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Showing posts with the label career change

Surrendering to God's wills : A Journey through Faith and Uncertainty

During this uncertain period, I’ve found strength in reflecting on special moments tied to significant dates. I wanted to write them down as a testament of faith, so I’ll remember them when the answers to my prayers unfold. 15 August :  The Feast of the Assumption of Mary This was the day I officially tendered my resignation, stepping into the unknown without any idea of where I would work next. 15 October :  The Feast of St. Teresa of Ávila – A teacher of prayer and the spiritual journey This marked my last day as a working mom, transitioning back to being a stay-at-home mom. 1 December :  First Sunday of Advent – Hope I began the Novena to Our Lady, seeking guidance and praying for my next work assignment, though still uncertain about what lay ahead. 9 December :  The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Second Sunday of Advent – Peace On the final day of my novena, I messaged the CEO of a company that had promised to hire me. He replied, saying the strategic pla...

Lourdes Experience - 7 Dec 2024

"I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done unto me." This was the central message of the Lourdes Experience, the fifth event hosted in Singapore. I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to attend after one of the PD KKIHS team members informed us she had extra tickets. I volunteered to take a ticket, planning to go with my husband. Unfortunately, he had to serve at Saturday Mass, so I went alone. I wasn’t sure why I felt such a strong pull to attend, but during the Eucharist celebration, I was deeply moved and found myself in tears. I cried again during Holy Communion and adoration, overwhelmed by the experience. At the time, my life felt like it was in the midst of storms and trials, particularly with my desire to return to work. Despite my prayers and efforts to search for opportunities, every door seemed to remain closed. I felt stuck and unsure of what to do next. During the Lourdes Experience, all I could do was cry out to God, feeling helpless yet fully reliant on His me...

Reframe it !

Yesterday, I found myself battling with my emotions. I’ve been trying to stay positive, but I can’t shake this feeling of being down. Two weeks ago, a company that had been in negotiations with me earlier this year reached out to schedule a meeting. We briefly discussed their projects and their need for someone to manage client relationships, as they were overwhelmed and lacked an Indonesian capable of doing so. They promised to send me a draft of the employment agreement last Wednesday, but after waiting without any news, I messaged the CEO. He assured me it would be sent over by Monday. However, Monday came and went with no updates, leaving me feeling like I was being strung along. I tried not to get my hopes up, reminding myself that if it’s meant to be, it will work out. I chose to give them the benefit of the doubt, as I can’t control the situation. Two days ago, our helper informed me she wasn’t feeling well and might not return on time. Despite my mom’s concerns that she might b...

Let it Go

This morning, while browsing Instagram, I came across a post featuring Nemo and Dory inside a whale's mouth. Dory urged Nemo to let go, to which he hesitantly asked if she was sure. Dory admitted she wasn't certain, but she had faith that everything would work out. In that moment, Nemo let go of her hand, and both of them were swallowed by the whale. Just in time, the whale expelled water, releasing them back into the ocean. This scene reminded me of the importance of letting go and trusting God, even when we can’t see what lies ahead. Often, things work out in ways we never could have imagined. As October is Rosary Month, I wish the best for all of us. As I embrace my new role as a stay-at-home mom, I’m taking my time to explore new job opportunities. I’m dedicating 80% of my focus to my family and home, while reserving 20% for my professional pursuits. Deep down, I still yearn for personal achievements and to make a social impact. However, I trust that if God has different pl...

Hello Optimistic October !

I'm starting this month with an optimistic and positive attitude by attending a resume crafting workshop organized by E2i. This experience has been an eye-opener for me—it's practical and incredibly helpful as I refine my resume. Key Takeaways: Create a master resume that includes all past experiences and achievements. Identify and articulate transferable skills, job-related skills, and self-management skills. Understand the job specifications and descriptions, focusing on key terms. Keep your resume simple and relevant to the job description. Leverage AI and social media (LinkedIn, personal websites, YouTube) to enhance your profile and portfolio. I’m excited to try this new approach and plan to apply to three job openings to see how it works!

