So Cogent's out. My initial impressions over the 'rejection' was one of striking disappointment. I've been searching for a good job for almost six months and things always seem to be cut short just before the end. In a way, this closure was perhaps even more disappointing than Orica, even though Orica had better prestige and prospects. No doubt the larger sense of disappointment was due to the extended wait for a good job, and not because Cogent's better than Orica.

Having said all those, perhaps I am a little relieved that I didn't get Cogent. Just by observations and gut feel I could tell perhaps the working culture isn't perhaps the best, or very professional for that matter, although Cogent is a family business after all and there should be some leeway given when comparing Cogent to an MNC. The inflexibility of the working hours would have become an issue though. Commitment to completing work is one thing, but expecting time to be taken away even outside normal working hours becomes a little bit of a red flag. So perhaps the decision to close the door on Cogent was a relatively wiser one.

The support coming from the people around me have been largely positive, and that has helped me with this short bout of disappointment. I'm still a little disappointed that I have to wait longer to find another job, but I'm very glad that the people around me have rallied and stood by me given the tough choice I had to make (of setting aside Wednesday nights for prayer meeting). My preacher has told me "Honour God, and God will honour you." He has also told me to set things right from the start, and not get sucked in to a job that demands all your time. My momma has been especially nice about it as well, citing how unprofessional and unreasonable they were considering young people have their needs, especially when setting aside time to further improve self. A has been a strong pillar of support just by listening to me complain about my woes and encouraging me in my walk with God. dJ told me it's their loss that they won't accept me, and encouraged me to continue searching for a quality job. SY has also been surprisingly nice and helpful, as she mentioned such a job seems very unreasonable and it is good to put God first and honour him. Rudi's first response was one that I was rather taken aback. He was impressed with me standing firm and holding my ground. He told me it is very important to hold your values dear and this is a sure sign of mental strength and leadership.

I am very thankful for everyone that has stood by my side, no doubt the people around me and their valuable advice and mentorship have been a strong factor in influencing my character positively and I take this as God's wonderful provision for me. What to do next? I just have to keep on moving forward and searching for a job, my God is a good God who knows ALL my worries and concerns, and how they grow by the day, and He gives me the grace to stay strong even through these disappointments, and He has even provided me with blessed encouragement from my family and friends. How do I not feel blessed even in such moments? I really cannot help but feel blessed in the love of God. || posted by Kuan Hui