Ten things I learned from having a job.

I went out from the seminary for about six months now. Luckily, three days after I had gone out, I found a job. Now, I am enjoying my six months of working as a lesson developer. Here are ten things I learned from having a job.

1.Face the fear.
What if I will not be accepted? What should I do for my resume? How to write a cover letter? What should I say for my interview? I had all these fears. But, I didn’t let them succumb me. I just said, “Well Mark, you’ve learned enough from the seminary. Use them. And, having an interview is just like defending your thesis.” I was right then. All did well afterward. I got hired.

2.Respect.
I am at the different atmosphere. My workplace is different from the culture of the seminary. I have to show respect to my co-workers. They were but strangers. But, show first respect and they will surely bring back the favor.

3.Show that they were not wrong hiring you.
We were given probationary period. And, within that period I did my best. I finished my task earlier than the deadline. I showed them I was worth hiring for.

4.Contentment.
I started from a low salary. Basic wage. But, who was I to complain? I was a newbie in the employed world. I was just starting to gain experience. So, I tightened my belt with the low salary, saved and spent wisely, and stayed happy. I was contented.

5.Learn from lapses.
Everything was new. I was oriented what to do. I did it. However, howsoever best I tried, I couldn’t go away from mistakes. But, I remembered them. Took heed from them. And, learned from them.

6.Budget.
I really need to adjust and change my old lifestyle as I opted to live alone with only having a low salary.  Financial management improves my maturity in terms of money matters. I spent wisely and saved 20% or my salary.

7.Maturity.
Since before I graduated college, I thought I can already be considered as professional. I was wrong. Since even I got my bachelor's degree, I was not that matured. Maturity comes not on what you acquired but on how you apply what you acquired. Work experience made me more matured. I was amenable before to others’ dictate when I made my own decisions. Now is different. I can now decide on my own, just for example my decision to separate from my brother and live on my own.  

8.Confidence.
When I was still in the seminary, I was always at the corner without a say of anything in the discussion. It was not because I had nothing to say, but because I was afraid of what they were going to say to what I would say. Now, every time we have meeting at work, I can raise my voice without any fear of being laughed.

9.Work etiquette.
I am with professional people. I have to be one. I have to know the work etiquette if I don’t want to soil my reputation. Just like handling stress at work. Yes, work entails stress. But, it is part of work. Instead of letting it affect my performance, I have to overcome it and step forward towards productivity.

10.Grammar.
As a lesson developer of an ESL company, grammar is a necessary skill. Though I accept that I am not that a master of grammar. Thanks to my job. I enhance my knowledge in grammar.