Why Quitting Can Sometimes Be the Clever Thing?

Have you ever heard people cheering you up and say, "Don't Quit, You'll be the Loser!"? And yes, you did not surrendered!  Not because it's worth fighting for but because you doesn't want to be coined by many as "quitter".

I remember when I was taking CAT to be aspirant cadet officer in high school.  While, on the intensive training--- mentally and physically after the regular classes, we are allergic to those who quit from the said extra curricular.  We look at them down so to boost our ego, we stronghold to each other and say, we will not quit even we die.  This is the innocent-young spirit I have when I was on teenage years.  Such as, play hard, and work hard (actually work smart), like a kid who don't bother anything but to enjoy everything!

My eldest brother and his colleague, together with Jay from JsquaRe Family (right most). 

I took degree at university and with the loads of requirements, we surpassed because of the end result.  We have a good mindset of perseverance.  This attribute is good most of the times, and even we use the same idea on our relationship and at attitude work.  Or else, we will have no better professional background if we keep jumping off to another work.  It established a very reasonable image to a company where you bestowed good standing because you never quit from your previous work (given the fact that's unbearable, hehe).

Insomuch, trying on a business as we knew should be a risk-taker.  Nevertheless, we should set the risk tolerance on until when we should pursue.  My story could be admirable in many and coward for some.  My dream to put up preschool when I was 14 years old was realized by God when I was 24 years old.  It was a 10 years of praying and preparation work, 1 year of hands-on and financial sacrifice!  Then, just a 1-day decision to quit, but not a sudden thing...

Allow me to be emotional when I did this as expressed in writing.  My family were also participated on my plans.  My friends supported me during the difficult, the whole community who respected my family witnessed it.  Moreover, God is faithful as He entrusted me all this while I am young.  I usually fly back home three to four times a year to monitor and spot the envisioned area.  To prepare and talk to people and see the strategic move.  It was literally a sleepless night!  Thus, when it started an hour skype call or calls to Philippines/ staff for their online training was initiated (before my 1pm work at SG).  I confined myself of not travelling as much, wearing fancy clothes as my age, eating extravagant foods on the table or anything that spend my dollar and cents.  It was a pain in physical but as everyone has different needs and wishes, so mine is different than the rest!

During the successful Open House for the upcoming SY 2011-2012, with my family friends, pioneering staff of MAP and my dear own family. 

Let me share my stories the other processes of achieving it.  I landed at Singapore with one vision, to put up school business back home and my mission is to get work as fastest as I can.  I applied over a night and the next day, God answered my prayer.  It was a very rare and overwhelming situation when companies called you to start immediately on this foreign land.  Many industrial companies hired me but managed to chose a training centre in lined with my dreams to handle children.

Consequently, I have to upgrade myself in soft and hard skills.  Aside from being equipped in my work and open-eyed in the field I have chosen, I enrolled to various seminar and workshop.  I found there people whom well like-minded.  They are doing more on emotional quotient and I saw the chances of offering my concept to them as I am involved in intellectual (cognitive) enhancement.  It was a perfect match as really they are looking in investing in Philippines.  As usual dilemma, they don't know and where to go.  I showed them the path and how to do it.

There's a trial came to them in one or two months when his secretary/ assistant which is a Filipino rejected by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) Singapore.  But again I saw it as more opportunity to happen my dream.  I talked to her and offered to work "still" with her boss and me.  I guided her with what I want and to cut it short, she became very efficient and proficient in these area.

I continued to produce curriculum and send the materials needed to the school.  We incorporated around November 2010 as she started working August on that year.  I have to think initial plan to immediately generate fund.  I think, I am really concerned about the cash flow of the team.  I created a program during summer to pull out and retain some enrolled students from it.  My partner has own company in Singapore which considered as two slots and myself, each invested an initial share of Php250,000.  Due to the commitment of our representative, we allowed her to have a 5,000php monthly over 3 years working in the said project.

Facade view of MAP and it's banner and spacious parking lot of established school. 