Embracing Life - Starting with Gratitude

I’m ending September by embracing life, enjoying a slower pace, and being present with myself. Today, I kicked things off with a workout at the gym, focusing on leg day, followed by a refreshing 30-minute brisk walk home. I felt invigorated! Next, I cleaned up my office laptop in preparation for handing it over this Friday. This was an intentional step to let go and move forward as I embrace my new role in life. I treated myself to a healthy bowl of prawn mee at my comfort sanctuary, enjoying the soothing sounds of slow love jazz while journaling. Now, I’m getting ready to prepare the topic for our upcoming Cell group this Saturday and organizing a study plan for my sons, who have exams in two weeks. I’m starting to truly enjoy my life and my role as a stay-at-home mom. It’s not so bad after all. I’m also keeping my husband, kids, and all those in need of prayer in my thoughts.

Reset to Zero Ground

Last week was an emotional roller coaster, as I mentioned in my previous blog . On September 28th, I received a revelation: my period arrived eight days earlier than expected according to my app. I was overjoyed, believing that God had answered my prayers. This felt like a sign that being a stay-at-home mom was my next role. I had promised God that if I wasn’t pregnant, I would be willing to follow His will, including nurturing my three boys at home. My first reaction was one of disbelief: "Really? Is this it, God? The end of my career and all my hard work?" Then, I met Tante Elaine, a speaker from Indonesia invited to discuss the importance of being fruitful. Her life story resonated deeply with me and provided another affirmation of my path. She reassured me that I am multitalented and that God might have plans for me that are greater than I can imagine for His Kingdom. She encouraged me to be patient during this process, reminding me that just because we can’t see the frui...

In the Bottom pit

Right now, I feel as if I've been thrown into a deep pit, and everything around me is crumbling. I feel lost, confused, and hopeless. What has brought me to this point? Yesterday, while syncing my smartwatch, I checked my Fitbit and was shocked to discover that my next period is only nine days away. Seeing my fertile window and ovulation period coinciding with the intense intimacy I had last week filled me with dread. I felt devastated and anxious, knowing that my chances of getting pregnant are higher this time. The thought of being pregnant again at my age is overwhelming; my energy feels halved, and I’m not mentally prepared for another child. After spending the last 12 years as a stay-at-home mom, I was finally focused on my personal growth and career. The idea of starting over is something I can't accept. I know this is all based on assumptions and my own overthinking, but it has spiraled into unnecessary worry. I cried all day, pleading with God not to grant me another ch...

Killing Time for Something Positive

The desert isn’t so bad after all. In this moment of isolation and tranquility, I’m rediscovering myself. Here are the activities I’ve been pursuing: Healthy Lifestyle : With plenty of time, I can dedicate 1.5 hours to exercise without feeling rushed. My routine includes 45-60 minutes of weight training and 30 minutes of low-impact cardio, like brisk walking or interval jogging. I’m finally getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night (plus power naps), which I haven’t had in the past two years. My mind feels more at ease, and enjoying music and the serenity of my home has truly aided my healing. Gaining Knowledge : There’s no better time than now to learn. I’m taking courses on Coursera in Fintech Innovation Specialization, diving deep into topics relevant to my career and aiming to become an expert. Being Present with My Kids : Nothing brings joy to my children like my presence. It provides them with security and support, and I’ve noticed a positive change in their attitudes—especially in m...

