Appreciation

Two years into my career.

Like many, I have more or less achieved a steady state in my work; stability has set in and the fact that I am sure of it, makes me feel even more stable. Once you are feeling how used to the job you become, it gets a lot tougher to leave the workplace for another opportunity. You know, the next step to stability in the workplace, is to find a peer, someone who is the same level as you and understands your challenges, frustrations, and fears.

You can have a best friend somewhere but it's imperative to have one in your workplace, because he/she will play a key role of why you look forward to work everyday. 

I am proud to say that I have such a friend at work, and her being there for me is what sustains me through the difficult times. After she left recently (didn't manage to make her stay, boohoo), I felt a part of me disappear.

In my last post, I said it was time to put things into perspective and I meant it. I thought of leaving; mainly 'cause it's been two years and I still work day to night almost everyday, partly 'cause the good doctor has the abundance mindset and extended my help to every doctor in the department, and of course the fact that this colleague left and there won't be anyone like her anymore.

From the moment she tendered her resignation, I guess everyone, including the good doctor, sensed that I was feeling rather lousy. As usual, annoying Junwen asked everyday if she left, just to rub salt into my wound.

You know, I didn't let my emotions spin out of control at work but eventually actions can't lie, as my aura of sorrows that lingered in the air wherever I went has begun to engulf some people. Haha! He came and talked to me, and one of his words were, "We have our priorities, and you are important to us." 

What this boss did was something I felt my ex-boss failed to do. He has always always been appreciative of whatever things we do and he made it a point to thank us in whichever way we helped, big or small.

Also, recently, the good doctor made the small doctor our Programme Deputy Director, and so that was how the small doctor became my boss too. It was more assuring when the small doctor who has been following the good doctor and being arrowed to do more than ever (like me), said , "I suppose that you like what you are doing, and I think if you stop doing what you are doing because you are too tired, it will be a waste. I'll talk to him and see if we can get some help."

Geriatricians of this hospital are really, a unique set of doctors. Geriatrics is not the most glorious kind of specialty and one of the least money-making, but geriatricians of this hospital did not go into geriatrics because they want the fame or the money. They just, simply, have the heart to serve and care for their patients.

Oh well, it's hard to leave even though I told myself that I should have been enjoying weekends, having some personal time, and hanging out more with friends and family. Nothing in life is perfect, and well, I should never expect to fulfill my unrealistic hope. I like my job and my boss, and I should appreciate how blessed this is.