Right Job, Right Island, Wrong Time

Do you notice how life never seems to be synchronised? The right things happen at the wrong time. You know, you meet the man of your dreams when you’ve given up finding him and decide to get married before the clock stop ticking. Or you find the perfect apartment to buy/rent after you’ve already paid down on another one. Or one year into your degree programme, the university that you really wanted to attend notifies you that you’re accepted. Things like that.

Now this is the latest of the unsynchronised events in my life.

Earlier in the year I was actively seeking a job in Trinidad. I wanted to work else where in the Caribbean and decided on Trinidad for a number of reasons. I heard that it was the next vibiest island after Jamaica. My friend lives there so I’d have somewhere to stay until I find a job and my own apartment.

I sent out Resumes, went to the T&T High Commission on Knutsford Boulevard to search the Trini papers for jobs. I was in Trinidad twice this year, February for carnival and April during the Easter weekend and I applied for jobs that I saw in the papers during those times. Still no job. No one called.

So I got back to Jamaica where there was a message inviting me for an interview. Did the whole interview thing, got the job at a well established Jamaican group of companies. Been there about three months now and quite comfortable. In addition to that, I’m now in the process of purchasing my first home, made the deposit already, just waiting on the construction to be completed.

Now. Why did I get several messages from HRC Trinidad last week, exhorting me to call them? So anyway, I called. They want a Senior Project Manager for a very established communication company in Trinidad, and yes they disclosed the name of the company (one that also has a subsidiary here in Jamaica).

I had called just to tell them thanks for considering me but I’m already in a job. Geez, the man I spoke with kept asking if I’m sure I don’t want to consider the position. He was telling me that he spoke with the client and they both agreed that I’d be perfect based on my qualifications, experience, the client is eager to speak with me, blah, blah, yahdah, yahdah.

Sigh. Now why didn’t all this happen earlier in the year when I wanted to go? Why? I was quite tempted. I was seriously wondering if I shouldn’t go to Trini just to hear some more about the job. At one point, when I told him that my circumstances have changed and I really couldn’t leave, was telling him that house being built and job ok so far, he even asked if I’d consider working with the company but stay in Jamaica. Then he told me, to call them immediately if I changed my mind.

Now, I ask again. Why is it that things don’t happen when it’s supposed to happen? Why??????