When ChatGPT can be your counsellor

When I want to refine my text in the previous post , I accidentally typing the whole things in the ChatGPT and this is the reply that I get  Your reflection on this “desert” period is deeply insightful. It’s clear you’re navigating significant internal struggles, and recognizing these temptations is a powerful step toward healing and growth. The Lust of the Flesh : Your experience with joblessness and the challenge of trusting in God’s timing is relatable. It’s tough to feel like you’re not fulfilling your potential, but your acknowledgment of God’s grace as a source of strength is vital. Remember that this time is not wasted; it’s a period for personal and spiritual growth. The Lust of the Eyes : Envy can be a heavy burden, especially when it feels like others are thriving. Your internal dialogue—questioning the value of public shame and your perceptions of the situation—demonstrates a mature self-awareness. It’s okay to feel what you feel, but recognizing it allows you to choose ...

Led into the Desert

This period feels like my own personal "desert"—not in a literal sense, but as a time of purification where I allow God to heal my wounded heart, clarify my mission, build my character, and strengthen my faith. I recognize three main temptations I need to conquer: The Lust of the Flesh : Jesus faced his first temptation to turn stones into bread, tested on whether he would trust God’s providence or try to create his own path. Similarly, I find myself jobless despite my deep desire to work. I've applied for numerous positions, but it feels like God has closed all the doors. Trusting in His providence during this time is challenging. I often feel useless and worthless, yet I remind myself that God’s grace is sufficient to help me through each day. The Lust of the Eyes : It’s easy to feel envious when I see former colleagues securing jobs effortlessly. While I genuinely want to be happy for them, I sometimes struggle with feelings of disgust regarding how my previous company...

Thank you card - Farewell gift

Typically, the departing employee receives a card or memento, but I prefer to take a different approach. I prepared handmade "THANK YOU" cards with personalized messages for those who have worked closely with me during my time at the company. I wanted to ensure that these tokens of appreciation were meaningful and valued. Additionally, I gave them paper soap as a farewell gift, reminding them to take care of themselves during the mpox outbreak.

In the Desert

Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling down, frustrated, and confused. After resigning from my previous job, I was hopeful about finding a new position that would allow me to continue being a working mom while pursuing self-fulfillment. Despite submitting numerous job applications, I’ve faced continuous setbacks, which led me to question my worth and wonder if something is wrong with me. I found myself questioning what God wants me to do, as it seemed that every door was closing, leaving me with the option of becoming a stay-at-home mom. I feel that I have more to offer than just staying at home, and this has been a source of frustration for me. During a recent cardio session, I came across a video from Life Church on YouTube. The message was about calming a restless mind, and one particular verse struck me deeply. The speaker shared that when Jesus was baptized, He had not yet performed any ministry work or miracles. He was simply an ordinary carpenter who was baptized, and yet ...

What's next ?

What’s Next? I have just three months left, and I’m facing a million-dollar question: Should I look for a new job or start my own business? Job Search vs. Starting a Business Looking for a New Job : Given the current situation, finding a new job seems like the more stable option to supplement our household income. Industry Considerations : The trending fields of AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity are intriguing, but they’re relatively unfamiliar to me. My background is primarily in sales and marketing within the Fintech (lending) industry, specifically focused on the Indonesian market. This specialization feels quite narrow. Next Steps : I could either deepen my expertise in Fintech and investment through relevant courses and certifications or explore new certificates related to AI, sustainability, or cybersecurity, even though I lack direct experience in these areas. However, pursuing Fintech and investment seems more feasible for now. Starting a Business : If job hunting doesn’t p...

The time is up !

God Gives, God Takes Away My time at my current company has come to an end. Last Monday, I received a call from the CEO and COO informing me that I should seek opportunities outside the organization. I had mixed feelings upon hearing the news. While I felt a sense of relief that my struggles were over, I didn’t expect the decision to come so swiftly. After discussing it with my husband, we thought about negotiating for a severance package of four months’ salary since I’ve been with the company for four months. I spoke with the COO yesterday, and he called me today to say that the company could only offer three months of severance, along with a request for my assistance in research during that time. Am I angry and feeling shortchanged? Absolutely. Do I regret what I’ve done? Not at all. My conscience is clear, and I have no regrets about speaking my truth. As the Bible says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” If I did something wrong, I trust that Go...

