Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

 It was 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. I got a job as bookkeeper. Two weeks later, I was told to leave as I did not know what to do and under performed. I left, with my ego hurt. Few days later, my lady boss from bubble tea house asked me to help her on weekdays. I stayed with her until I went to university. 

It was 2009, bottom of Global Financial Crisis. On that fateful day, my ex-boss came in and said: "Alan, you had only RM20k sales for the past 6 months. You under performed. You don't have the cut as salesperson." I left, with bruises on my pride and self doubt. 40 days later, I got a job offer as consultant in a multi-national consulting firm. 

I learned that when things go wrong, we think everything is over. But truly, it is just a new beginning. A rejection, a door closed is not the end. I was rejected by countless companies, saying that I did not have the credentials as salesperson and skills of business researcher. I was told I was too young to be a business consultant. I learned that opinions are just opportunities for growth. I learnt that, often, rejections can be the best thing that ever happened to us. So, be grateful and do it anyway.

History tends to repeat itself. This year, during the beginning of this Great Lockdown, I was told to pursue interest outside the company, as I was not 'in line with value of the company'. I heard those familiar words again: "Alan, I do not know what you do. You under performed." Armed with the life lessons I had, I know it is time. It is time to do something that I am good at, feeling appreciated and making people's lives better. 

Coincidentally, my ex-boss called me. After an hour meeting, he decided to invest in my calling, 40 days after I left my job. 

Coincidentally, my ex-colleague, who is taking over his family business called me: "Alan, can you help me in public speaking?" He became my first corporate client. 

Coincidentally, few parents came and approached me. They entrusted their children to me to hone their speaking skills, even though this is a trying period. 

Coincidentally, I received requests on marketing research engagement. Now, I have free hand to add value without the pretext of "This is how we do things here for years. Alan, just follow."

Coincidentally, Malaysia most charismatic corporate trainer became my master trainer. He widened my horizon about training business in Malaysia. 

Coincidentally, a coach, all the way from Australia, who sold his successful research business in Vietnam, whom I never met in person, became my coach. Pro bono. 

To those who helped me in this journey, I thank you. I believe one day you will be repaid 10x, 20x even 100x on your money, effort, opportunities, trust, time and guidance invested in me. 

To my friends out there, this Great Lockdown is our golden opportunity to answer or true calling. Yes, job loss is very painful. We feel outcasted. At this moment, we can cry, angry and feel broken. But never, ever give up on ourselves. 

The great JRR Tolkien wrote these wise words in Fellowship of the Ring: 

"All that is gold does not glitter, 
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost. 

From the ashes a fire shall be woken, 
A light from the shadows shall spring; 
Renewed shall be blade that was broken, 
The crownless again shall be king."

Even the great King Aragorn was once lost before. We have a choice to reclaim our life. We can make meaningful impact for ourselves and people around us. Here I am, standing upright with pride in my eyes and smile of rebel, calling all the outcasts out there: Be bravely you. Answer your true inner calling. Because you and the people around you, are worth it. 

7 September 2020
Puchong English TMC
Test Speaker - Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest