Sunday, March 30, 2014
Worked at a grocery store for 2 weeks so far.
It was tiring but i felt that my time was well used even though the tasks are quite mundane.
Every time I see someone carrying a plastic bag from the store, I feel a little cosy inside. haha (and a bit irritated that they didn't bring their own grocery bag)
I guess that's what you call job satisfaction? Plus, the customers are kind and polite too! I've not met any who was angry and demanding. The staff patiently mentored me even though they were busy with daily tasks. In fact, everyone at this place works hard to keep the goods well stocked. Quite a world of difference, compared to some jobs I've worked at. Being the youngest working there, I had plenty of energy to spare, so I offered my help to others when I finished my tasks. (which i felt was the right thing to do)
I felt really pleased while working, seeing the sparkling clean aisles stocked to the brim with neatly arranged products. I guess that's job satisfaction too? I have several points to improve on. I'm still quite shy when speaking to strangers. It's a Singaporean habit I guess, we don't usually talk to strangers anywhere unless we're giving a sales pitch. Common words we used are either "Excuse me!" or "Thank you!", never a "How are you?" or "Good day!". No worries, I'm working on that. Stop by and say hello, I'll be sure to start a conversation with you!
I've also facilitated a motivational workshop at a primary school for 3 days. It was quite an eye-opener, not quite what I expected. (I won't say what I was expecting)
I felt that this job was mentally strenuous. Dealing with hyperactive students really took the wind out of me.
It was gratifying to see the students eventually warm up to you and bond with each other as well.
I don't think they would remember me after a few weeks, I just hope that the experience they've gained will tide them through their examinations or improve their attitude towards life in general.
Tomorrow, I'll be helping another group of students again, for another 3 days. I hope I'll be able to last through each day and emerge stronger, just like the lecturer preaches. Point of power is now I guess?
Repetition is the mother of all skills, the papa is decision making...
Little by little, I no longer feel the days pass slowly. The week after I ORDed felt like a month because I stayed at home all day. The week that just past felt like, well, a week.
Most importantly, I feel useful.
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 10:25 PM
Monday, March 17, 2014
I had my first WIRE training session today. WIRE stands for "Working effectively In the Retail Environment".
Yes I work in a store. No I don't sell shoes or handbags.
I replenish groceries :)
Yes i'm working part time at an NTUC near my home.
What happens when a guy returns to civilian life? He gets cosy, probably lazy for a week, then he finds a job to do. At least that happened to me.
It's wonderful to be able to do something. I feel useful. hoho.
I'm taking 2 days worth of courses at FairPrice Training Institute before I start my job this Wednesday at an NTUC 3mins away from my home.
3 mins!!!
that's near! (yes that's what I thought too)
It was a blessing and of good fortune to be assigned a workplace close to home. For this I am happy enough.
The work will be in shifts which gives me ample time to manage my other commitments. (I'll be helping out with a course in a primary school soon!)
Today's training was interesting, possibly boring without a quirky yet humorous instructor. It taught me about the organisational structure of NTUC, the retail sector, customer service and the roles of our job. I really appreciate him repeating the same points 4 times for the sake of emphasis and for the elder attendees, but to me it was lengthy. Side stories about his encounters in the retail business kept me hooked to the lecture.
I look forward to tomorrow's lecture and to working in this new environment!
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 7:05 PM
Saturday, March 08, 2014
As I conclude a chapter of my life, I reminisce about a journey filled with friendship.
My sojourn in Jurong Camp, a whirlwind of hard work, hearty laughter, a sprinkle of bitter hardship.
Through my days I slogged and strained.
No matter glowing sun or pouring rain.
My Company backed me up to be brave, whenever situations become grave.
Server work is a pain, but learning it is a gain.
Store work is even worse, but I never treated it as a curse.
Install OS, backup server.
Treat that laptop as your lover.
Crimping wires, laying lines.
Doing manning till Anson whines.
Counting stores, doing stock take!
Who said they were ever a piece of cake!
Battalion PT, running man.
Go to conference room set up LAN.
Though we seem relaxed when having lunch, during exercise we pack a punch.
These things leave the flesh weak, but the spirit willing.
In the end we leave with a bittersweet feeling.
I am grateful for what NS has provided me. I will not be the man I am today without the overwhelming support, joy and hardship I've shared with my platoon mates and commanders.
I am sure the experience, IT & PR skills I've gained as well as the friendships I've forged while serving NS will serve me & many others for the rest of our lives.
Thank you very much. A new chapter begins...
Call Of The Wild at 11:04 PM
Sunday, March 02, 2014
I could count the number of days with one hand.
5
Merely 5 days till I ORD and receive my civillian IC.
I feel bittersweet as I recount the days in NS while lying on my wooden floor this afternoon, basking in the golden afternoon rays. (Sunny Sundays are good for being deep in thought)
I can't believe how much I went through, how time just passes.
So much had happened, now that I think back.
I'll remember my journey so vividly that I can feel the mud on my hands, beads of sweat on my forehead, that sharp neck pain as my rifle sling cuts into my skin.
While we reminisce, why not complement those thoughts with a wonderful tune?
Lyrics:
-----------------------------------
I got no plan to fix
all of your problems
Man all man don't get em
on nerves like that
And why is it that everybody thinks
we're gone be alright
And we're playing all day all,
day and all night
It's a long way back
It's a long way back
Why do they keep on telling me,
all this fiction to see
Do I look, do I look like
calling up like them, like them
And why they telling all
the children this horrible things
While they forgot to say that
this gone hurt it's day
It's a long way back
It's a long way back
------------------------------------
The sunny spot is getting too warm, I flip myself like a pancake.
(I'm lazing around because I've finished my chores)
deep thoughts
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 4:18 PM