When I started working, material things have become increasingly more appealing. They were like pots of gold that looked at me straight in the eye. This was probably the reason why I considered my work as my top priority. I thought that this would be my ticket to get what I want. After a year of working, I decided to pursue a graduate study. My busy schedule at work became more demanding than ever. What made it more difficult is the fact that I need to allot time for my schooling. Sure it isn’t an easy job. At times I get sick just thinking of how I’ll be able to do all of those things. I didn’t mind how I wasn’t able to get in touch with my friends because of my busy schedule. Yes, I constantly get text messages from them but I seldom reply to them. I missed a number of get-togethers. I failed to see most of them for a long time. I dropped the rare opportunities to laugh with them.

I always get to see my family every weekend, but I haven’t gone to the mall with them that often. I haven’t attended the Sunday mass with them ever since I started working. We haven’t spent quality time together that much. I go back home every weekend just to sleep the whole day, watch TV, listen to the radio, surf the Internet, eat, and eat more.

Months ago, we had our Department’s General Assembly at work. One of the topics was “Work-Life Balance.” I didn’t pay attention to what the speaker was saying. Maybe that time, I was in a denial stage. I said to myself that topic is very much relative. I may be working so hard, but who the heck cares? I’m enjoying it! I remember an officemate telling me to get a life. It really pissed me off. I thought to myself, “Who the hell are you to tell me what to do? Mind your own life.” Then, I went straight to my cubicle, put my earphones on and set the volume of my audio player to maximum. I have proven once again that it only takes a nice song to make me feel better. After that day, everything was back to normal.

Last June, I took a vacation to Baguio City with some friends. After having breakfast in a restaurant at Camp John Hay, I stopped for a while to take a closer look at the green grass and tall trees. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the smell of pine trees. The feeling was really good. I said to myself that this is life. Simple yet enriching experience it was. It made me realize that one doesn’t need to be on top to be happy. One doesn’t need to have everything to find new friends. One doesn’t need a number of degrees to earn trust. I’m not saying that I don’t need my job and another degree. Of course, I need them but they should not be my top priority. Besides, when I leave my work, they can easily get a replacement for me. If there are relationships I need to start or keep building on, these are the relationships I have with my family and friends. And I believe that they deserve to be on the top of my list.