While being led into the factory, I remained vigilant and observed my surroundings. The fellow employees were engrossed in their duties and hardly acknowledged me. Abruptly, the guide ceased speaking, causing me to nearly bump into a woman who faced me with an intense gaze. Perceiving her anticipation for my reaction, I was bewildered and gazed back at her. Reiterating herself assertively, she presented me with my designated workspace. Consequently, I feigned a grin and expressed gratitude.
Although hesitant, George Hwang received a warm welcome from his colleagues. However, their break time was cut short by the sound of a bell and they quickly returned to their machines with only minimal greetings exchanged. Having been compelled to leave his previous job and seek new employment, George found adjusting to his new workplace more challenging than ex
...pected. Even after nearly a year on the job, he still feels like an outsider and has difficulty making friends or adapting to his environment. If given the opportunity, he would do whatever it takes to return and leave this place behind.
I would like to share my personal journey of transitioning from success to failure and explain why this happened. After graduating from year 12 in 2002, I secured a job at a computer company. Unfortunately, missing the new employee orientation left me feeling isolated and disconnected from my high school friends. Additionally, working and living alone made me feel undervalued.
However, over time, my colleagues began to notice me more for my humor and occasional blunders during group meetings and events. As a result, they began to respect me more and enjoy having me on their team.
During my second year of
work, my colleagues on the same level as me appreciated my company both in and out of the workplace, resulting in a more enjoyable work and personal life. The skills I had acquired in high school proved valuable as my quick remarks, humorous anecdotes and retaliations allowed my friends to view me as a jovial person. By the fourth year, I had gained confidence in communicating effectively with anyone, obtaining satisfactory responses to any queries. Furthermore, none of my coworkers in my sector were considered adversaries.
Although I was able to seek advice from anyone and receive a genuine response, I couldn't necessarily strike up a conversation with everyone. However, over time, the quality and amount of work I was producing began to irritate the company manager. Eventually, after four years, the manager requested that I depart. My departure was met with disappointment from the entire sector, who threw me a farewell celebration on my final day.
Following my four-year tenure at a certain job, I was unaware of the extent of the world's harshness. But I was soon proven completely wrong upon my commencement of a new job, marked immediately by a distinct difference in people's attitudes, behaviour and sense of humour. I later attributed this significant shift to the relocation from a metropolitan city to a countryside work setting.
I gaze out the window and observe an expanse of grass and an occasional cow, yearning for the towering glass edifices, the aromas of exhaust from scores of cars below, and the clamor of urban hustle and bustle. I have transitioned from a widely admired success to a person who blends into obscurity. This voyage has not
only been a physical relocation from city to countryside, but a trek towards self-discovery. I have learned that my persona is not adaptable to every locale.
Even though I am still employed at the rural factory, my journey has profoundly affected my life, surpassing the impact of any physical excursion.
