Here to Stay

A friend of mine just resigned from work. Told me she left because she's no longer happy.

Sigh. A lot of people are fighting off at job fairs just to get one. And yet, there are those who, in just a snap, can decide to let it all go and 'look for a whole lotta greener pastures'.

Then again, it makes me think..

What is it that makes one stay?

I have been working now for almost five years. I remember the first few weeks. The bus rides. The awkward smiles. The torture of waking up at 3 in the morning. The cold mornings and the grueling afternoons.

I remember I told myself I wouldn't last for more than a year in this job.

But look me now. Five years going on six and I'm still here.

And looking at the past years and million tasks I've accomplished, I guess it is but just fair to say that I stayed this long because I love the job that I do.

Except for the pay, of course.

But you see, I cannot complain.

Not because I do not have the right to. But because whenever I look at my colleagues, I am amazed just how lucky I am to be doing the work that I do and being with the people that I am with right now.

Sometimes, it's not just the money that matters. It's the self fullfillment you get.

And I get that a whole lot.

Imagine being so stressed at work with crazy deadlines and all. No time to even eat a meal. And at the end of the meeting, you hear "Good Work, Jodee" from your boss. And all the stress just melts away. Gone. Disappeared.

Yeah yeah, shallow Jodee. But I can't apologize for being one.

Because being complimented for doing a good work and a good job pays my soul. Not just my house.

For now I'm staying here.

Not because I have to.

But because I want to.