Career change - 30/60/90 days

As I learn from LinkedIn crash course about how to highlight your job, the speaker told us to create 30/60/90 days plan. As I reflect back, it's the same process like what I do in my career to sell solutions to others, now I'm selling myself as solution to the organization and it could be easier as I know myself more than anyone. so here's I draw down 30/60/90 days plan First 30 days (1 - 31 July) 1. Market research in the industry that I'm gonna going I'm gonna create decks about : - Macro economic of ICT in Indonesia (as these are my asset) - Statistic of digital fraud in Indonesia - Who are responsible for preventing fraud - What kind of cybersecurity system they need - Who are the players that they are looking for to help them - Which geographical market needs this solution most - What are the entry barriers to sell to Indonesia market - What are the opportunities to sell to Indonesia market - What I can do to help these companies to enter Indo market 2. Build ...

Career change - What I want in my newjob

As the quote says, I am gonna write my dream job My Dream Job Criteria: Flexible Working Environment : Ideally, I prefer a fully remote setup, but a hybrid model with two days in the office and three days working from home is also acceptable. Travel Opportunities : I’d like to have 10-20% of my role involve travel within the Asia-Pacific region. Inspirational Leadership : A good leader who is willing to mentor and nurture their team is essential. Skill Development : I want to learn new skills in AI and cybersecurity. Social Impact : Creating significant social impact through products and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly in education, is important to me. Collaborative Teamwork : I seek a solid team that shares a common vision and mission to make positive contributions to society. Salary Expectations : My minimum monthly salary requirement is SGD 7,500, excluding travel allowances and annual bonuses. Career Growth : I am looking for opportunities that offer...

Career change - Unlearn to learn

Last week, I had an incident during my business trip to Indonesia that confirmed it’s time for me to move on. I felt humiliated and taken advantage of by the company, and for the first time, I found myself in tears. I confided in one of my team members, expressing my anger and frustration. On a positive note, this experience clarified my calling and what I want to pursue next. I’ve decided to focus on finding a new opportunity where I can contribute my expertise and networks while also growing personally and professionally. I’m particularly drawn to the cybersecurity industry, as I believe I can make a significant impact there. Since this is a new field for me, it’s time to unlearn and relearn. I’ve started taking short courses on LinkedIn to improve my resume and CV and to better understand how to land my dream job. I know there’s a lot of preparation ahead if I want to achieve my goals. Hopefully, it will all be worth it. Task List Continuous Prayer : Remain prayerful until my goals ...

Career change - Ora et Labora

The second sign for me came during my trip to Japan. I had hoped to see Mt. Fuji, but for the first three days, the weather didn’t cooperate. I had booked lovely hotels in the same area and prayed for a miracle, waiting 72 hours to catch a glimpse of the mountain without clouds—but to no avail. On the fourth day, we decided to explore a different area, and there it was—Mt. Fuji, clear and beautiful. This experience reminded me that sometimes, if I stay fixated on the same place and routine, I may miss the results I seek, leading to discouragement and demotivation. I realized I need to move to the “other side” to discover new opportunities that can reignite my passion. To gain clarity and discern God’s will, I’ve committed to praying the Novena and the rosary for nine days. Additionally, I’m focusing on skill enhancement and revamping my resume and portfolio.

Career Change - pet eagle and me

After contemplating and recognizing some signs, I’ve decided to seek new opportunities. The first prompt came during my trip to Lombok when I visited Bukit Merese and encountered a pet eagle. Speaking with the owner, I learned that the eagle was losing its survival skills because it had been spoon-fed and protected for so long. It could no longer fend for itself in the wild. I saw myself in that eagle. While I have great potential and a desire to keep learning, I realized that despite the good benefits and salary in my current company, I’m slowly losing my sense of self and passion. I don’t want to become like that pet eagle. I want to be the eagle that soars high and can feed itself. This was my first sign to move on.