Five years ago, I wrote this on my Facebook page:
You know you've lived a life when you've gone out of your comfort zone and realise that that's one of the best things you've ever done in your life.
Since that day, I've never been afraid to step out of my comfort zone because let's face it, you can only remain comfortable in one place for so long. After a while, our comfort zone becomes the source of our misery and dissatisfaction. Saying that though, sometimes we would rather suck it up for a little longer than subject ourselves to gruelling job applications and interviews. Oftentimes, it is our fear of starting over again that prevents us from walking away. Or sometimes, because the arrangement is convenient for us, it doesn't matter if we are happy or not. Fortunately for me, I learned through the years that life is too short to stay in a place that no longer serves me. And so, three months ago, I decided to give up the job that I thought I loved. Or perhaps I did love my job.
Anyway, it has been quite a challenging 11 months at work. I wanted to quit a month after I went back. If it were not for "my people", I wouldn't have survived this long. They are the reason why despite losing my confidence big time, I am leaving my job still on top and prouder than I've ever been in the last five years.
Although I am very happy that I have finally left my job, there are certain things that I am going to miss working in that side of London.
1. My people
- Over the last five years, I have made friends with really wonderful people and I am very grateful for that. I overcame the many challenges at work because of them. As I've always said, no matter how difficult a job is if we are surrounded by kind and happy people, everything becomes easier. And whilst I felt that some people doubted my capability and failed to acknowledge the almost two decades of experience behind me, there were a handful of them who genuinely believed in me and respected me as a practitioner. At the end of the day, it's those people that really matter.
2. The fusion (or sometimes collision) of clever minds before 8am
- On my ward week, I had the opportunity to sit in the same room as some of the most amazing professionals I've ever met in my life. Listening to them discuss patient care and treatment early in the morning always left me in awe. I have so much respect for what they do. They go above and beyond to save lives and deliver the best care to their patients. Their hard work, dedication and compassion are really admirable. I am but proud to have been a part of this formidable team.
3. My morning commute to work
- If there is one thing that I will miss the most working in Westminster, it would be my 30-minute early morning walk to work. My journey starts at 620am. As soon as I get out of our building, I can smell freshly baked pastry either from the bakery in Chinatown or the Pre-a-Manger around the corner. And then I head towards Leicester square where I normally see young people hanging out (outside McDonalds)after perhaps a rough night. There is also this man slumped in front of M&Ms playing some random music. One time as I passed by, he started singing "hey girl, good morning! I see you, you walk fine". I thought it was weird but I just smiled at him anyway.
I am a creator of habit, so in the last 11 months, I took the same route to work. From Leicester Square, I take Charing Cross Road in the direction of Trafalgar Square. Sometimes, especially in the summer, I am greeted by the smell of freshly cut grass when I reached the National Gallery area. Other times, it's the strong smell of weed from the square. It's like walking along Windrush Square in Brixton all over again.
If I am not picking up my breakfast at Pret-a-Manger, I walk straight to Whitehall. The 17 minute walk to Big Ben gives me the opportunity to clear my mind. I often pray during this time or plan my life while paying attention to what is going on around me. When I pass by 10 Downing Street, I often take a glance at the policemen at the gate. They are fascinating to watch, chatting while clutching their rifles to their chest. And then I reach the busy Bridge Street, before I finally cross Westminster Bridge. I have created a habit of looking up at Big Ben to check the time while waiting for the red light to turn green.
Although crossing Westminster Bridge often feels like forever, it's my favourite part of my morning walk. I often get confused as to where I should look first, but the London Eye always draws my attention. There is something special about this giant wheel early in the morning. It looks so serene and its colour appears brighter, probably because there is no one blocking my view at this time. I feel almost privileged that I have the sight of the famous wheel all to myself most of the time.
Westminster Bridge is very famous for pre-nuptial shoot. In spring and summer, there are at least two couples each morning having their pre-nup photos taken.
What I am really trying to say is that I am very blessed to have had this opportunity to see London's most famous landmarks every single (working) day. I think what I really enjoyed was seeing the normally very crowded places in the silence of the morning. I am beyond blessed to have experienced this regularly.
4. The flaming London sunrise and sunset
- I fell in love deeper with sunrise and sunset when I lived in New Zealand. We had an amazing view of the sunset from our balcony and I used to watch the sunset almost everyday. And so when I discovered that I could watch the sunset from our board round room at work, I took every opportunity I could get to take a photo of the beautiful sunset. On the other hand, I used to sneak out of our office to briefly watch the dramatic sunrise from the window in the corridor. How I wish I could have taken more photos.
5. Almond croissant and skinny latte from Pret-a-Manger in Trafalgar Square
- Everyday for three months, I bought my almond croissant and skinny latte from Pret-A-Manger in Whitehall. However, the service remained impersonal despite going there regularly. Besides, my coffee was often already pre-brewed for I don't know how long, so they only had to add the hot milk in. Quick service maybe but the quality of my coffee was defintely questionable. But because it became a bad habit, I still went back there every morning. Until they started opening later. I was forced to move to the other branch across the road. Needless to say that the service was friendlier and my coffee was always made fresh. But then I realised that my habit was becoming expensive and unhealthy, so I cut down from 5-day a week to at least twice a week.
I know there are many other Prets in London (in fact, there is one every corner), but this has become a part of my early morning routine and I will definitely miss it.
