Workplace

What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting, To be out in the world, To be free!
...
…
What’s so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts,
All these worries.
If I don’t I just know I’ll turn back!
I must dream of the things I am seeking.
…
…

"I have confidence in me", Julie Andrews from Sound of Music

Ah huh! Today, technically, is my last day at this working place. For the past 2 years, I have been dreaming towards fulfilling my first step of being a social worker. Honestly, I still can’t believe it that I am reaching my last lap. Internship starts tomorrow officially and man! I am filled with anxiety, fear and excitement!

The above abstract is part of a song from the Sound of Music. I like what Julie Andrews said in the movie. “Somehow when God closes a door, He opens another.” She said that and then followed by singing this song. In this part of the show, she is moving away from the abbey as a nun to become a governess to take care of 7 children and she is lack of confidence. As she is making her way to the house, she sang this song. She started out fearsome and she ended up brave.

I am not exactly in a situation that I have one door closed on me but from the statement, I gather faith and strength and reliance on the Lord. Personally, my heart is fluttering big time! I am asking the exact same question as Sister Maria in the show. What will tomorrow be like? What will my future be? However, yesterday in my daily devotion, God revealed to me again that He would always be with me, never to leave me nor forsake me. When I am in lack of wisdom, ask for it. Ask and it shall be given. IF only I ask. God brought me back to 1st Nov 2004.

Coming from an engineering background, I never had to deal with the public directly. In all my past jobs, I always deal only with the management, operators, equipment and reports. Often in the workplace, it’s about daily deadlines, line movement, equipment movement, etc. Fast fast FAST!

When I started my job as an operation staff to the public in a polyclinic on 1st Nov 04, I was faced with challenges that I have never dreamed of before. Having to learn new workflow and new system is not an issue to me. But having to deal with the public is something I didn’t prepare myself for. Well, I hate to say this but I came to realize also that dealing with doctors and nurses ain’t easy too. I shan’t elaborate too much on this though. And I came to a point of time where everyday without fail, I will make this simple prayer “Dear God, please give me wisdom and strength to go through today.”

I have cried, been upset by colleagues and public, been shouted at, been railed at, been stepped upon, etc. BUT there is NO denying that God is STILL with me in those times. I can’t thank God enough for a very very good working partner and a very good nurse manager whom I can always look up to. I have very good staffs who even though quarrel amongst themselves, still work very well.

Because of this job, I have also asked myself over and over again – Can I really be a social worker?

Looking back now, I can see how God has been paving the way for me. I am more open to public accusations, complain, compliments, cries, etc. I am more open and am more sensitive to cultural differences. This is the first workplace that I have worked with people of all the 4 races so closely – Chinese, Indian and Malay. I am also more humbled. Indeed, there is always something to learn everyday from my environment and people.

I am assured that when I step into my first day of internship tomorrow, God will supply me with courage, wisdom and strength. Amen!


Actually, I share one office table with my colleague so thus, it is TWICE the mess. I do have my own room but cause of licensing issue, I find it easier to share an office with my colleague.