Life flows how it wants..

The worst part about vacations – aside from the tedious relaxation, and the horrid, utter lack of commitment or responsibility leaning on you – is coming back to real life and going back to work.  I experienced this again first hand this past week.  I had a bunch of days off last week and went to Busan.  South Korea’s second largest city on the coast.  Sexy beach city.  Think Miami.  Maybe at least.. I’ve never been to Miami.

It was a real eye opener and reminded to focus on building my own future and working for myself.  Both the time off in the beach town and some occurrences in the week following.

The return..

So I came back to a full week of work which I hadn’t had in about 2 weeks.  So there was that awkward readjustment period anyone who’s taken a vacation and returned to work will know.  On top of that I had a bunch of extra work added to my weekly schedule, a whole slew of new rules instated and the school I work for wants me to work another Saturday.  This is especially upsetting since I had a few saturdays I had to work in my contract, but I have already completed them AND it interrupts a beach event I am personally planning.

It’s not the end of the world, but I am only here in Korea for another few months and it’s summer.  I got shit to do.  I find it disrespectful that they are pushing this one me.  So I was pretty pissed off at first.  But I’ve calmed down.

It really reminded me that you’ve gotta go with the flow.

When I first got to Korea, I was in for a rude awakening by how  ‘the edge of your seat’ they are with planning.  It’s always last minute and a surprise.  And I’m never consulted about things.  Sure I can bitch and complain, but they are holding a whole severance package over your head that is pretty easy and common for these private schools to make real hard to get if they want to.

I guess I’ve been getting comfortable and forgotten about that aspect of Korea.

So again, I’ve been given a refresher on the fact it’s best to just go with the flow and make the best of the situation.  You can’t really influence what happens to you, but you sure can deal with how you react to the shit thrown your way.  Before throwing these words down I was having a beer outside my building and realizing I might as well just make the best of the situation.

How I’m going to go with the flow and make the best of the situation..

This saturday event I’m basically getting forced into doing is a cooking show where the parents will come watch, I’ll be the head chef and get the kids to follow directions to cook up some grub.  Showing the parents the kids understand English and we can chat in a less classroom-ish environment.

Shows the parents the kids are learning, keeps the parents paying.

I was able to to compromise with them to change the times marginally so we can bang out the sessions earlier and I can get off to the beach at a reasonable hour.  Also as part of the agreement for me to work this Saturday – UNPAID – and above what is expected as per my contract, I am having them sign an acknowledgement that I am going above and beyond what is expected of me.

Life tip #12: Never do something without getting something in return.

And I’ll probably get some food in the process.

Long story short: I am going to kill the shit out of this presentation, woo those parents and then get off to the beach and get day drunk.  

Also, because of this school commitment the beach is now turned into an overnight adventure. Originally it was only a day trip.  Maybe everything happens for a reason.

How you can go with the flow and make the best of a situation..

Slow down and breathe

Don’t be like a leaf blowing aimlessly in the wind.  Be like a sail, using the wind to move the boat.  You don’t know which way life will push you, but if you can calm down, take a moment or two to breathe and assess, you can still move in the direction that you wish.

Look big picture, don’t sweat the small stuff

Rome wasn’t built overnight.  When you remember the big picture, the small detours you take along the way don’t sting as much.  Initially when it was being broken to me I would be working this extra Saturday I was pissed.  But if I make a bigger deal than necessary, it could affect my bigger goals of getting my severance.

Be open to doing things differently

We have a word for people who are too closed minded to accept an idea that might differ from what they believe; ignorant.  

Be open to going about something a different way than you initially planned if necessary.  Life never turns out as expected.  You can try swimming against the current, but most times it’s better to readjust course and work with the flow of the river.

Who knows, you might just end up where you really needed to be.

Stay positive regardless

Perception is reality, you’ll always have a good time if you work to make the best of any situation.  In the end, there’s really no right or wrong way to live life.  Enjoy what you’ve got, appreciate where you’re at and you’ll find success.  Guaranteed.

Concluding remarks..

I sure ended this off in a more positive light than in the way I began it.  I was heated because life was throwing me a loop as it does in its natural progression.  Since applying some of the principles to go with the flow and making the best of the situation, I’m much more at peace and still on track to my initial goals.

I hope this helps if you are or recently have experience a minor or major setback.

Onwards & upwards, folks
Colby

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