After around 5 months of job search, finally, finally… we come to the end of the road. It was such a rollercoaster ride, filled with exhilarating moments as I reached places I could not even dream of on one hand, and heartbreaking rejections on the other–getting to the final stage/interview of Fast Retailing, Sony, and Line (there’s also Edifice as I tried my shot at being an IT instructor lol), getting a job offer from Shift and Nissan! It was all in all such a humbling journey for me, and I saw how God protected me with the doors he closed, as painful it was when I was going through the process. You always connect the dots and see the purpose of heartbreaks and closed doors looking back–always on hindsight.
And in a surprise, like a dream, God opened doors for me to get into Walmart Japan/Seiyu through a surprising and divinely orchestrated series of events. My job search journey with Skillhouse and Recruit was not successful even after interviews with more than 2o companies over the span of 3 months. Did not get much personal matching recommendations from Recruit, and Skillhouse was matching me with roles which seemed way too technical for my league. Give it a shot, they said. Beggars can’t be choosers. It’s not like I had much choice too. In that desperate moment, Kerry of EN World reached out to me for a job prospect. While I was not so interested with the job post he offered me because it seemed too technical for me, I asked him for other possible postings that he might have for me. Nothing to lose, I thought.
And God just kept opening doors for Walmart Japan since then. Every interview for me with the company was so sincere and real, and exactly why it feels so surreal. Not a typical Japanese company with tatemae and all, and I felt like I could breathe and truly be myself in this company. Interview with the CIO and HRBP was such a breathe of fresh air, as we talked about servant-leadership and the company’s culture. It did not even feel like an interview at all. Kerry also helped me so much through the process I could not thank him enough for his support.
After a week, I got the unofficial word that I passed, but the job offer was to come later. At that point I was already set on choosing Walmart Japan, even if what my role will be is not clear yet. I wrapped up my unfinished processes/interviews to be able to close things well, and the temptation to sway me from my earlier decision came in the form of Sato Holdings, as they told me their interest and wanted to give an offer after my first interview. Nonetheless, as God and my SG leader also reminds me, “Do not be double-minded” (James 1:8), and as such I stayed true to my decision and resolve. I also had peace in choosing Walmart Japan, in spite of the uncertainty in the role and all. It’s a great company with a great culture, and just to be part of that company is already an honor. The uncertainty in the role itself and all that, I was confident that it’s something within control and open to discussion.
The journey starts April 16th. That same fateful day I started and ended my journey with Fujitsu. All in God’s perfect timing.
