“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.” - Bruce Barton.
If there's one way of never failing, it is by learning from one's mistakes. No mistake is a failure, unless you learn nothing from it. I too have made quite a few mistakes in the small part of life that I have lived so far. And I have learnt a lesson from each one of them… some difficult, some not so difficult. One can never get ahead in life without trying anything new. As the outcome is not always certain, it may involve a certain amount of risk.
One of the new things I have tried recently in my life is getting a job. When faced with the need to support myself financially, I decided to get a job. Easy as it may sound, it is one herculean task to get a job, and another to keep it. I began my search by creating and uploading my resume on a leading job search site. Within a few days I was called for an interview. Unaware of what to expect, I noted the appointment timings, and reached the venue well ahead of the designated time. On being called in for the interview, I went with my certificates and resume, thinking of a hundred different ways in which I might be rejected, and a hundred more in which I might be accepted…
After speaking to the interviewers, I realized that this was not what I wanted – the timings were long, pay small and no satisfaction in the job. I had to say no, but did not know how to do so without sounding arrogant. So, I messed up my written test on purpose and left for home dejected. But this was just the beginning.
A day later, I received another call from another company, offering the same position, with a better experience and greater satisfaction. Wondering if it was safe to expect anything better than the previous one, I reached the venue on time.
I was struck by the atmosphere at the office – discipline blended with friendliness, results attained with passion and a professional outlook. Here was a place I could learn and grow. At the end of the day, I was told that I had been shortlisted for the job, and was to be on probation for a week before getting a confirmation. So, I started work on a fine Monday morning. As luck would have it, I began work in the new branch of the firm. It was a completely new experience, one that threw my entire world out of balance. Earlier, my world used to be wrapped up in myself, my books, movies and the small circle of friends that I had. But now my world has expanded in all directions, opening different worlds of possibilities in every matter.
Yet, when I look back, I wonder if this bliss I feel is only temporary, and if I actually made a huge mistake by letting go of everything I used to hold on to… Maybe, just maybe, this is not the way I was meant to be. Or maybe it is…
Only time can tell, as I’ve taken up the age old method of living – by trial and error. If this is meant to last, it will; else, I will find another way. But until then, the world is waiting for me, I belong here.
