Multi-Tasking -- OFWs' Tool For A Progressive Future

As the year's end approaches, I look back in retrospect and somehow feel mixed emotions for the year that was. While I found myself busy all year long which is truly a blessing, many of my acquaintances are not fortunate enough to find such good opportunities. The current global financial crisis is undoubtedly the major culprit to this gloomy forecast that lies above our heads. But let us not forget that part of the misfortunes which befell us is a direct result of our inaction to improve our own selves. OFWs' who do not even try to take the extra mile in upgrading their skills or even search their inner selves of their God-given talents are the ones that easily loses heart when "the going gets tough"

Of the many terminologies brought to us by the dawning of the computer age (i.e. Word Processor, Scanning, Surfing, ISPs, etc…), "multi-tasking" is perhaps the most appropriate function that we, as OFWs, must practice. I am a strong believer and practitioner of the old adage that "Chance favors the prepared mind". Many among us never knew that opportunities came simply because they were not up to it. In this critical time, those who have continuously and consistently armed themselves with additional skills are the ones that do not worry of the days ahead. That is why I am proud of True Friends' columnists that in spite of their restricted time and movement, the strong and positive character they display continue to serve as an inspiration to many.

Let me cite to you an example. One of TFs' regular contributor enjoys chatting in the net just like all the rest. But instead of searching for "papas" or "cyber-mates", she found professionals and decent people. One is a journalist based in the Middle East. The friendship is pretty healthy that when the journalist got the chance for a business trip to Hong Kong, the guy asked her to be the guide. The trip was officially sponsored by a Middle East Journalists group and was received accordingly by a local Hong Kong Journalists' group. After the first trip, the guy made a second trip purposely to write a book about Hong Kong and assigned our True Friends' contributor as a researcher. Kumita pa siya at may chance pang magtrabaho sa Middle East as a Skilled Worker. You see, we have the same chances, the same freedom and restrictions, yet some make it good and some don't. For me, I believe that it's the attitude that makes the difference.

I started learning computer works & literacy 10 years ago and like many others I thought I was too old for it. Look where it has taken me now. What I have become today with IT technology is no Cinderella Story. Long hours of back-breaking efforts exploring the intricacies of computer technology has given me another career and a promise of more opportunities that doesn't seem to end. I remember not so long ago that while many of my peers were spending most of their free time enjoying the games the computer has to offer, I was perfecting graphics application programs. While playing basketball was their means of relieving their stress – testing their physical strength to its limits that sometimes end up in bruises and enemies – I was walking around parks for contemplation and relaxation.

With a strong conviction that if I work longer hours than most and continuously upgrade my skills, I will surely have an edge, and so, in only a span of few years, I have proven it right. I do not worry so much of what lies ahead. How about you, do you?

Author: Tony Bartolome

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)