Nolawi I would like to meet with you one on one. Ok, let’s go to Human Resources. Due to lack of work, we are unfortunately laying you OFF. Next friday will be your last day.

That was what happened to on May 2nd 2006. No if's and or but’s; my faith is in the hands of my employer. I took it as a blessing in disguise; but yes I was pissed. I had made a little home for me. It was comfortable even if the home was only an eight by eight cubical.

Yekochegn was my bookmarks and setting in my web browser. And ya I guess I’ll miss the people too, although I never saw anyone. I go there and at times leave without talking to anyone. All the conversation was through email. Days go by before I see my boss. BTW I thought he was my friend, my security blanket, I had a role in which he got promoted. So sure, I thought he would protect my job. At the end everyone only cares for themselves.

Blessing Indeed

So first thing is first; I worked for two & half years paid my taxes. It was the governments turn to pay me back. It’s called unemployment. Wow, they pay you while you sit at home drinking your buna.

I had underestimated myself. My nice cozy job had made me complacent. It was only one week before I got my first job offer. I didn’t know if I should be angry, because the timing was way off. I wanted to wait till after the soccer tourney in the la la land, before I go back to work.  

The layoff timing was right, tinish World Cup soccer, the NBA Finals, ESFNA; maybe organize Bernos a bit and relax.

A week later another job offer; a small PR & Marketing firm in Rockville.  Again I wasn’t enthused but this was an opportunity I could pass up. What if I turn it down and nothing comes down the line. My life isn’t Texas No-Limit Holdem; I can’t fold almost every hand that I’m dealt. 

Yes, so they called me on Friday. Nolawi, if you want the job it’s yours. Silly old I sent a thank you note through email; I must have been hanging out of forums too much since there were two grammatical errors in my email (one was spelling).

So they called right back: Nolawi do you know you made spelling mistakes on your email? Do you trouble communicating with the English language? WHAT!! I can’t believe it. How dare they?

I resisted saying FU. They said they would want me to take Basic English classes at the local community college. It would be part of the job agreement. Of course, we will pay for it.  Three years ago, I would have gladly said ‘yes, no problem, I will.’

Hence, would you mind doing that? Yes, I do mind; I have no problem communicating in the English language but if you insist I will. I will do whatever it takes to work with you guys. (Ekh! Ekh! Sorry I have something in my throat)

Ring Ring! Nolawi we discussed it and have decided that what you said is the right answer. Confident but flexible! Good answer. When can you start?

So I started! And hated it.

First thing is first; I’m not just the foreign ‘graphics guy’ anymore. I’m in PR & Marketing! My name affects my job performance? My skills and qualifications are good enough but not my name.

Nolawi, I would like to call you ‘Nol;’ Please use that in your email signature and voicemail. Your email address will not me nolawi@company.com; it will be nol@company.com.

Ok, that is fine if I liked the job, but so far I don’t. My faith is still up in the air; I haven’t decided if I like my new name. Esti when you see me at the soccer fest call me ‘Nol’  and we will see if I turn around.