My first job experience

Was listening to the Christmas songs played on my colleague's radio and it brought back the memories of my first part-time job. I remembered my mum didn't want me to go and work as she wanted me to stay at home and help her to babysit the children. I was upset as I wanted freedom. I didn't want to stay at home for the holidays and I was adamant on it, so much so that I threatened to go for the 6-month poly orientation if I was not allowed to work. How wilful, as I looked back at myself. haha... I was only 16 years old. Migosh, that's like 10 years ago. Time flies.

First day of work, I was extremely excited, looking forward. Even the uniform was appealing to me. I was ready to work as a sales assistant at Liang court. The stockings, the black court shoes, the uniform. Little did I know that I would find it such a hassle as time passes, especially when I am running late for work and needed to get myself ready fast. It was the first time I put on make-up, the first time I wore stockings and I was just a little girl in an oversized uniform. It must have been a pitiful size.

I was optimistic though, at least in front of my mother before I go to work. I always appeared happy in front of her, the pride was at work. I did not want to admit to her that work was tough so she could not tell me, "See, I told you. Do you want to quit now?" I refused to cave in and hang on though there were days I felt my legs could break and the aircon was so strong but I was not able to wear a jacket. It was Christmas period and everyday they play the Xmas songs till I was sick of it. People asking me which colour suits them better, picking up the hangers, folding the clothes, that's my everyday routine. The time when I was happiest, aprat frm pay day, had to be when my friends came to visit me at my workplace. I still rem a friend saying that my uniform looked wierd haha...

I think what really killed my soul was when I missed the millenium. I was like, "The Millenium!!"I couldn't believe I had to work on the eve of the new year and Christmas as well. I guess my mother was shocked at my persistence (or stubborness) as well. I had, in an attempt to gain freedom, step into another cage. The happiest time had to be my pay day and in my free times, I will just take out the calculator to see how much I have earned ha. And all my money goes to my mum. But I was ok, I was happy I was able to earn the money to give her. I bought her a ring for the first time. Not sure if it's still ard though but I know she wore it.

I am thankful for that experience as I tasted what it was like to come out of my comfort zone. It may not be totally sweet but I left a different person.