On our 1st year (SY 2011-2012) was a remarkable start with 55 students, 2nd year (SY 2012-2013) with 76 and 3rd year (SY 2013-2014) had 108 official students.  These were excluding the tutorial program that we offered.  My curriculum up to Grade 3 was also approved by DepEd.  Along with these, I invited my dear friends in Singapore (JsquaRe) to invest in our canteen, and so the acceptance was also great.  More than the figures are the great testimony of the parents or loved ones of the children we are nurturing.  Truly, MindHearts Academy of the Philippines Inc. (MAP) patterned it's caption "Nurturing Everyday Heroes".

Concrete idea by Jakeson G Quiatchon, drawn by Mark Joseph Songco, my former high school classmate based in Dubai during that time.

One of a kind banner of MindHearts Academy of the Philippines Inc., designed by Glen Allado.

Like in any other relationship, business too, has a highlights and low-lights.  With greater responsibilities, friction, hesitation and innovation may occur.  We as partners had out-focused on the things set before us.  There are huge decisions that were not raised. small matters that micro-managed.  Separation was not became our sole option.  We thought, business partners are like we marry our lifetime partners.  But it's actually more harder and challenging, I bet!

As months prolonged and the world gets smaller, we struggled to breathe in whatever one's suggestion and action.  Notwithstanding, we cannot managed because I am here, we are here.  The trusted person was now running the show and we are the audience.  No more proper communication, could it be only one-way, misinterpreted.  The sleepless nights turned into nightmare and mild depression.  I secluded myself from public, no Facebook or social medias and boxed myself on the room where work and myself can only be seen.  Until, we decided to sell the business, my dream with a question of "How much"?  Yes, would it be how much, to sell my dream or your dream in exchange of peace of mind, security of your family members and respect from the people (that's left)?

It was a formidable question that lingers on my soul for the next coming days.  Everyday was a question of how much.  Then, I came to a point of asking myself "why" that leads me to "what than how".  Why will I sell my dream and just quit?

1.  Return of Investment (RoI)

I had a 200%++ increased from my initial capital invested. 

2. Peace of Mind over Friendship

So not to ruin the relationship, fighting for what you want will be last. 

3.  Concerned Family

The loved ones usually first to receive the impact.  My one's weakness so I quit to secure them. 

My mother who's very supportive and prayerful on my journey to my little dreams.  Who became so affected and worried for the out coming of every crucial decisions I made.  My father is always shy to express his valuable support, but his ideas were always excellent and best to me.

I am grateful for the learning occurred during the process.  Although, I have read a book that says, "don't learn from your own mistakes, wise man learn from others".  This is the most brave decision I have ever did!  As of the now, I am the enjoying the moment and making the lost with the ones who really felt my deepest concern.  It's worth the patience and to quit when in times like this!

Picture was taken at Benguet during our Baguio City tour last April 2014.  When my last meeting with them on what to do and celebrating my brother's birthday and father's thanksgiving!

Rebuke Flesh with Spirit of Love

Dear Ate Grace,

I absolutely understand how you're feeling right now in operating the centre/ school.  This is the exact shoes I am wearing over here.  Everyday there is indefinite circumstances we have to prioritize and give importance.  But no matter what or how, we have to composed ourselves for the betterment of organization we belonged to.  During the past days, sudden changes have come to me in your personal and professional manner.  Let me begin and give highlight with some facts.

I'll be glad to informed you about the last month's suggestion of Andrew on our management.  FYI, we had our formal meeting (re:  my pending share, expansion plans).  In our midst, he asked about the principal and wanted to know the newbies (MAP staff) and as always love to hear the plans.  I replied that no one yet replaced the position as per your updates.  Instead, I told him the transitions of Bev's level, updates on people I've acknowledged Wyleen (Teacher), Bev's classmate (Teacher) and Henry (Account/Bookeeper).  He wondered about Warren and the relationship of Henry to us.  He didn't know that Henry took over the place.  I backed you up by saying, "Sorry.  Grace, might overlooked to inform you Andrew but I am aware."  Perhaps, this position is very significant (as like the Principal) for us in which to safeguard MAP.  I need to be honest by then and without any further ado he explained his failed partnership before.  

