I was having conversation with my best friend the other day about daily stuff and I had to stop and tell her how far we've come.
I remember about 11 years ago, Romel was driving us home to our apartment in Aiea and I starting crying. I was a recent college grad working a dead end admin job and hating my life. Why did I kill myself with college? Taking 16 credits a semester while being a single parent (at the time) driving back and forth between Aiea and Ewa Beach to drop off and pick up my kids at 10 pm because some of my classes didn't end until 9:50 at night. I did what I had to do, sacrificed a lot to get this degree, for WHAT?! I felt like it was all a waste of time and energy. My expectation was to get a degree and get a slamming job and be happy. I felt like a complete failure.
I remember about 11 years ago, Romel was driving us home to our apartment in Aiea and I starting crying. I was a recent college grad working a dead end admin job and hating my life. Why did I kill myself with college? Taking 16 credits a semester while being a single parent (at the time) driving back and forth between Aiea and Ewa Beach to drop off and pick up my kids at 10 pm because some of my classes didn't end until 9:50 at night. I did what I had to do, sacrificed a lot to get this degree, for WHAT?! I felt like it was all a waste of time and energy. My expectation was to get a degree and get a slamming job and be happy. I felt like a complete failure.

Then I got offered a better position, with more pay, and with an established company. From there, I continued to grow and it was with that job that my life took a turn for the better. Within two years we became homeowners. Fast forward 8 years, and here I am, working for a huge global company, making a decent wage, appreciated and valued in my position, and am happy with what I do.
During our phone conversation, we were both talking about trips that we have to take for work. Trips! That the company pays for. I never would have thought that I'd even be saying any of it, much less living it.
My job pays for everything. Air, hotel, car, and food. It's great! I understand my purpose and that my reason for travel is work first. But I don't waste one minute of this opportunity in front of me. I utilize every available moment to enjoy the place I'm in. I sightsee and get out of the box. I'm willing to give up sleep to see and experience as much as I can while there.
During our phone conversation, we were both talking about trips that we have to take for work. Trips! That the company pays for. I never would have thought that I'd even be saying any of it, much less living it.
My job pays for everything. Air, hotel, car, and food. It's great! I understand my purpose and that my reason for travel is work first. But I don't waste one minute of this opportunity in front of me. I utilize every available moment to enjoy the place I'm in. I sightsee and get out of the box. I'm willing to give up sleep to see and experience as much as I can while there.

The point of todays blog is for those currently in school or those who just graduated and feel the way I did 12 years ago.
Don't give up. Keep an open mind and review all opportunities before you close your eyes to it for whatever reasons you may have.
Had I not taken the risks I did years ago with each endeavor I pursued, I wouldn't be where I'm at today in my career.
This includes working for really bad companies that mistreat their employees. As much as I hated my job during that time, it was that position that made me a stronger person and better at what I do.
For that, I'm thankful.
Don't give up. Keep an open mind and review all opportunities before you close your eyes to it for whatever reasons you may have.
Had I not taken the risks I did years ago with each endeavor I pursued, I wouldn't be where I'm at today in my career.
This includes working for really bad companies that mistreat their employees. As much as I hated my job during that time, it was that position that made me a stronger person and better at what I do.
For that, I'm thankful.