Ever since I was a kid, I had always seen myself someday working abroad. Perhaps, growing up seeing relatives back and forth in the country for vacation made me realized as early as that age that greener pasture awaits someone who works in a foreign land.
Relatives would always have something for us...toys, imported goods and foods, chocolates and the aroma of the country they had been. I saw happy faces, full of wonderful stories and experiences from the places that they had been and would be in after the vacation is over. I was a witness how tall their dreams were and how they created realities out of it.
"I would be like them...someday." I would constantly tell the young Dennis.
I was privileged to had worked with multi national companies in my years of career back in Manila. It had contributed much in how I had been competent in my field. But I don't see myself being an employee all throughout my life. I loved my previous jobs and I could say without a doubt that I gave my very best to fulfill duties and responsibilities assigned at my hand.
But waking up early morning has always been a struggle on my part...ever since I never like the idea of being a worker as I felt that it somehow limits my world from doing what I like to do in life which is more inclined to media and arts. Something that I would want to do not as a profession but a diversion of my thoughts and ideas, same time cultivate the talents I assume I have. It has to take back seat as the reality of life pushes me to find a decent job to provide to my needs and of my family.
So...I am always delighted to fast track my corporate lifestyle. When I was graduating from college, I set a limit as to when and how old I am to work and then afterwards pursue a business so I can have more control over my time. But my projections proved to be miscalculated. Now, I see myself retiring at a conservative age bracket of early 40's.
Something I cannot do if I choose to pursue a nice and happy career life in Manila. I know there are possibilities working back home. Career opportunities awaits those who waits and does his best at his work. Yet working abroad has always been an option. There has been some attempts previously from my part to try my luck and there was even a chance that almost materialized when I was chosen by an employer for a position I applied in Dubai, U.A.E. Unfortunately, it was in 2009 which is the same year the world economic has became vivid in that dream land. The offer got cancelled.
I was so disappointed and really felt bad that it didn't materialized. You know the feeling of almost having a well desired toy when you are young but parents decided not to buy it just when they are already at the counter about to pay for it?Questions...a lot of questions and and world was suddenly filled with Why's and What if's.
Days passed and I learned to accept such reality and just programmed my mind that something better will came along. It was only now that I realized that everything that had happen then was for a purpose. I had to stay so I'll be more focused and competent from the career that I am going to face once I am abroad. As there should be no going back once you step in that foreign country. It's a do or die. I needed more experience to withheld the pressure and the demands of having to learn new things and consequently adjusting to new environment and different level and set of people, in addition to homesickness no O.F.W. has ever evaded. Not to mention, I believe that God does not want me to go just like that, He wanted to make sure I will not be eaten up of the darkness of the nights and lights of the country I'll be in. He gave me a present. He gave me a family to make sure that at the end of the day, I should always be reminded to go back home.
It was March 11, 2011 when a tsunami occurred Japan, a very sad day at the office seeing how drastic the catastrophe. It is also a day when I felt like a bomb was dropped at my email account. I received a confirmation that I had been short listed for a position I applied for Singapore. I cannot contain my happiness and was very happy to attend the interview and examination process. During that time everyone is busy in the office for some projects. I think because of this and all other things I am going through personally I was not really on my elements when I read the interview schedule. The day I perceived as March 15 actually took place a day prior. I wanted to blame myself for not reading the details the second time around. But, as always I don't like the idea on focusing on my stupidity. After all, every one gets stupid at one point and one way or the other.
The Agency told me to keep an eye in the next few months for the next screening. I was very obedient. I did as I was told. Then one fine Friday of July, I was browsing through my mobile internet on new job posts from different overseas agencies websites. I came across that agency and got really exited when I saw an opening that was posted in March 2011. I told myself..."This is it, this is for me!" Without saying a word, I went upstairs Market Market Mall, went on the nearest computer shop and dropped my email application. I knew I would receive a call. Monday came, Tuesday passed and so is Wednesday I was growing weary why no such notifications, I would nervously check my phone for SMS and my email for any reply but none. I kept the positive outlook and believed I would received a call. A week after, I was scheduled for the interview and examination.
Then I had to recheck, double check and counter check the date and time for the examination and interview. When I arrived, the room was full of applicants, and the employer is already in a hurry as he has to catch a flight. I answered the examination the best I can without taking a toll on time pressure, I needed to do it precisely.
August 5, 2011. I received two good news, first my wife gave birth to a beautiful healthy girl and second, I was scheduled for an interview. I had some troubles answering some questions with the group call interview via skype but I think I was able to answer most of the questions the best I could. I had to wait for the confirmation and a week after I had an offer. I was very Happy. Very very happy.
It was high time that said opportunity knocks at my door. I need it to sustain a good and decent lifestyle for my family. I filed my resignation and was expecting to fly late September that year since my contract stipulates that I should commence my 1st day of duty October. For some technical difficulties encountered in my applications caused in Phil embassy, I was told by the agency that my flight has been delayed and was informed to stand by. I waited, one week. Two weeks and more weeks. I was praying hard. "Not again...not this time." I was saying nervously. I was having conversations and discussions with God, stating my position and why I need this badly and how I will be grateful if it happens. That was scary. I was already jobless. I am nowhere to go. Financial obligations is moving like flowing water...the milk, the diapers and medical bills and my family is also in need of support I cannot provide that time.
It was only until last week of November that I was able to confirm my flight. After numerous follow ups and prayers. Finally, my flight was confirmed. Dec 3, 2011.
It was rainy afternoon when a plane landed in Singapore the said date. I smiled, finally a dream is now a reality.
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