I am back

First of all, I apologize for the lack of update. I understand that there are a lot of speculations and worries about my whereabouts, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude towards you.

It is only appropriate for me to list out the things that had happened during my absence in order to explain my lack of update.

I had successfully landed a job in one of the SMEs about a month ago. The job sent me outstation for product technical training in the factory, proving me accommodation in a hotel nonetheless. It wasn't some 5 stars hotel, not even a 3 stars, but it was great to have a room with a bed and a shower. After months of sleeping on a car seat and carpeted floor, the feeling of a bed touching the skin is purely a heavenly experience. Most importantly, I had also learned to appreciate a proper bathroom with steamy hot shower. The feeling of the hot water streaming down the back was beyond description of words.

The only downside to this is that I did not have Internet access in the training area as the information we dealt with are critical to the company's profit. The only access is through the Administrator office and our access would be monitored. I did not want to take the risk of letting my identity made known to the public, especially the office co-workers, so I did not write. But I did reply Adrian's email to let him know that I was doing great.

I wrote some post updates at night in the hotel room, trying to inform everyone about the ongoing activities and not to let anyone getting worried. I was planning to update this blog when I came back to the city. Unfortunately, my laptop broke down and a quick talk to the technician concluded that the hard drive was "fried", as he put it. I was told that all the information that I had previously stored in the hard drive is forever lost.

At this moment, I am using one of the Internet Cafes in the area to reply some emails and also updating this blog. I apologize if you find that this update lacks the details because I am trying to minimize the duration of the usage. They are charging by the hourly rate!

Anyway, back to the subject of updating; after 3 weeks of technical training, I was relocated back to the Klang Valley office and that was when I had to sleep in the car again because I vacated out from the previous job, where I was working as a night security. I thanked the boss profoundly for providing me the job and the shelter when I was facing difficulties. The boss was kind enough to offer me to continue staying there until I could afford a better place.

I had to gently decline his kind offer as I felt that it was inappropriate for me to continue staying there for free. So he wished me good luck and paid me the salary (which I refused to accept since I was only guarding the factory for less than 2 weeks, and I took the shelter as a form of compensation) when I loaded my belongings into my car.

Heading Adrian's advice, I asked around the office if there was a place to rent. After a quick round of asking, I found out that there was this young girl in the office renting a whole apartment nearby the office, and she was looking for a sublease! I approached her with caution and I asked her if I could sublease the room.

She looked at me, considering her options since I am the new guy in the office and she doesn't know me that well. Finally she agreed. Because we are colleagues, she agreed that I do not have to pay her the required 2 months deposit but I must keep to my words that I would keep the apartment in tiptop condition and I would help to tidy up the place every week. I agreed to her condition.

After sleeping in the car for 4 days, I finally moved into her apartment. It is a small unit, but it was in very clean state and I was shown to my room. Just two days ago I went to the night market and got myself a mattress that would provide me some cushioning between the floor and my bad hip.

Right now, I wake up in the morning to work, take light lunch with my colleagues, and at night I would head back to the apartment to rest. It is a simple life, but as one would put it, this is a good start. For me, this is a great start, and I am looking forward for this new life.

Temporary shelter

I have found a temporary shelter. Or rather, technically, Adrian found me a temporary shelter.

I think the best way to describe this is to copy and paste the email that Adrian sent to me some time ago.

Hey, sorry for not dropping by your blog for a bit cos lately I had been busy. But I think there are a lot of people take notice of your blog. Good job! Trust me, if the content is not good, you still won't get visitor, and from what I read, you are good.
Now, here comes the good news.

I have talked to a few friends, and one of my female friends asked her dad, whom own a factory in XXXX. Her dad is willing to offer you a place to sleep and on top of that, he will offer you a job too! Now comes the bad news. It is not a house, but a medium size factory in an industrial area. She said you can sleep in the office, as her dad needs some one to guard the factory at night because his Indonesian worker is going back, and by that, he will be paying you a minimum monthy salary. I am not sure how much is that, but I can get in touch with her if you are interested.

Also, do you want a part-time job in sales? An acquittance of mine is looking for a part-time for his car dealership. I am not sure if you are willing to do sales as you come from technical background, but I suggest that you give it a try.

On top of that, I have checked with my ex-company which is related to your industry. I don't know how good you are, but when I put the words for you, they asked me to get your resume. So please forward your resume to XXX@XXXXX and in the subject, put "Referral from Adrian Ang". Getting the full time job or not is completely up to your qualifications.

