Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

The Last Day
It was my last day as a Sales Promoter. I decided to resign 2 weeks early so I can concentrate on settling my visa and various other documents to secure my place at university. (This turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made, because at time of writing, 5 days before I fly to Australia, and a month after my resignation, I’m still busy sorting out the last details).

Being the workaholic-wannabe that I am, I resolved to work doubly hard and not slacken off for even a single minute, although I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, with it being the last day and all.

I reported at the ticketing office at 7 am sharp instead of the usual 8. My manager looked sick, and eventually it took him double the time it normally takes to issue the tickets and float money necessary for me to start work. “What a great start to a supposedly productive day,” I thought.

At around 10 am, we received instructions by the Head Manager to stop selling all tickets. There was a technical problem caused by a faulty wire and the train service had to be grounded.

First the sick manager, and now this?! I felt certain some sinister forces were preventing me from selling tickets on my final day of work. After almost 3 hours, the train service was restored. I set off to sell my remaining tickets, and I swear I was so resolute and determined, nothing could stop me. Nothing, except for the fact that there were no air passengers to sell to… Midday is always the quietest time at the arrival hall, and, with no potential customers around, I decided to just enjoy my last lunch hour as a Sales Promoter.

Up to this day, 2 months after I took on the job, I still remember the face of the woman who bought my first ticket; but I have no recollection of my last customer. That last ticket signalled the end of my first ever work experience, but the significance stops there.

All in all, my last day was a largely uneventful one. But part of me wanted it to be that way. It makes the parting process a whole lot easier.

*I’m now no longer part of the Malaysian part-time workforce as I prepare for university life in Australia.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 15:51 | link | comments (3) |

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