The Bid

Today is one of those ordinary days in my workplace. I arrived at 6 in the morning to attend a briefing with my superior, Mami Athena. Instead of having a briefing with her, I devoted the first hour of my job blog-hopping before the scheduled training at 7. Training began on time. The new agents came early and surprise to say, they're one of the more eager batches I've handled since the responsibility was given to me. Unlike the other instructors, I give breaks as often as possible. This is to allow the trainees to absorb our lessons before diving into a new subject. I also use the breaks as an opportunity to know the new hires outside the training room and give pep talks about the job. They liked the idea and the problem of boredom didn't hamper our progress. Though there are subjects that were left out during today's session, they will be discussed in detail tomorrow.

There are some challenges at work, which, I couldn't write in my blog. Nevertheless, it may affect the morale of the agents. Even I was a little saddened by the drastic changes. I wasn't able to attend the management meeting this afternoon, but I am beginning to sense a collective gloom after the news broke out on the floor. Plans are still being drawn up and hopefully, the lords would come up with a solution soon.

Behind everyone's knowledge is a plot that would free me from my current responsibilities. Yes, Totoy Baliko, I am being pirated by another company. It was Makyokyo who recommended me to his boss. The boss is very eager to hire me, especially after sending him the article about last week's motorcycling event. I will join his editorial team, and the post he is willing to give will catapult me to a very high position. Very enticing, I must say, the compensation alone makes my eyes shimmer.

The problem is, my heart belongs to my workplace. The office is like my second home. And no matter how minuscule the pay is, I am already used to my meager existence.

It was already past 7 pm when I reached the new boss' headquarters in Cainta. Tired and exhausted from this day's grind, I showed up to deliver my decision regarding his proposal. It was a hard sell: His offer, almost a bargain. I considered the distance and the six-day work schedule as the factors behind declining his offer. Makyokyo's interest in returning to his old company - my present workplace - last month also weighted heavy on my decision. After all, I was supposed to be his replacement. He must have some good reasons to abandon the job being offered to me.

The new boss couldn't hide his disappointment after turning down his offer. He said I have the qualities he is seeking for his future Managing Editor. He said I was eager to learn, passionate about the job, and I go the extra mile to deliver what was being required. He was observing my every move during the press event, and after telling him what I should have done to improve my article, his eagerness to draw his cards almost triggered a bidding war inside my head.

"Don't let this opportunity pass." His words kill me.

"You are needed here, just like you are needed there." I couldn't help but show a faint smile after hearing his complements. Especially, after explaining the difficulty of leaving my job.

The meeting ended without a definite resolution. My status stays in stasis. I may have told the new boss that I would rethink about his offer but in reality, I have already made up my decision. The world he offers will bring me to different places. I will get to practice my craft and earn handsomely from my talents.

But I am set to explore other career options; jobs that would make me feel accomplished. The emissaries continue to depart my home port in search of greener pastures elsewhere. It doesn't matter when they would reach their rightful destination. Besides, I am still committed to fulfill my responsibilities and to pay allegiance to a way of living that sustained me for years. If and when I decide to leave, remains uncertain.

But for now, the bid to become an editor and news writer has to end.