life goes on

when i was back in the US, i didn't think much of the planned layoffs partly because it didn't cross my mind that i maybe affected by it. hearing paul's webcast yesterday and the talks circling around about who got the pink slips, the reality that no one is safe started to sink in. for the first time in 10+years of my employment, i have to admit i am a bit worried about the possibilities. i'm worried not because i am a poor performer, because on the contrary i think i have built a solid career and reputation at work, but there are no guarantees right now that these are enough to weather me through the coming storm. i am praying that it will be enough.

i think what is happening is pushing everybody into a crossroad - it is really a time of re-evaluating ourselves, career-wise that is and start formulating our plan B's and C's. i've already submitted my resume to some three companies in the US - just taking some chances i guess. i mean peter got a job in singapore by applying online so why not take that chance right? talking to some collegues made me realize that while the times will be dark in the coming months, it shouldn't stop us from living our lives or let the dread take over our lives. we need to focus and still show our value in the work that we do - we owe that not to the company but to ourselves. at the same time though, we need to be prepared. its a good thing i managed to settle all my credit card bills already and my car loan from intel will be fully paid by july 25. after july 25, i can say i am 100% debt-free, that has such a nice ring to it, debt-free. i've elected my spp's to quicksale by august and i've withdrawn my 10% spp contribution already. i'm trying to be more liquid in the coming months.

ali told me that many are thinking of canceling the cdo trip in lieu of the circumstances. the idea crossed my mind but i realized i deserve this vacation and it doesn't have to be an expensive trip. so if i somebody is still willing to go, then i am still in. the cebu trip though might be something we will have to cancel. but the white water rafting in cdo is an experience, and i'm not willing to give that up just yet. ali is right, if this maybe a last getaway with intel friends, then what better way to spend it than out there. this thing we're going through is not the end of the world, rather it is a turning point in our lives and later on, we'll realize that things aren't always as bad as it seems. basta trust in the goodness of the Lord.