Live your love, Love your life

When my best friend, Fida Abbott, sent me email to join her writing contest themed “Being an Expatriate” I was blank. My only knowledge was the term “expatriate” is used to name the person (from Western country) who works abroad. I started by searching for the meaning of the word “expatriate”. Wikipedia has a pretty good explanation: a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing or legal residence. Ok. So, according to that description, I am an expatriate. Sounds cool, eh? I then started to think what might be interesting to write. There were plenty ideas, but I decided to write about working in the United States of America.
I met my husband through internet. He proposed me and then we worked on paperwork to get me visa to USA. I moved to USA in January 25th, 2005 (read about it in “Good bye Surabaya, Welcome USA). We got married and did another paperwork to get me a Permanent Resident card. Meanwhile, I helped my husband founding our non-profit organization named Somos Iguales (http://www.somos-iguales.com/). I design and update the website, took pictures of the products, check on stocks and order forms, handle and ship orders, etc. while my husband, since he is an attorney, does all the legal works and writings.
Two years since my coming to USA, I decided to take a day job. The main reason was to build my own credit score. In USA a person is measured by his/her credit score. The concept is the higher the score the easier for that person to get good mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, business loans, etc.
My first job was sales assistant at Toys “R” Us. I found the website, I read the company profile, and I applied online. The application is easy and job oriented. I attached my resume with my working experience, my Social Security number, my permanent resident card number, and hit “Submit”. Not like in Indonesia, where appearance and the look are most important, here in USA no photograph required in your resume. I remember back in Surabaya, I spent hours sorting through lots of applications for a teacher position for our learning center. My boss would sit on his chair, looked at those sorted applications one by one. Within less than one hour, he’d put those application in rejected folder. I asked why, he said none of them look good.
A week later I got a call for an interview. I was surprised by how fast they responded to my application. On the day of my interview, I came in 20 minutes early. This is part of great working ethics of the Americans that I learned long before I even step my foot in the State. Interview ran well, the supervisor was satisfied with my resume and she’d call to tell me the result. 3 days later, she called to set another interview with the store manager. The store manager was a nice and friendly gentleman. I felt calm and confident that I would get the job since I am very familiar with the job descriptions. And I did get the job! Whoo hooo..!
The job was fun, I made some good friends at work, and the most important thing was my credit score went up fast. I hit 550 during my second month with Toys “R” Us. I started to get credit card offers and I took several with good credit limits.
After 3 months, I looked for another job. My excuse was cliché, to broaden my experience. I sent out applications online. I got several interviews before I finally stumbled into one article in Austin Chronicle.
It listed 10 best companies to work for in Texas area and Costco wholesale was number one. I was really interested since my husband and I were executive members there for almost a year. And we love their products and the service is excellent! I talked to my husband about applying for the job and he supported me (he always does). So, I went to the website and applied online.
Few days later I got a call to do the interview. It went well, and they scheduled me for drug tests. In USA some big corporations require drug tests and even police report if necessary. I passed the drug test. Next step was interview with store manager. I was a bit nervous but the manager made some jokes and it helped create a pleasant conversation. I was accepted. I work in food department. It’s just fit my passion in food serving. In addition to it are great benefits, especially health benefits. This company cares so much for its employees and their families. But most of all, I love the diversity and the great opportunities for all employees. Everyone has the same chance to get any position posted, as long as we follow the rules and work hard. I proved it myself by getting to my position now within less than one year. The great moment was when I was told by my manager that I was nominated for the best employee award of month January 2008. I lost by only 2 votes. But, I was nominated again for month March 2008 and this time I won. It was great to see my name carved on the bronze plate and hung on the wall in the break room. But the best of all is I feel great that my job got appreciated.
Again, here in USA, everyone can have a dream, and able to make that dream a reality. The keys are work hard, follow the rules, and respect others. So, start your dream now.