Thank you for the Dialogues!

Pre amble:

In the summer of 2007 I was made redundant by Unilever Middle East. The entry below was related to my feeling of uncertainty and anxiety after knowing that I was about to lose my job and not yet secured a new job~!

Dialogue 1 - There is no time pressure!

Today, first thing in the morning my boss came to my office and handed me a business card of the Managing Director of a well known search consultant company. "He is a friend and I told him about you. Please give him a call, he may be able to help". I did call, and there might be an opportunity. Great!

Last thing before I left the office today, my boss and I had a chat in his office. He was providing support and reassurance that there is no time pressure for me to move out of the company. He told me to take as much as time as I need to find a good job. And when I find one, then only he will organise a farewell do for me. Then he asked, how do I want to have my farewell.

"Since you asked, with the board colleagues I prefer an outing to the sea - fishing!" I said.

"That is great,and we can finish off by BBQing our fish for dinner..." He caught on with enthusiasm.

"We will also do farewell in each of the head offices too" He added.

Dialogue 2 - Why look for a job? Why not start a business?

"Why should you be looking for a job? Why not start a business of your own? I think you have the capital"

Yes indeed, those were fair questions from this friend when we were very briefly online today.

If not for her having to rush off from her office for an external commitment, I would have loved to continue the discussion. The subject was engaging an stimulating.

Rad, I appreciate the brief conversation we had today.

My best wishes for your presentation.....and a prayer for your success! And thanks for the email - I found the information really helpful. *smile*

Dialogue 3 - You have a consultant DNA!

"I heard that you are leaving.....how are you feeling?"

A friend came in my office with a cup of tea and opened up the subject. I appreciated his concern - a genuine concern and expression of support.

"What is your plan?" He asked.

"Well, my wife and I have decided we will continue staying in the Middle East region. So at least that part is clear and children are very happy with that"

"How about your next job?" He continued. His motive was to see whether he can help in any way.

"There have been a couple of discussions, but nothing is finalized. Even indication of offer has been only verbally, nothing in black and white. I am open to all options, including doing consulting business". Said I.

"You will be very good at consulting! I have seen you in action and you have the DNA to be a very good one!" He followed through describing his assessment of my DNA. It was interesting to hear his view of what my strengths are....

Then he delivered his summary, "At your age, you want to be telling and teaching others how to do things and not having to do things yourself. One thing for sure, something better will come your way, InsyAAllah". I pointed to him that he have just mentioned a sensitive spot - age! We both laughed.

Dialogue 4 - All that matters!

"Ayah, thanks for the cookies! I love you" Luqman greeted me when I got home. Before I could ask what cookies, my wife came out from the kitchen to greet me with her hugs and kisses.

"I was baking cookies for you - for Father's day - I told him to keep it as a secret....but you know la, he was excited! Abis bocor rahsia..." LiL said with a little laugh.

That is love! In the final analysis, that is what really matter - To come home to love and laughter!

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I was actually in high spirit today. I felt strong. I got many support and care from people around me towards my well being and my future. Everyone has been so so good to me. And above all, God is Great!

Strength is in the spirit, not in the body!