Yesterday, my company announced that they have decided to close the consumer division. I feel very sad rather than worried of my future. I have been working in my company for coming to 5 years and it is the best company that I have worked for. It has a powerful system to support daily operation, clear and transparent information sharing, great bosses and excellent colleagues, which enable me to get my work done effectively and efficiently.
We had a restructuring in end of YR2007 and we tried various ways last year to improve the business. However, we still cannot beat the weak global consumer demand caused by the financial crisis. I think we should not have any regrets since we have tried our best and it is going to be a valuable learning experience for us. We know the company’s situation well since information is shared openly and most of us are mentally prepared for the worst but we still feel sad about the decision. It is easy to find another job but it may be impossible to find such a great team to work with. We have no “office politics”, everyone works selflessly and help one another. It is a kind of culture and rapport that we have build up and we work like a harmonious family. I cherish this working experience.
I have finished my 4th chemo and blood count should be back to normal by next week. Therefore, I have planned to return to the office on 16/Feb just to spend some times with colleagues because I miss them. I will do a PET scan next week for Dr. Lim to review if I still need to go for the last chemo tentatively scheduled on 20/Feb. I count myself lucky that the company make the decision towards the end of my treatment because my medical expenses can be claimed under company insurance. My friend said God always has a reason for something to happen so hopefully this is a blessing in disguise and all of us can move on and find a better opportunity.
Dear Cherine,
Take it as an opportunity for you to have a good rest to recover from your treatment. At the same time, start to consider what you would like to do for your next career… maybe an interesting switch to another industry.
I’m now with a Travel company handling inbound and outbound events for corporate clients. It is very interesting and I’m learning new things everyday.
Take Care and Be Strong!
Love,
Mandy
By: Mandy on February 6, 2009
at 6:53 pm
Dear Jen,
It’s great to hear that you have been working in such a wonderful company where the culture is harmonious, supportive and no politicking. It just take one black sheep to turn things around in a company. It’s the great people that make up the great company and you are one of them.
Instead of indicating losing your job, I would prefer to say you are reaching one peak of the mountain and will conquer that peak soon. With your experience that you have gained here and elsewhere, you are better prepared to trek to a higher peak of the mountain. Like you have indicated, it’s a global issue and in my opinion it’s a domino effect started from FSI and spreading fast to more and more industries. Thus, there are many people who are affected by this global downturn and countless of great people with great foresight are affected.
We all know that you are a very strong lady and I totally went speechless (not sure what to say in your blog???) when you commented chemo is not that scary. These roller coaster rides got tougher after each cycle but amazingly you remained positive and ride through them these 4-5 months. KUDOS!!!!! Words are easily said than done! Talking to be strong and actually overcoming them day by day and weeks by weeks is extremely demanding and yet you made it here! Besides being positive, you also provided encouragements to me while I experienced different challenges in my life in the last 4 months. Though I have small wee uncertainty in the next one month (hope no brain surgery…), I am sure we both can DO it! So the morale of the story is that, WE DO IT together and that’s friends are for! Let’s hope everyone and everything is smooth sailing from now onwards in this NIU year. We started with a small success in Toto and we will continue that success in many years to come
Regards,
Irene
Your mafan friend
By: Irene on February 7, 2009
at 10:50 am
That’s the Cherine we know – instead of mulling over job loss, you talked about the great experience you had at a wonderful company with great colleagues. As someone once said, “The Best Is Yet to Come” – am sure that will be the case for someone who has such positive outlook as you.
By: James Lau on February 7, 2009
at 2:18 pm
Dear Cherine,
I feel very sad that our company closes our business and we are going to lose our jobs. I feel like losing a part of my family.
I fully agree that our company people are perfect!
Hopefully we will set free our energy for new challenges and do not cry for the good old times. You as a practical and positive thinking woman will overcome all difficulties, no doubt!
Best personal regards
Hanni
By: Hanni on February 9, 2009
at 8:00 pm
Hi Cherine,
You are right. Events happen for a reason, and only God knows why. We mortals can never phantom the trials and circumstances that happen before us, though some elites always have an explanation as to why things are happening. Come what may, and all we need to know is we have done our best and to our best. There’s no need to lament, but move along. Yesterday is history. Live for today, one day at a time. Plan for tomorrow, that’s the best we can do.
My son wrote me a note all of a sudden. It read “Daddy have a good rest and be happy”. How innocent that note can be, but it speaks volume because it is a sincere observation from an innocent boy.I still have it in my wallet.
It has been a humbling experience for me ever since I’m on my own. No longer the frog that was cooped up in that well.
Perhaps I can share with you when you are up and about, and that I’m sure is soon. Take care and catch up soon.
Steve
By: Steve on February 10, 2009
at 9:29 am
Hi Cherine,
It is a fortune that having an experience to work with great people, wonderful team. It colors our path of life.
“God always has a reason for something to happen” has been encouraged me all the time. I start learn how to pray now and has been praying frequently. If you asked me anything happened to me, i can say Yes or No. As i notice there are so many things are beyond our control and the only thing i can do is to pray.
Take care and hope to see you soon.
Cheers,
Peilu
By: Peilu on February 10, 2009
at 12:15 pm
Dear Cherine,
You have been a great blessing to all. You have taken what is bad and hurting and change it to something which blesses others. While I am sad that you have to gone through all this, I can’t help admire you for your strength and unselfish. It’s easy to blame everyone/things else. It’s easy to just give up and drown in self-pity. But you didn’t choose that path. YOu didn’t let all these setbacks take control of your life. You are still in charge.
Thanks for your inspriation. Take care.
By: Cynthia on February 12, 2009
at 12:24 pm