Tag Archives: work

Getting the job I wanted

04 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Road to victory

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Recently, someone asked me what I do at work and as I explained, I remembered that it was David that helped me get my first job in the industry.

Soon after graduating from college, I realized that most of the jobs I was interested in required 3 to 5 years of work experience as a result I was getting limited or no response to the jobs I applied for.

One day, I saw a posting for a job I really wanted that fitted my skill set. I mentioned it to David and asked if he could help get the company to look at my resume. He succeeded in reaching in HR Manager and also getting him to look at my resume. Soon enough I had an interview at the company and was hired.

David was successfully in making the contact based on his personality and expertise. It was not because he had any direct contact within the company. He always had a way with people and could win over many. His voice was energetic and friendly. Like one of his friends wrote in a tribute to David, he never met a stranger. He could easily find something to talk to anyone about. He frequently said to me “you can get more with honey than vinegar”.

Thank you David for always believing in me and seeing the best in me.

Below is a picture of David and me on my first business trip.

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The awkwardness of death in real life

14 Friday Mar 2014

Posted by in Road to victory

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It has been almost two weeks since I returned to work and truly, it has been the right decision. I am so thankful for the support of many of the individuals at work. Returning to work has also revealed to me some of the awkwardness of my new reality especially when people see me for the first time.

Many offered their condolences and showed genuine interest in the well being of me and my daughters.  Others simply pretended like nothing happened at all and proceeded to having work related discussions. There is another group that have avoided me like a plague, they see me coming down the hallway and change directions or try to remain so focused on something like they never saw me.

I am most grateful to those that have asked about me or expressed their condolences regarding David’s passing. Many have gone way above what I can even imagine in the extent of the support they have offered.

The strangest are those that simply pretend like nothing happened. I find those situation to be the most peculiar but perhaps it speaks to the awkwardness of death. But death is something I now have to confront daily. Understandably, it is an undesired life change. If I had gone back to work after getting married or having a baby most of these people would have been fine to acknowledge that and offer their congratulatory messages.

As for those that have avoided me, if/when our paths cross will determine which of the other two categories they fall into.

Below is selfie of me and my older daughter on my first day back to work. I was determined to make sure I did not look crazy, I know David never let me leave the house looking crazy.

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Left work a married woman…..

03 Monday Mar 2014

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The last time I left my office I was a married woman, today, I returned with the most unwanted status, a word I despise. I struggle to even type it..WIDOWED. The word makes me feel handicapped. While I can understand that David is gone, this is one status I am not embracing.

Some have asked why am I going back to work already. For me it is simple, why not. What will I do at home? It does not take away the pain. In fact the longer I stay home the more difficult it may be to re-adjust to the routine of work.

I dressed for work making sure I did not look like a hot mess. I tried to keep my head up like it was a normal day at work. This was short lived, as I started driving to work, I was reminded that I did not see David in this morning:

  • He did not insist on ironing an outfit that looked perfectly fine to me
  • He did not give me a thumbs up or thumbs down on my outfit
  • He did not keep informing me of the time to ensure that I wasn’t running late for work (this used to annoy me)
  • He did not say “I love you”
  • He will not be calling to find out how my day is going
  • I will not hear him say “Happy Monday” or “it is almost Friday” (even on Monday)
  • He will not be leaving any messages for me or sending me any emails
  • He will no longer drive me to work or pick the kids from school

All I have now are the memories and that just does not seem sufficient. I managed ok at work today, thanks to a pep talk from my dear friend and thanks to David who always told me “you can do anything”. I am also thankful to my co-workers for being so supportive.