September 30, 2024
by James Leonard Bautista
“Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background?”
“Why do you want to work at this company?”
“What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
“Tell me about a challenging situation you faced at work and how you dealt with it.”
“How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?”
I just woke up. It’s drizzling outside, and I have an online job interview waiting for me – surely it is grilling time in 30 minutes? 45 minutes? I have a list of interview questions that I have been reviewing, which adds confidence that I will be acing this job interview. Piece of cake!
“Thank you so much for taking the time to apply and meet with us. After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate for this role. We appreciate your interest in our company and encourage you to apply for future openings.”
I still haven’t experienced heartbreaks or rejections, but ‘oh my God,’ the feeling is tearing my heart into little pieces. Is this more than heartbreak? It is like my efforts are invalidated; do they know the feeling of being rejected? I put my entire effort into answering every question truthfully and wholeheartedly, but it is so easy for them to say “Thank you, please try again”.
After contemplating for some time, I have come to the conclusion that the result is not always in our favor, and the world is reachable, but it is not always in our hands. Amidst the piercing, painful feeling that I went through, I realized that the series of realizations will convert your weaknesses into functional strengths. I ensured that my preparations would never be downgraded or dismantled from the rejections. Although the downtime is valid, I used my inactivity to recharge my motivation to move forward and seek newer doors and paths. The path where I am now is indeed a redirection. I prepared myself physically; I made sure to heighten my air as I gathered peace from my surroundings. I prepared myself emotionally, I made sure that whenever there will be uncertainties along the way, I am ready to process once again myself to deliver the right amount of contemplation on every stage that I will be encountering. I prepared myself mentally, I made sure that I have gathered enough resources for me to align myself with the demands of the industry that I will be traversing with. I also made sure that I noted the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the company I will be applying for and maintained an image that best reflects their perfect – most suitable candidate.
“Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background?”
“Why do you want to work at this company?”
“What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
“Tell me about a challenging situation you faced at work and how you dealt with it.”
“How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?”
I just woke up.
“I’m thrilled to inform you that after careful consideration, we’d like to offer you the position at ABC Company. Your skills and experiences impressed us, and we’re excited to have you join our team. Welcome aboard!”
I just woke up. It’s sunny outside and I have a job waiting for me – surely it is a day full of laughter with workmates, stress from the workplace, and interactions from our valued clients! Just wow! I have a list of guides I have been reminding myself of, and it somehow adds confidence that I will ace this phase in my life – with the right pace as well. Not a piece of cake, but sure, I’ll get there!
Do you want to make a difference? It might take time to balance life, but starting small will lead you to something big and impactful!
Embrace Change 🌱
Change is constant, and it will shape who you become. Embrace it with an open heart, even when it feels overwhelming. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. You have the resilience to adapt and thrive.
Build Your Support System 🤝
Find your tribe—people who uplift you, offer genuine advice and provide a shoulder to lean on. Keep in touch with old friends, cherish family connections, and seek mentors who inspire you. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone.
Manage Your Finances Wisely 💸
Financial stability is crucial. Create a budget that aligns with your income and expenses. Start saving early, even if it’s just a little. Understand the basics of taxes, investments, and debt management. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it offers freedom and security.
Prioritize Mental Health 🧠
Adulting can be stressful. Practice self-care: meditate, exercise, sleep well, and engage in joyous hobbies. If you ever feel overwhelmed, seek professional help. There’s no shame in admitting you need support.
Foster Lifelong Learning 📚
The end of formal education doesn’t mean the end of learning. Be curious—read, take up new hobbies, attend workshops, and stay informed about the world around you. Knowledge enriches your life and opens doors to new opportunities.
Navigate Career Paths 🛤
Your first job might not be your dream job, and that’s okay. Gain experience, learn new skills, and network. Every role is a stepping stone towards your goals. If you feel stuck, it’s okay to pivot. Your career path is uniquely yours.
Balance Work and Life ⚖️
Work is important, but so is living. Set boundaries to ensure you have time for yourself, loved ones, and passions. Remember, you are more than your job title. Strive for a balance that fuels your soul.
Cultivate Relationships ❤️
Whether it’s friendship or romantic relationships, invest time and effort. Communication, trust, and respect are key. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are and motivate you to be your best self.
Set Realistic Goals 🏆
Dream big but set achievable goals. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.
Be Kind to Yourself 💖
Perfection is a myth. You will stumble, make mistakes, and have bad days. Forgive yourself and learn from each experience. Celebrate your uniqueness and the journey you’re on. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
As the final chapter of your college life closes, a new, uncharted territory awaits—one filled with potential, challenges, and growth. Navigating adulthood is like stepping into a labyrinth with no map, and it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Welcome to the ‘conspicuous consumer’ era, where you will balance every aspect of your life – friends, work, family, and personal space.
Dear future you, remember that adulthood isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. It’s messy, beautiful, and uniquely yours. Embrace it with courage, empathy, and an open heart. Trust that you have everything within you to navigate this path successfully.
Jusko, tara! Work na tayo ulit!
With all my support,
The one who always says “JWU” every single day
Your ‘conspicuous consumer’