His wisdom in giving this decision is very certain and peaceable.  He continued by saying, "it's because due to the close relationship with the investor, organization is in danger.  Higher ranks like Principal and seeing our finances should not be our relatives/ among friends".  I gradually understand that it's for the best interest of MAP.  I even asked him, "so Bev cannot be our future principal?". He responded firmly "NO, but teacher and friends to be admin is possible".  I got hurt but took it as a good learning point.  Thinking, who else would show the amount of effort, except within us.  Nevertheless, he made me realized it shall be for our company's objectives. 

Firstly, I email you today to give an impression that I am not happy with the attitude you are showing to us.  (As a matured Christian/individual, we know that this is a Biblical practice that whoever got offended, must be the first to approach.)  I am very disappointed with what's happening with you there.  Whatever problem it is we must face with calm mind and humble heart.  It should attest how good is our character eventhough not to our own comfort.  Hence, personally I always pray for you every night.

I've gone through battling on my flesh (and you knew those) so I love you as my sister in Christ and for being my Ate Grace.  I would like to relay that, when we are not in His presence and indulging ourself with sins, He will be against us.  He is God of love however don't forget He is also God of wrath.  We might lose wonderful people around us or cut the richness of blessings that we're supposed to enjoy... at the end for us to seek only His presence and glory.  I could have my own faults and you've embraced me still.  So for whatever heaviness with/in me, I would like to apologize for my shortcomings and mistakes.  I guess I don't need to quote Bible verses coz you are smart enough to know the basic questions of "right" or "wrong"?  But the plentious knowledge and understanding is always in vain if we don't put in action.  If we won't return under His throne and repent.

Pastor Nap too, has been haunting me many times about you.  He said, he felt the burden from you and loves to see you.  I often smiled and said, "Ptr, kontakin niyo lang po direct si Ate at baka busy lang" and I think he did tried many times.  Now that I have opened up my personal feelings toward you, with clear conscience and clarity of my mind, I'd like to direct more on the details below. 

Secondly, as a "working partner", I ought to know what is happening there.  It's my rights and our responsibilities to update the smallest details.  Your voice and clients feedback, management advancement / goal-setting, everything as possible.  Here, I will draw a line during this discussion to "professional" and nothing about "personal".  

(1) Leader and Learner:  You are on the top management, everyone is looking above you and consequently you should feed those underneath you: through your knowledge, support and wise-decision.  There is an anonymous person who uttered, "If there is a high turnover of the staff, look back at the manager."  

We are building leaders of community or nurture future heroes in MAP, being this as a platform we act as an active learner, a continuous learner.  We must pair-share (management-staff) and guide them to have a group sharing (teacher-teachers) and goes back to MAP (staff-management) who benefit most for development.  Thus, we are learner-centered (part of it are staff down to clients), whatever we have given/ shed them, we'll see that it pays-off.

Moreover, as concerned owner, boss or superior (whatever you want to call), you will have to reach them especially during difficult times.  I have told you this before that we don't go on traditional approach where boss need to be pampered and treated well.  People who work within us must feel we are reliable and dependable (always).  Sad truth, they can give all their complaints but not us either show to them.  We are servant leader and go to the deepest pain and understand the behaviour of staff.  This way, the efficiency of their work or your tasks will be no longer "good" but "great".  Delegation and execution is much easier, with willingness and with their automatic responses will follow. 

(2) Meetings and Memos:  I hate my boss when he's physically present but channels the information thru text messages, emails and memos.  Less or without a word at all.  This is why many of us leave in the company/ organization and therefore lots of company has been officially closed in a short period.  You've once became a staff, imagine Andrew is within your reach but he keeps sending email or circulating memos which is just beside you.  You will feel confused, misguided, uneased.  They don't deserve this kind of treatment and it's totally unacceptable.

The previous culture you have established such every other day and/or every Friday meeting is good enough to build strong rapport.  This manner, you will be able to give informative criticism, compliment on successful events/ praise major activities that have done or we can hear their concerns, care, commitment and cry.  Don't draw shaded lines with you to them.  

