Another person decided to leave the firm I work in. After 18 years with the firm, he finally threw in the towel. It was surprising to say the least because he didn't seem the type that would leave especially having spent a good half of his life in the firm.
He was nice guy I first met about 3 years back when I first joined the firm. He was a funny guy and always cheerful every time I met him and there's was plenty of jokes when we had small talk in the lift, passing by in the loo or by the water cooler.
His resignation did come as surprise even for the top brass. Corridor talk has it that he was never really a performer in the firm, wasn't someone you'd know for being very good at what he does.
I guess after 18 years, some people need a change. At least that's what I thought. Not until I had a short conversation with him. I thought he had a better job offer somewhere out there. It was quite the opposite actually.
"I heard you decided to leave. When's your last day?"
"Yea. Last day was supposed to be 16th this month but the partner asked me to hang on out until 30th to help out with the July peak period."
"Must have been a really good deal for you to decide to leave the firm."
"Not at all bro. In fact, I am getting much less than what I am getting here. Virtually half my salary here!"
"No kidding! Then why leave?"
"You see, I have a son who requires special needs. He's autistic and it doesn't help being a single parent. Working here doesn't help in trying to spend time with him. My mother has to help watch over him while I work everyday. The long hours here simply doesn't help me in making sure he grows up well. Almost everyday my mother calls me up to tell me the young guy is crying and looking for me. He cries almost everyday missing me. He needs me. The new job gives me more time to spend with my kid. Getting a lower a salary is a foregone conclusion."
"Sorry to hear about your kid and having to be a single parent. Must have been tough on you."
"All part of life. It's not easy but he's still my child."
"Did you have think long before deciding to resign? You are foregoing quite a good sum with this move."
"It wasn't a tough decision to make. In fact, to me the decision I had to make was very clear. That kid means more to me than anything else put together. He needs me and I haven't been there for him most of the time."
I shook his hand wishing him all the best in advance in case I didn't meet him before he left. The conversation really left an impression in my mind. Whilst most of us go through the grind of trying to earn big bucks, there are those out there who are simply much more enlightened than us who think too much of financial rewards. Being there for his son clearly made it more rewarding for him.
When it comes to family bonds, even a big fat cheque can seem insignificantly minute to those who understand how it feels to be able to love another.
Back in SG, I received a call that my mom was hospitalized. I was working that day and after receiving that call, my hand shivered so hard that I could not even hold a pen. Also my health was not at its peak & falling sick too frequently.
ReplyDeleteSo I made a decision to come back here. And yes, I am making half lesser than what I used to earn. But the family support and having close ones around is more rewarding.
:)