A long random Thursday thought for today.
I went for a job interview yesterday.
In the midst of this global crisis, recession, depression or whattchamacallit dark economic trouble, thankfully, I still have a job and didn’t really need to look for another one (at least not yet?). A friend of mine showed me an ad posted in the paper looking for someone, with the qualifications that fit mine. Out of curiosity if my CV still has some worth and out of pure ‘come-what-may’ attitude, I submitted my paper. In less than 10 minutes, I got a reply from the recruitment agency telling me my CV looks good and they want to know me more.
I filled up forms and emailed them back my information. Then they sent it to the company. At this point, they wouldn’t tell me which company they sent my CV yet – only until that company invites candidates for interview.
Oh, well then fine.
After two days, I got the invitation to come for an interview. It was a Japanese company so I had mixed feelings. I did not come all the way to Dubai from Japan to work for another Japanese company. I spent my whole post-graduate life working for them and wanted something new. My current company in Dubai gave me the refreshing, something new environment that I’ve been looking for and I am pretty much contented.
Still for the heck of it, I went. M drove me all the way to Jebel Ali, an hour drive from where our respective workplace. He was amazed how relaxed I was inside the car. “You’re not nervous?”
No, not at all. It’s not like this is a do or die thing. I still have my job even if I don’t get this. I’ll just answer questions, right? He rolled his eyes.
The interview started with the usual greetings, they talked about my previous experiences, etc. One of the guys who interviewed me, the managing director saw that I have a ring on my finger and asked me personal questions: married? husband’s work? number of children? who’s taking care of the child while you work?
Then the inevitable came: “Can you work on weekends and/or beyond work hours? It’s not like every weekend and everyday overtime but sometimes…when it calls for it, you know.”
Non-shocker question of the century, really.
I was waiting for the whole time when this question will pop up. Hmm, very Japanese company – same ‘ole, same ‘ole attitude towards work, despite the office located in Dubai.
I needed to be honest and had to put down any of their expectations. No I wouldn’t/couldn’t work on those times! Ten years living in Japan, I still despise the need to do overtime work. Why not increase the number of employees if the work load was too much? or Why would they EVEN ask a MOM employee to do that? In my opinion, the job do not require any extra hours of work. It’s just in their true Japanese nature – they always want more.
My husband could have said yes, heck, he’s one of them and he doesn’t have to worry who’ll cook dinner or wake up to prepare breakfast, bathe the babe or read stories during bedtime.
Most likely, I will not get that prestigious job I applied for but it’s ok. I remember an article I read the other day. Somewhere in the corporate ladder, I need to slow down my climbing pace to give way to more family time, to my daughter, most especially. But then, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Finding Backroads 
My husband doesn’t worry about who will care for the kids and the home, but he’d much rather spend time with us than at the office, and he loves his job. My husband and I feel that even the most fulfilling job is NEVER more important than family.
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Well put.
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I totally agree with you! While looking through job ads, I see so many that put in the requirements that it is required to work overtime (nights and weekends) with little or no warning. I don’t even bother with those, because I do not want to become a slave to my job. I work to live, not live to work.
Jackis last blog post..Just sign on the dotted line…
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good for you grace! the overtime work is really the setback in a japanese company, it’s like the only way for them to see your commitment to your work is to find you in your desk for long hours .. eventhough there really is nothing to do.
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SO glad you told them, well done!
JanMary, N Irelands last blog post..Snow fight!
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Aww. It’s really hard to work and be a mom. We all do it, but it’s hard.
Brenda NDs last blog post..The Library: One of my Favorite Things
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At least you still have a job now and don’t have to agree to any mad working hours.
Jaxs last blog post..brb ?
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Good for you answering the questions honestly and following your heart. You may be surprised, they may hire you due to your honesty.
Jennifers last blog post..Focus Friday-Week Five
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haha! A Japanese company is always a Japanese company. I’ve been asked that question at every interview I went through since coming here.
shieras last blog post..Sukang pinakurat atbp…
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Crazy times. You’d be surprised how often that happens in the US, but they aren’t usually as up front about it. It just means you won’t ever get promoted. I’m sure it’s not as bad as there though.
Kristas last blog post..Book: Word Gets Around
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Hi it is good that you replied there question in negative because for us mom’s after working hours it becomes very difficult to sit in the office.but my dear i dont know about Japanese people what kind of they are? because this is same question every interviewee ask. and when he ask me I reply in positive but also clarifies him that i am not single and being a mother its not easy to sit for the longer in the office. Indirectly I also refuse to work more. but i didnt have a chance to work for japanese. and i know if they are asking you more hours than they are really asking you to do so. but if it is other than japanese there can be flexibility in there words.
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it’s damn good when ur stable. it’s easier to speak ur heart out without feeling the need to impress the client and get the job. i’d probably say, i’ll render extra hours if i have to, just to get the job. 😦 how sad of me!
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