my cart being fulfilled in real time and can communicate with my shopper, if I want to, while he/she is running the errand for me. Before long, the doorbell rang and I knew it was my order. I opted for a no-contact delivery, so when I opened our door, my shopper, Robert, was just going back down to pick up more items. I also noticed that his wife was with him. She was helping him deliver the items they picked for us. Both were careful with social distancing and Robert was even wearing a mask.
I had mixed emotions. I was glad for us that we didn’t have to go out and expose ourselves and are able to take advantage of a service provided by others. I was also sad and guilty for Robert and his wife. Here they are exposing themselves to probable viral infection, working together, just to make a living. I do recognize the blessing we have – to not have to worry too much, to have the privilege to stay home during these trying times, to still have peace of mind. Others don’t and the disparity is pretty obvious. The pandemic is showing it to us. In the US, 33% of those who’re diagnosed with CoVid19 are African Americans and Latinos follow closely. Both segment of the population are mostly in essential services – transportation workers, restaurant and delivery services, factory and cleaning services and health care workers, to name a few. There’s also the economic and health aspect to the disparity. I sincerely hope that we as humans look at these disparities – not only in the US but across the globe – and find solutions and force our respective governments to effect change for the overall good. As individuals, we also need to educate ourselves and try to make positive changes not only for our own and our loved ones but also for others. Mine today was to give Robert and his wife an extra tip and a positive review.
I’m paying forward. Small incremental steps towards effecting positive changes. It can be done. One human being at a time.
