So, What Now?

First Work Fieldwork P

Documentation P

Boss Approval P

It seems my ‘first’ work experience outside my home country is over and done; but the 2-year contract journey has just begun. Today, my boss just signed the reports which were submitted to the client on the same hour. He did not ask much on the results of the assignment because I was with an experienced associate who’ve been with the business for a relatively longer period. She did the Q&A part while I did some checking.

I’ve been with this industry at my home country for two years and another 2 years with mixed industries which caused me a distorted experience on the first day of my fieldwork. On my first day, I had a hard time understanding my client due to communication gap. I understand that he speaks English in a less sophisticated fashion but the approach and gestures are far unwelcoming. This was not the condition and landscape I was used to. In my home country, clients treat me like VIP though that was just an exaggeration but the feel is somehow way opposite that today.

Aside from the adjustment with regards to client, I also adjusted with my colleague and the structure of the organization with my company. This is given on my first day of job. Everyone is somehow required to pass through the adjustment and transition period before finally feeling the vibe and getting the whole atmosphere and company culture. I have no problem with it; I just somehow drifted along day 1 due to my personal biases and perspectives.

All works have been completed and so I survived my first assignment. I am quite happy it ended well but somehow feeling the blues. I miss how work is done in my country and how people have this corporate yet welcoming vibe. Well, first assignment is down and there are tons coming up. The thought gives me chills and the same time leaves me a compelling question which needs my immediate reply.

Of course life continues and contract must be complied. It doesn’t mean I did not have a good vibe of the whole international job I can just call it quits. This is where my maturity should get into the picture and my level of professionalism.

I will probably account all my lessons from this experience and keep these experiences as gems of wisdom. From today, I will seek to understand how work, client relationship, corporate structures and surviving are juggled and successfully done. This is journey must favor my side; not break me down. Only few are given this opportunity, I must not put it into waste. Every day, I will learn something new from this job both on professional and personal levels.

So, what now? Well, there’s no turning back. Let’s get this one!