On Becoming

by

So I resigned from work two months ago. I remember the last time I resigned. I used terms like “walking on water” and stuff. I guess I’ll use it again. I’m walking on water. Taking a risk. Newness is always a risk.

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I’m excited about my new job. I’m also scared. But most of all, I’m really happy the opportunity came at the right time. I feel giddy all the way to my toes.

But how do you say goodbye to six years? Six wonderful years with officemates who’ve turned friends turned family? Well, you don’t. You just take a deep breath, close your eyes and say, “Thank you.”

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To my officemates who are reading this blog right now, go back to work. Haha! 😉 Thank you for the surprise despedida. Thank you for making time to be with me at the party. Thank you for believing in me and enabling me to grow with you. I couldn’t have asked for a better work family the past years.

My Mom once told me, “Don’t waste those talents! Don’t waste that intelligence!” She gave me that advice when I was a stubborn 12-year-old. I didn’t want to skip a grade because I’d miss the friends I’d leave behind. Right. Where are those friends now? Haha! I still follow it now that I’m 30. I still follow it every time I need to push myself more. Moms always know best. Thank you Mama!

So anyway…

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I’ve grown a lot since ’98, the year I started working. My career has contributed a lot to who I am now. And I can say I’m very happy with where I am in my life. I’m very thankful for all my mentors. I’ve learned a lot, and continue to learn tons. I’m happy my career allowed me to explore my passion for writing and creativity. Who knows what the next ten years in my career will be? I hope they will be as fruitful as the first ten years.

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And there are so many things I still want to do. I want to start a family. There were many hindrances the past five years, but slowly I can see the barriers going down. There’s something different about 2008. My friends and I call it The Year of Movement. I sense that many more things will move for the better in my life. Perhaps we will start with a family this year. Perhaps we will find a permanent home. Perhaps, perhaps.

I do feel like I’m standing on the edge of something big. I’ve already taken a leap of faith. My family and friends have taken a leap with me too. It’s comforting and exciting.

I can’t wait for the second half of the year to begin.

Images from PostSecret. Mosaic by me.

25 Comments on On Becoming

  1. rolly
    May 14, 2008 at 2:32 pm (16 years ago)

    The only way that one can go places is by taking the first step. Nevermind if it has to be done on water. Imagine what wonderful outcome it would be should you succeed. And you shall!

    The Berks have been such a great support system too. Thank you Tito R.

    Reply
  2. jojo
    May 14, 2008 at 3:03 pm (16 years ago)

    wow, ang daming bago sayo Sis. all the best on all your new adventures!!! i hope i’ll get to visit you more often :)

    Maraming salamat Jojo. I learn a lot from the people around me as I go my way. Thank you thank you.

    Reply
  3. odette
    May 14, 2008 at 9:31 pm (16 years ago)

    quitting a job takes a lot of courage.
    stay strong toni, you’re doing just great!

    way to go girl!!!

    Thanks Odette! It was tough to let go but I had to do it to make room for more opportunities too! I’m so excited with the next step in my career. :) Thanks for the support.

    Reply
  4. abby
    May 14, 2008 at 9:43 pm (16 years ago)

    i’m sure hindi lang perhaps yan ate, it will happen Toni, You will make it happen! :)

    Good luck on the new job, i’m sincerely very happy for you! bagong (virtual) bahay, bagong work – talagang when it rains, it fours! 😛

    Thank you abs! I’m quite excited about this year. While it’s mid-year in a few weeks, I feel like it’s a brand new year. Haha. Thanks for the good cheer at sana four lang nang four ang blessings!

    Reply
  5. justice
    May 14, 2008 at 10:12 pm (16 years ago)

    toni, people who know how to live life in its positivity deserve to move forward.

    your mom knows what you’re really made of and she’s betting all the way!

    good luck with the changes and stay strong for the challenges!

    Thank you so much Justice! The support of friends and family keep me going!

    Reply
  6. Majik
    May 14, 2008 at 11:48 pm (16 years ago)

    Congratulations and Good Luck, Toni.
    I’m sure you’ll do just great!

    Reply
  7. J.
    May 15, 2008 at 12:01 am (16 years ago)

    Warm wishes from the other side of the world on what’s bound to be a great second half of the year for you! I loved reading your post – it inspired me to surge on in my own life – because I also got a new post at work (hence the intermittent blogging – so busy!) which I’m nervous and excited about and this year really DOES feel like The Year Of Big Things. I can feel change — good change — in the air every morning when I get up. It’s been 10 years out of college, and it’s about time. :) Good luck, Toni!

    Reply
  8. batjay
    May 15, 2008 at 1:34 am (16 years ago)

    leaving your old job for a new one is like starting a new blog. it’s like moving to a new country. it’s like getting married. it’s like starting all over again. clean slate – beginnings, a new chapter.

    it’s always full of promise.

    Thank you for always being so supportive Batjay!

    Reply
  9. dyanie
    May 15, 2008 at 3:08 am (16 years ago)

    Hi Tonigirl! Goodluck to your new career! Kayang kaya mo yan! :) Just keep the faith! 😉

    Thank you for the encouragement Dyanie!

    Reply
  10. mari
    May 15, 2008 at 5:34 am (16 years ago)

    good luck, toni.

    i miss that building, too. i spent 5 long years working for my previous employer. i miss my friends aka former co-workers. but remember, when opportunity arises, we have to grab it. friends will be there. opportunity doesn’t.

