This one month hasn't been easy. Honestly, I realised how much I have taken the familiarity and comfort in Parkway Shenton for granted. Being in a new environment, I have to learn to build new networks, understand the new work culture and try to adapt to it. Simple things like setting up a meeting invite requires a couple of to and fros with my supervisor to ascertain if I got the attendees and meeting room right. The steep learning curve is also something I have to grapple with.
I met up with an ex-colleague from Parkway Shenton who has also recently switched job. She shared that she felt lost, was underachieving, and in fact, she was feeling miserable. She shared about her contemplation to move back to Parkway Shenton. As I advised her to press on, I reflected upon this one month, and decided to jot down some lessons that I have learnt.
1. Humility
This is definitely the first lesson for me. When I became the newest member of the team, I had to learn to put aside my pride and accept new ways of doing things. I had to learn to ask questions, learn to be taught what the "usual way" was. No longer was I the one that people came to for solutions; I now am the one figuring my way out in this new environment.
2. Patience
I never had much patience. I have a need for short-term gratification. Within the 1st week, I was already doubting my capabilities. I asked some mentors if it was normal that I still didn't know my way around and still could not value add much. Many laughed at my earnest question, reminding me that I was only one week into my job. And indeed, experience and knowledge come with time, and I just have to learn to be patient.
3. Work Unto the Lord
This is perhaps the biggest lesson of all. The pride in point 1, and the impatience in point 2, all funnel to the same root cause- I was not working unto the Lord. I have been anxious to prove my worth, instead of working to glorify the Lord. I thank God for the past few messages in YAG. We learned in Hebrews that we are but strangers and pilgrims on this Earth, and what I need most, is to have faith in the Lord and fulfil His purpose for me. I slowly found myself being still, especially at work, and letting go of the pride I had that frequently stumbled me.
My colleagues at work are great. They are good at what they do, and I am looking forward to be equipped with the hospital administration skills that I am sure I will slowly pick up. But beyond that, I am looking forward to seeing how God can use me in this place, and how I will humbly continue to learn lessons from this experience of being placed outside my comfort zone.
