This is my first job

“Hello everyone, nice to meet all of you here. Today is my first day and this is my first job!”??

I guess everyone had a similar introduction on their first day entering the job field. Some might happen many years back, while some might just happen not too long ago.?

Do you still remember your first job?

Only 4 months

My first job happened 10 years ago, and I only spent 4 months there. Why did I quit? The answer is simple - this is not what I want! I have made a mistake that most finance graduates did back then, where joining a well-known bank appears to be a greener path – branded employer, secured job, luxury benefits, and a decent package. What about passion and interest? They seem like they do not have a business here. The result is, I quit after 4 months with the reason “This is not what I want”.?

What do I want??

My first job has value-added to my self-discovery journey. I realized that I am passionate about human interaction than data crunching; hearing people story than understanding their story from a bunch of numbers; it is important to place the right person at the right place – thanks to the HR who did my exit interview where I was being asked: “I thought you are smart, how come you would like quit now because this is not what you want?”.

Now, I do know what I want and with the help from my ex-colleague, I chose to become a Recruiter.?

My first step in the recruitment?space

I joined a local recruitment firm with only one thing - Passion. Starting fresh in an entirely new field has never been easy, but passion kept me motivated and courageous throughout the adjustment period. We are operating in an outsourcing environment where each recruiter will be assigned a few portfolios. I started with being the focal point of a few smaller clients in which I was tasked to manage the recruitment, payroll, insurance, leave, and claim-related tasks of my outsource contractors. Most importantly, ensuring invoicing is done correctly and payment is on track! It took me 6 months to get hold of it. Here, I would like to express my gratitude towards my former superior, for her courage in hiring a fresh graduate without any HR background, her willingness in coaching me, and her kindness in giving me lots of opportunities to shine!?

I spent 3 years in my first job being a Recruiter. I walk away with good experiences, unbeatable confidence, as well as a few good friends in life.?

Passion and Interest

As you read my story, I have completed my 10th year in the recruitment space. Certainly, a no-regret path and I am glad that I am still as passionate as I was 10 years ago. For me, being able to still work in the space that I am passionate about is the luckiest thing to have.?

If you are about to enter the job market soon, remember to also consider your passion and interest at the point of making a decision.?

If you are at a point of considering a career switch, be sure to deep dive into your passion and interest to truly understand yourself, you probably realize that you have many options that you never thought of.?

Your career will never define who you are, but it certainly helps you to discover, grow, and become a far better self.?

Thanks for reading my story, my name is Grace Foo and I hope to hear your story too!?

Written by: Grace Foo Kuan Hee