Athrun Zala Soldier of ZAFT

Again its a Sunday night. As I ask my wife who's turn it is to iron our office clothes it dawned on me...tomorrow is a Monday. It is again the start of another week and quite curious to note that it is also my last week at the office.

Yup, I resigned from work last April and has given notice to my boss that May 9th is my last day at work. This is notwithstanding the fact that it will be a few days before I start with my new work or I have been in and out of the office the past days due to my asthma. As I sit here and think, I realize that there is no turning back. The door out has been opened and all it is waiting for is for me going out my junk from work.

Oh well, I had a blast and as they say, it was fund while it lasted. When I first got the call that I will be reporting to my soon-to-be ex office, I hesitated. I was back then safe within the comforts of the RH community. Although we were having problems with salaries, including mine, I knew the NGO community too well and has always felt in command when I go to work. This time, the offer is to work with government. The very same institution that I, as an NGO worker, love to hate and criticize for always not doing too much for the people.

Honestly, I was in dire need of some cash back then that is why I had to swallow my pride, and had to apply for the government post. I must admit that the pay they offer is good, and the line of work is something that I know like the back of my hand (sort of). But then again, I know that I will be in good hands as a good college friend of mine also works there (I found out about that only when she saw my application documents).

I was anxious about the whole thing when it first dawned on me that I am no longer part of the RH community. I enjoyed every moment of it especially just the thought of you being with the company of some of the best and brightest advocates in the country. Not to mention my mentors are considered pillars of the movement. Oh well, they are all just part of my past now.

Day one was pretty nerve wracking, or so I thought. I was early, as I always am, at work. The lady who first greeted me was the person who interviewed me for the post. I would later find out that I will be working hand-in-hand with her as she is our adviser. A new guy, who came in the same day as I am, was also there, a wide-eyed Atenean who would later turn out to be our assistant.

We were handed with some large volumes of reading materials that meant nothing to me. Of course I understand that on the first day of work, one has to carefully study the ins and outs of the organization. It is also the day where they do orientation and stuff but unfortunately, people in this new office don't come in until after 9 am. My friend came in at around that time and it was only then that I had somebody to talk with. And then, our immediate supervisor came in. She was this nice and unassuming lady who chats aways like there is no tomorrow. We were oriented about the project, how it works, where funding comes from and other things. What struck me the most however when our boss told us that the best thing for us to really identify with our work is to just enjoy it as it comes. Mix work with fun, were her exact words. Something that I am bent to do I just don't know how just yet.

All throughout my first day, I tried my best to understand what the documents that were given to us meant. I know my way around project management and stuff but this project I am into is no ordinary project as it involves the entire country and lost of players are involved. Not to mention that it involves land titling, something that is a bit too technical even for me to handle. At the end of my first day, I confided with my then girlfriend if I can stay there for long.

That was around nine months ago. Things have changed since then. For one, the lady who was my boss, my college friend, our little-big Atenean brother and our adviser turned out to be great people and friends. I actually learned a lot from them. I was a bit shy back then. Now, I am able to assert what I think is right although I still have my doubts every now and then. People in the office actually listen to me nowadays! Oh well.

When I said things have changed, they really did. Many memorable and not so memorable things happened and I it so sad to think that I shall be bidding them my goodbye as well. I am still hoping for the better and I know that there is hope. Readers might not get what I am saying but I know the heavens are listening to my prayer when I say hope.

When the week ends, I shall be joining the ranks of the unemployed. Although a bit shorter than others (I hope). Honestly, I pray it that it will give me time to reflect and see strategically how I will survive and raise a family altogether. I do hope to get a good job with good benefits and good people. A job where your security is not threatened by politicians and their narrow minds. A job where I can find both fun and satisfaction.

Then again, fun and satisfaction are two things that you just make of and does not really need to rely on other people.