So, after five years, it seems like there is not much to miss after all, huh!? But honestly, while I was walking over Westminster Bridge on my way home this afternoon, I couldn't help but look back at that massive building behind me with a grateful heart. It has been a roller coaster ride but I have learned so many lessons- professionally and personally. Probably the most important lesson I have learned from this challenging journey is how to rise above all of those who treated me less than what I deserved to be treated, by counting my blessings and constantly reminding myself of my good life outside work. Perhaps if you can use your personal life as your weapon, you can successfully win every work battle. Otherwise, just remember that most battles are better fought in silence, with grace and dignity.
Now I am ready for a new adventure. :)
TIN x
Anyway, it has been quite a challenging 11 months at work. I wanted to quit a month after I went back. If it were not for "my people", I wouldn't have survived this long. They are the reason why despite losing my confidence big time, I am leaving my job still on top and prouder than I've ever been in the last five years.
Although I am very happy that I have finally left my job, there are certain things that I am going to miss working in that side of London.
1. My people
- Over the last five years, I have made friends with really wonderful people and I am very grateful for that. I overcame the many challenges at work because of them. As I've always said, no matter how difficult a job is if we are surrounded by kind and happy people, everything becomes easier. And whilst I felt that some people doubted my capability and failed to acknowledge the almost two decades of experience behind me, there were a handful of them who genuinely believed in me and respected me as a practitioner. At the end of the day, it's those people that really matter.
2. The fusion (or sometimes collision) of clever minds before 8am
- On my ward week, I had the opportunity to sit in the same room as some of the most amazing professionals I've ever met in my life. Listening to them discuss patient care and treatment early in the morning always left me in awe. I have so much respect for what they do. They go above and beyond to save lives and deliver the best care to their patients. Their hard work, dedication and compassion are really admirable. I am but proud to have been a part of this formidable team.
3. My morning commute to work
- If there is one thing that I will miss the most working in Westminster, it would be my 30-minute early morning walk to work. My journey starts at 620am. As soon as I get out of our building, I can smell freshly baked pastry either from the bakery in Chinatown or the Pre-a-Manger around the corner. And then I head towards Leicester square where I normally see young people hanging out (outside McDonalds)after perhaps a rough night. There is also this man slumped in front of M&Ms playing some random music. One time as I passed by, he started singing "hey girl, good morning! I see you, you walk fine". I thought it was weird but I just smiled at him anyway.
I am a creator of habit, so in the last 11 months, I took the same route to work. From Leicester Square, I take Charing Cross Road in the direction of Trafalgar Square. Sometimes, especially in the summer, I am greeted by the smell of freshly cut grass when I reached the National Gallery area. Other times, it's the strong smell of weed from the square. It's like walking along Windrush Square in Brixton all over again.
If I am not picking up my breakfast at Pret-a-Manger, I walk straight to Whitehall. The 17 minute walk to Big Ben gives me the opportunity to clear my mind. I often pray during this time or plan my life while paying attention to what is going on around me. When I pass by 10 Downing Street, I often take a glance at the policemen at the gate. They are fascinating to watch, chatting while clutching their rifles to their chest. And then I reach the busy Bridge Street, before I finally cross Westminster Bridge. I have created a habit of looking up at Big Ben to check the time while waiting for the red light to turn green.
Although crossing Westminster Bridge often feels like forever, it's my favourite part of my morning walk. I often get confused as to where I should look first, but the London Eye always draws my attention. There is something special about this giant wheel early in the morning. It looks so serene and its colour appears brighter, probably because there is no one blocking my view at this time. I feel almost privileged that I have the sight of the famous wheel all to myself most of the time.
Westminster Bridge is very famous for pre-nuptial shoot. In spring and summer, there are at least two couples each morning having their pre-nup photos taken.
What I am really trying to say is that I am very blessed to have had this opportunity to see London's most famous landmarks every single (working) day. I think what I really enjoyed was seeing the normally very crowded places in the silence of the morning. I am beyond blessed to have experienced this regularly.
4. The flaming London sunrise and sunset
- I fell in love deeper with sunrise and sunset when I lived in New Zealand. We had an amazing view of the sunset from our balcony and I used to watch the sunset almost everyday. And so when I discovered that I could watch the sunset from our board round room at work, I took every opportunity I could get to take a photo of the beautiful sunset. On the other hand, I used to sneak out of our office to briefly watch the dramatic sunrise from the window in the corridor. How I wish I could have taken more photos.
5. Almond croissant and skinny latte from Pret-a-Manger in Trafalgar Square
- Everyday for three months, I bought my almond croissant and skinny latte from Pret-A-Manger in Whitehall. However, the service remained impersonal despite going there regularly. Besides, my coffee was often already pre-brewed for I don't know how long, so they only had to add the hot milk in. Quick service maybe but the quality of my coffee was defintely questionable. But because it became a bad habit, I still went back there every morning. Until they started opening later. I was forced to move to the other branch across the road. Needless to say that the service was friendlier and my coffee was always made fresh. But then I realised that my habit was becoming expensive and unhealthy, so I cut down from 5-day a week to at least twice a week.
I know there are many other Prets in London (in fact, there is one every corner), but this has become a part of my early morning routine and I will definitely miss it.
So, after five years, it seems like there is not much to miss after all, huh!? But honestly, while I was walking over Westminster Bridge on my way home this afternoon, I couldn't help but look back at that massive building behind me with a grateful heart. It has been a roller coaster ride but I have learned so many lessons- professionally and personally. Probably the most important lesson I have learned from this challenging journey is how to rise above all of those who treated me less than what I deserved to be treated, by counting my blessings and constantly reminding myself of my good life outside work. Perhaps if you can use your personal life as your weapon, you can successfully win every work battle. Otherwise, just remember that most battles are better fought in silence, with grace and dignity.
Now I am ready for a new adventure. :)
TIN x
