Expanding my Comfort Zone
March 11, 2009 | Filed under Random Ramblings, Words of Wisdom | 246 views
I love the familiar. I put a lot of work ensuring certain things in my life remain constant. I love staying within this comfort zone as I reassure myself that I am safe. And as long as I am safely held within the walls of what I know, I feel secure and confident.
Last two weeks had been really bad for me. The company I’m working with for the last 4 years now had been hit with global economic crisis. I never thought we would be hit as we are on the I.T. world. Instead of a layoff, the company decided to just reduce our salary to 20% for 3 to 4 months. It’s better than losing a job.
BUT… I have a huge monthly bills.
I love the company. I love to work in Makati though it’s far from home. I love my table; my chair; my mac; our coffee; my officemates… I love to work at night with the same people. I love my job. These are my comfort zone.
The recession made me think of getting out of my comfort zone. I need to think of myself also.
So I looked for a new job. One company got my attention. It’s near our home, maybe a 15 minute walk to the office. Same pay rate. A morning work. Better office building. Good crowd.
I took the initial examination and interview. I was asked of my current status and availability but I’m still undecided. I really don’t want to leave my current work.
Getting out of my comfort zone immediately is very hard. I don’t think I can do that.
I realized, If I can’t get out of my comfort zone, why not expand it. Expand it slowly but surely. I think it’s easier to expand the comfort zone in small, steady steps than in great big leaps.
So I started looking again for another job, but this time, as a part time job. I don’t have to leave my current work, I just need to add more. And who knows, I might like it.
I realized also that I need to expand other things. Small things that I don’t usually do and not comfortable doing it.
So I made a list:
1. Learn new programming language.
2. Start a new business.
3. Go to a movie by myself.
4. Go to a short vacation somewhere else alone (philippines only).
5. Ask someone out for a date.
6. Learn photography by enrolling to school.
7. Eat at an expensive restaurant by myself.
8. Try some new food.
9. Learn to scuba dive.
10. Smile at strangers.
Last night, I received an email coming from one of the company in Canada asking for some details. I’m still hesitant to answer the email as I’m scared to work abroad. I’m afraid to be alone in unknown places so my no. 4 list is a “must” do. Like I said, it start with small things. If I can go somewhere else alone here, then I can go anywhere may it be Canada or somewhere else.
I want more of anything in my life and it starts with me. By expanding my comfort zone, I will get more of what I want in life. 
Tags: Personal
kim salas on 
Ranilo harder on 
Nikko on 
Maria on 
Inal G. on
03/11/2009
May ganong factorial ka na naman!
Drama Queen ka talaga! =p
03/11/2009
ganon talaga! Churvhang toh! haha..
03/11/2009
nice one
03/12/2009
hey that’s good news!!!i really encourage u to answer back d e-mail that you receive from Canada…they won’t contact u if they’re not interested..remember that not everyone is given d’ chance,don’t be afraid to get out of ur comfort zone…u will never knw unless u try.We all have big dreams, Its always up to us on how to make those dreams as a reality…opportunity is knockn’..dont let it slip away.. don’t worry u’ll be ok
!
03/12/2009
Yup, I know. I’ll answer the email, now na. hehe.
Thanks for the encouragement. Sana they’ll call me again..
’san ka ‘nga pala sa Canada? hirap tandaan eh..
03/12/2009
saskatoon,saskatchewan.
san ba yun sau? alberta? vancouver?
pg ngkataon,long drive ito papunta sau!!!
ng maiba mapuntahan ko..lol
excited!!!
03/21/2009
Ten Signs You Should Keep Your Job
by Norma Mushkat Gaffin
Unsure whether you should keep your job or seek greener pastures? Instead of looking for what’s wrong in your current position, watch for these 10 signs that could tell you you’re fine right where you are.
1. You’re Happy
We’re not talking mere complacency here, but genuine happiness. If you’re happy, you’re going to be more productive, and that will impact the company’s (and your own) bottom line.
2. You’re Learning
You can race up the corporate ladder with agility, but if you don’t learn anything on the way, you won’t enjoy a lengthy stay. Anything you learn is another bullet on your resume.
3. The Company Is Hiring
This is not the hiring you saw in the ’90s, but rather the new and improved smart hiring that will help your company get to the next level. You want to see your employer putting new employees into positions that directly support the company’s goals.
4. The Company Listens to Its Workers
Employees are often a company’s most valuable asset. If processes don’t work or morale is low, the workers are the ones to know. But remember: Decisions are based on the big picture, which may include some facts every employee cannot be privy to.
5. The Company Has a Plan
Does your employer have a mission and clear goals? Is there a plan for reaching those goals? Clarity is important for every worker, and it’s even more important for the larger business.
6. The Company Fixes Its Problems
Everyone makes mistakes, and true virtue lies in how they’re corrected. If your company actively tries to mend itself, then you know it’s getting ready for the long haul.
7. The Company Promotes from Within
This goes back to employees being a company’s biggest asset. Does your company reward its workers and promote accordingly? That shows the company is willing to invest in you, and your investment in the company could have a payoff.
8. The Company Is Open About Its Financials
If your company shares only its successes, beware. But if your employer shares information around profits and loss, it’s inviting you to be a partner and is empowering you with the information you need to help.
9. Your Accomplishments and Contributions Are Noticed and Valued
Do you get credit for the work you do? No one should be taken for granted. If your employer notes your accomplishments, you’re more likely to move up or be able to take on more challenging projects.
10. You Look Forward to Monday
Everyone enjoys a day off, but do you look forward to returning to work? Whether it’s your job, your colleagues or the office culture, if there’s something that stops you from dreading Mondays, you’ve struck career gold.
Improve Your Situation
If you realize your current employer and position are not right for you, you need to take some action. Start with these four steps:
1. What’s Wrong?
Are you unhappy with your current job, or are you concerned for your company’s future? You need to determine the current problem before you can find a solution.
2. Assessments
Introspection can only lead to more clarity where your career is concerned. Look into taking career assessments to discover where your interests and aptitudes meet, and determine what type of workplace culture would be best for you.
3. Update Your Resume
Even if you’re completely content in your current position, you should always keep your resume updated. You never know what might happen next, even at a thriving company.
4. Network
Talking to people is one of the best ways to learn about job openings or even a new field you had never considered for yourself. Don’t just join professional organizations, but be an active member. You need to put yourself out there and take some risks to find the job that’s right for you.
Wala share ko lang..hehehe nakiki-BLOG CHOS!!!
03/22/2009
mahaba pa comment mo sa post ko ah!
03/23/2009
churya…blog mo nga pala toh
04/18/2009
[...] that it was my first movie, watching alone. I remember I made a list of top 10 things I would do to expand my comfort zone. And watching movie by myself was one of them. (on my next post, I’m going to update the [...]