A lot of things happened in the past few days so I wasn’t able to blog as often as I used to. However, those stuff will be for another blog post.
For now, as I promised in my New Year 2010 post, I’ll review and share the results of my monthly challenge. Basically, I resolved to do something challenging each month of the year, preferably something that’s unexpected of my (publicly) known character or personality.
I did two for January 2010 because I didn’t feel like the first one was challenging enough. So I thought of filling that insufficiency by doing another one.
Challenge #1: Leaving Plurk
I left my first social microblogging network a few days ago. It was a tough decision that I had to make for several reasons. I already posted an article dedicated solely to this.
Challenge #2: Applying for a Callcenter Job (again)
This was an even tougher decision because doing it meant that I was breaking a promise I made two years ago. I clearly said to my friends that I’d never return to the callcenter industry, ever again.
But I still applied. Amazingly, I passed the rather difficult screening process. I guess that just goes to show that my callcenter agent skills are still with me even after my 2-year absence in the industry. 
So why the change of heart?
I will not go into the details yet but it’s more of a personal than a professional/financial reason. And The Blind Traveler had a huge hand in this decision. 
So am I callcenter agent again?
Well, even more amazing than my decision to reapply in a callcenter is my decision to turn down their offer. Mind you, it was a very tempting proposition. But I denied it because new opportunities came just when I was about ready to accept a graveyard worker’s life again. It’s funny how circumstances could change so quickly.
I am adopting a new philosophy this year. I will not pass up an opportunity that has been graciously placed on my doorstep. I’m learning to say YES to more things that I usually would have said NO without even giving it a second thought. As long as it’s not unmistakably reprehensible, unlawful or sinful, I’ll give it a go.
I’m trying to be more open to what life has to offer instead of trying to be in control of everything.
I tried callcenters again because at that time, it was the reasonable path to take. But when an unexpected and more challenging opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate forgoing my callcenter application. What’s more, this new opportunity didn’t even fit with my original plans!
But I learned that you can only plan so much in life. Five years ago, I would have never dreamed my life being like it is now. That’s why I prefer short term goals and hate it when people ask me of my long term career plans in life. I’m not saying you shouldn’t plan way ahead but in my case, I believe this to be the best way for me.
Disclaimer: I’m no counselor so I’m not saying you should take any of these stuff I’m writing about as advice on living your life. I’m just here to share how I try to live mine as best as I can.
So those are my challenges for the first month of the year. Neither of these actually were what I had planned to take up as challenges at the start of the year. See? People aren’t in control of their lives as much as they’d like to think.
I’m just learning to go with the flow here now. I do have dreams and aspirations but I don’t pressure myself too much anymore in trying to achieve them. All things will definitely fall into their rightful places in God’s time.
P.S. What new opportunity? That will be the subject of another blog post. 
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Filipino Catholic · Hobby Blogger · 