30 April 2020 / 11.52pm
In August 1997, I graduated from Art and Design School. I was very happy and excited to look for a job to help my family. However, life after graduated was not as beautiful as I thought of.
It was Asian Financial Crisis! I couldn't get a job.
Every day, from morning until late evening, I was out on the street looking for job interview with my portfolio bag. It was big and heavy. Moreover, our public transport was not convenient at all.
As time passed by, I lost count of the numbers of interviews I attended as well as rejections.
My life was very difficult. I do not have enough money for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thank God, there was a mamak stall nearby my place. Every morning I had a pack of nasi lemak and another pack for my lunch. It only cost RM1.40 for my breakfast and lunch. For my dinner, I had a pack of 6 small buns. It cost RM1.20. So, total I spent RM2.60 a day for my meals. And kept some for my newspaper and transportation. Newspaper was very important. That's where I looked for jobs. Some times I walked few kilometres for my interview to save some money for newspaper.
I remember in one of the interview, the Art Director sarcastically told me to further my study to improve my computer skill then only come for the interview. I was very upset. Before I leave his office, I reminded him not to forget how he started his first journey when he graduated. I am sure he is no different from me. The only different is, someone gave him an opportunity. I packed my portfolio bag and left. I believe my courage came after many rejections.
I was tire… sometimes I sat on the staircase next to the corridor, not knowing where else to go.
I do not have enough money to eat. Water is my comfort. But, I persevere on. I must get a job! whatever job also doesn't matter.
One thing I realised about myself, I wasn't homesick at all! Not that I don't miss my family. I do. Unlike my friends, many of them were homesick. Then I realised, my years of experience living with my aunty and uncle in Sitiawan has made me a stronger person. I used to ask my mum why she left me alone in Sitiawan. She told me every parent will leave their children one day when they grow up. But for me, it came earlier than I expected. So, I learned that in my early years to be independent.
There is an old saying, "Life is a journey, not a destination." It's so true. I am still traveling on a journey… but no longer lacking of food on my table anymore. For God is my provider! Amen.
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