Anyway, please don't see that I am helping you in the factory. It is a job that comes with accomodation, and best of all, they have internet connection there. So if you are willing to work as night-shift guard at the factory, call me.

Hang in there. With your qualification, I am sure you can do many things you want.

Regards,
Adrian

Now, I don't know what to say. From earlier conversation with Adrian, he told me that there are a lot of skeptical people out there about the validity of my claim for being homeless and sleeping in my car, so these people might jump out and say, "Hey, but you said you didn't pay your phone bill and you can't call out!"

(Sorry Adrian, but I have to tell them the truth and void the promise that I made to you)

My phone bill was paid, by Adrian. Well, not all by himself, but he got some of his friends to chip in as well after learning my stories. He has done so without my knowledge since he has my contact number, which I disapprove but grateful nonetheless.

I understand that this world is filled with skepticism and I don't mind that if people are doubting me. I am just a no-body in the cyberspace and I choose to remain anonymous. But I cannot tolerate people pointing their fingers at Adrian. If you want to point your finger at someone, I am here, awaiting for your accusation, and I am willing to accept all the accusation that you might have.

Anyway, let's not derive and stray too far from the topic, so let's move on.

Yes, I have taken up the job as night shift guard taking care of the factory at night. There is no bed, but at least I have a flat surface to sleep on instead of curling up my legs all the time and sleeping in an awkward position. There's no water heater, but at least I still can take a shower. At least no one is chasing me away when I use the internet. Most importantly, there is a roof on top of me where I am shielded from the sun, rain, dust, and insects.

It is still not my home. But at least this is a good start.

As for the car salesman job offering, I know nuts about automotive. I know how to drive an auto transmission car, and that's about it. So at the end they did not hire me.

I have sent out my resume to the company that Adrian mentioned, and now I am awaiting for the call for the interview. I have crossed my fingers and hoping for the best. For once, I am sure of something; I am sure that many of you have your fingers crossed for me as well, and I thank you for that.

Job Interview

Last night I saw a hiring sign on 7-11, so I walked in and wanted to speak to the manager.

I have been looking for a full time job, and I have attended few interviews so far. Right now I am still awaiting for the news, but I need the money. I need the money seriously. So I have been looking for part-time as well.

A young Malay guy came out from the back. He looked not a day older than 28, and he identified himself as the Store Manager.

I explained to him that I saw the sign that the store was hiring, so I wanted the interview. He scoffed, went into his office, took out an application form and asked me to fill it up. I spent the few minutes filling up the particulars, and when I was done, I walked to the back of the store to pass him my application form.

After reading my application form for few minutes, he looked up and asked, "How old are you?"

I replied as politely as possible, "I am 30 years old."

He mumbled to himself very softly, "Wow. Older than me..."

I pretended that I didn't hear what he said. After awhile, we will all get used to it, and I don't blush that often nowadays.

"Hmm.. can you please tell me about your education background?" He asked, in a broken English manner.

"Sure," and I explained to him.

"Hahaha! Hmm.. you know, you have Master's Degree. This is only part-time job," he laughed.

I looked straight into his eyes, and I said, "Yes, I know. But right now I am jobless so I just want to get some income."

"Hahaha! Sorry! Your salary is too high and we cannot afford to hire Degree holder!" He laughed louder.

"It's okay sir. I know the pay is not high, but I really need this job," I pledged with him.

He thought for a while, scratched his head, and asked, "Do you know how to use the cash register machine?"

"Nope sir, but I am a quick learner," I replied quickly. He is much younger than me, but out of courtesy, I called him "sir", and I really needed that job.

"Actually, I won't hire you," he blinked at me.

"But I am really a quick learner and I am very sure that I can handle the cash register machine in no time," I begged.

"No. You have Master's Degree. Go look for a job that needs Master's Degree. We can only hire SPM holders only."

"But..."

"Bye!" And by that, he turned his back on me and walked back to the office.

At that point, I almost wanted to punch the shit out of him. He laughed at me, insulted me, and at the end didn't want to give me the part-time-freaking-job. Or at least listen to me instead of cutting me off when I was about to speak.

I was pissed! But could I have done at that moment? He had already judged me even before speaking to me, so there is no way I could turn things around.

I turned, opened the door while the chimney rang, and walked off without even turning my head.