Onboarding

Yesterday was a day of welcoming and reuniting. Although I consider myself an introvert in a crowd, I behave like an extrovert in a closed group. I do not know how to standout, but I like to participate. I want people to feel welcome and not feel as awkward as I am. I receive newness and homecoming with a warm group hug. 

When I learned Iza had relocated and taken a new job here in Manila, I made last-minute dinner plans with her and Vince. Everyone made sacrifices for this gathering to happen. Iza, who now works in QC, went all the way to BGC on a rainy day and during Monday rush hour traffic. I, who have work at 9pm, had to squeeze in the meal before going to the office, disregarding my IF and WFH schedule. Vince, gracious as ever, offered to drive Iza back to QC even though he lives in BGC. OK, maybe mine was not really a sacrifice, but more of an inconvenience. I love my SyCip batch. We stayed in touch over the years, occasionally meeting up when Iza comes over for short vacations. We understand each other's professional challenges and celebrate each other's personal milestones. I am glad we are all in Manila now. 

At the office, I welcomed the newest member of our Legal team. I am pleased that our team is growing and happy that I get to tell every new member that I am the first legal resource. I like showing them the ropes and I bask in pride when they thrive in their roles. Every time someone onboards, I silently hope that the new hire will be a good fit and will stay for the long haul. Good employees are hard to come by these days. Good colleagues are even harder to gain in a hybrid workplace. That is why I put in the effort and reach out, hoping that they will see that working with me and in the company is worth their while.