    Yes, so true. While I will miss the many friends I’ve made here, I wasn’t here primarily for the friendship. :) Besides, we can still catch up with them even outside office walls. Thanks Mari.

    Reply
  11. drunkenlily
    May 15, 2008 at 5:56 am (16 years ago)

    welcome a beautiful beginning :) all the best of luck toni!

    Thank you! I am very excited!

    Reply
  12. chelle
    May 15, 2008 at 8:01 am (16 years ago)

    I always love your posts. And I so loved your Mom’s advice I wrote it on my handy notebook! Good luck Toni! :)

    Thank you Chelle! And I’ll tell my Mom you wrote her advice down too. 😉

    Reply
  13. ibyang
    May 15, 2008 at 8:35 am (16 years ago)

    oh i love changes because i love beginnings :)
    and i’m so happy for you toni for the new changes in your life this year.

    while i was reading your entry, i was reminded of how it was when i left my life in the phils in 2005 to start a new life here in sydney (just like you, I was also with my former company for 6 years—ang hirap umalis ng ganun na para na talaga kayong family diba?). mixed emotions talaga. sad to “leave the old life” and yet excited and happy to start anew in a differenct country. and of course there is fear. but remember, change is never easy but it does have great rewards for people who take the leap of faith. so my friend, I will take that leap of faith with you.

    Thank you Ibyang for the kind, kind wishes!

    You totally understand what I’m going through! The company has been my 2nd family. I was very blessed because I did enjoy my stay very much and they were very kind to me!

    And thank you for taking this leap of faith with me.

    Reply
  14. pat
    May 15, 2008 at 9:36 am (16 years ago)

    lots of luck on this career change. Once in a while we should get out of our comfort zones. Many times, it brings us a lot of good.

    What you said about getting out of our comfort zones is very true. They’re quite homey, but we do need to spread our wings eventually.

    Reply
  15. the husband
    May 15, 2008 at 9:55 am (16 years ago)

    Congrats on this new blog! And congrats on this new career! We too are going through changes. And if these changes are for the better, then so be it. It’s but natural to be scared. It’s also exciting. I’ve always admired people who took courage to go out of their comfort zone and do something new, something that matters to them, something they feel like doing. Cheers!

    Hello to the husband! Thank you for the warm wishes and words of encouragement. I’ve read you moved homes. Congratulations to you too! Cheers!

    Reply
  16. Toinky
    May 15, 2008 at 10:23 am (16 years ago)

    Hi Toni, I’m also thinking of quitting my job this June.
    Hay, nakakalito nga,ewan ko bah.

    Hi Toinky! In my case, I was happy with where I was, but a wonderful opportunity to become even happier came. :) I hope you make the best decision for yourself too!

    Reply
  17. notsquare
    May 15, 2008 at 10:36 am (16 years ago)

    what is there to say???

    I’m HAPPY for YOU!

    (((HUG)))

    Awww thanks B!!! Hugs back!!!!

    Reply
  18. Jeanny
    May 15, 2008 at 11:27 am (16 years ago)

    Hi Toni. Hirap noh. Lalo na pag maraming memories ang maiiwan at maraming friendship ang nabuo. 2 years ago I decided to quit my 5 year job. I cried a bucket kasi maiiwan ko yung mga good friends ko. But I thought na, If I wont resign and try other opportunies how will I learn. Kasi the job that I have that time is my comfort zone. Pero after a year, I returned to the same office, kasi they offered a better oppurtunity rin. HIdi na ko nag 2 isip, Kaya now, I am much happier employee kasi Im still with my friends.

    Goodluck on the new work Toni. So kelan ka start?

    Thanks Jeanny. I start my new work in June. :)

    Reply
  19. glenville
    May 15, 2008 at 11:37 am (16 years ago)

    hey toni! great post. i can’t help but relate. warm wishes and best of luck!

    Thanks glenville. Warm wishes to you too!

    Reply
  20. Meeya
    May 16, 2008 at 8:30 am (16 years ago)

    hi toni, something that comes at the right time comes because it is meant to be. i believe that very much. a lot of good and promising things seem to be waiting in store for you kaya just go for it. you deserve all of it and more! :) and just for you, i’m taking out my pompoms and bloomers and all of us here will be cheering you on! good luck! *muah*

    Yey! I know I can count on you to be my cheerleader M!

    Reply
  21. chinita_jill
    May 16, 2008 at 5:50 pm (16 years ago)

    hi toni! what a surprise–a great surpise!

    congrats with your new career move. it’s never easy, and i’m proud of you that you’ve taken the leap. change is always good.

    keep us updated. your online family is waiting with excited, bated breath.

    good for you!! :oD

    chinita_jills last blog post..shutterbugs on road trip

    Thank you J! Your support means a lot to me!

    Reply
  22. Gracey
    May 16, 2008 at 7:00 pm (16 years ago)

    Yes, spread those wings and soar!
    I’m happy for you! Congratulations!!!

    Thank you sweetie!!!

    Reply
  23. witsandnuts
    September 29, 2008 at 1:51 am (15 years ago)

    Oh, I can relate! I’m glad I took the chances. Life is wonderful because of risk-taking and overcoming those. =) I believe in Year of the Movement.

    witsandnutss last blog post..Meet Emma

    Nothing happens when we don’t push ourselves!

    Reply

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