(3)  Limitations and Non-Participation:  Ever since, you have stated that academics and curriculum are your weakness but willing to learn.  You could have no time sheet there and we won't really encourage to clock-in and out our staff but just be responsible.  Well, I do not understand why you can't give your valuable time or forgot details that you've mastered for two years i.e. overseeing the events, giving high morale for staff and necessary steps.  The burning fire and eagerness of overcoming your weaknesses has been eaten up.  Do you have any other problems than these, I am available for a skype call?  Hope it won't cease too long, as seriously affecting our people.  So, I plead you to show previous enthusiasm and passion at work.  It's not healthy physically, mentally and emotionally to all of you.

Lastly, I hope this a wake up call for us, a shot in the arm.  I come to you personally so I won't bypass you.  When it doesn't solved between us, I have to call for witnesses, a three or more.  I will seek help from the Board of Directors, concerned person (if any) and take prompt actions or worst withdraw from this unhealthy relationship being a working partner.

I urge you, try to ask all the staff until when they would like to serve MAP?  Only by then, we can also plan ahead that big, that much and implement our mission.  Without you there now, is a chaos.  Without the people working to realized our goals are more chaotic.

We won't sacrifice this hard earned investment due to our pride. We shouldn't ruin this dream for the sake of temporal desire.  We can rebuilt respect and direct back again our people.  We must think always for the best interest of MAP, our long lived advocacy is not to have self-fulfillment or self-proof.

Looking forward hearing from you soon, to persists our legacy.

Sealed with prayers,

Jake

To Late or To Resign

Anyone will always hoped for permanent job.  Meanwhile, do called a career that they can prolonged their stay or shall lived for life.  A place where they will help to hone their knowledge and commit back in their society.

But most of us we're taught to be rich than to be happy in an environment where we belong to - school, home and office.  Therefore, we chase money not fulfillment.  We run after material things not investing to emotional transformation.  We look ahead on achievements not on spiritual peace.  Lastly, we try to copy others life we seemed successful than leaving our own legacy of faith, love and patience.

I have experienced to work in global industries and small business enterprise.  For which, I saw various cases from different culture but one thing in common: late or resign!

Being frequently late, thrice a week can lead to resign very soon.  And as an employer, we must set a business continuity plan (aside from looking an immediate replacement):

1.  TALK: Communication is often neglected which seemingly like the hardest (which is otherwise).  Talk to your staff and ask the reason for being late. If s/he lie by saying, "I'm ok, I'm good or I'm fine". For the last time, show empathetic concern and dig deep down.  Touch the emotion not the logical reasons.

2.  TELL: While if she/he being honest to speak up about work problems such as colleague issues, pay increase, pending workload, professional growth or anything. Ask "how" to do it not "why".  Tell what you really feel than to burst out some time.  Tell professionally and don't attack personally. 

3.  TUNE: By asking "how", you are indirectly letting him/her to give the plans without damaging the company and work within its philosophy.  From here, you will be able to see what's really the intention behind his/her at hearts and minds.  Listen to every pieces and bits, read between the line and respect.

4.  TRUTH. Settle it by laying down the "factual information" only. Like if the demand is salary increase.  Show the company or personal performance or projected revenues. There is nothing wrong about being honest.  In fact they will feel being "in" the company because you trust them with confidential data.

5.  TIME: Finally, after spending ample of time and you both realized that this will take forever but to separate ways is best options, let it be.  There is always better place and person for the each position. Accept that, time heals if not now.

This is a real experience from my boss, my current standing as now that I lead small businesses and to my future staff to make these point.  I believed that through this same mindset, we can understand the dynamics of humanity.  Words can really break and make a person.  Than to jeopardize both parties, one must be humble enough to comprehend what is right and good. 

Don't look for an employer that will help you grow as a person. No employer would seek either people who's opportunistic but rather a proper minds that can benefit the company and give part of yours --- talent and time.  Like marrying a person, no one wants to know that you marry him/her to just complete you.  It should be a mutual and wholesome benefit!

I thank my boss for entrusting me --- to support my vision personally and professionally.  I am so grateful for them and likewise will do to anyone who will share theirs and like-minded person.

Happy Labor Day 2014! 

(Written at City Hall, Singapore last 1 May 2014 at 9:15 PM), posted during Bible Study 28 July 2014.