This end has no end... I think it is the most appropriate phrase to describe my current situation.
Due to the world economic downturn, the UK is badly affected by this traumatic human made disaster. The UK construction industry also not immune from this traumatic phenomenon. As myself working in the UK construction industry, I believe now I am a victim of it.
For past few months, starting from the fall of the financial empire, Lehman Brothers in London, many UK workers have been made redundant. Although my situation is different, I still have my employment. Lucky I can say, but I am suffering from the 10% salary cut. The decision has been made by the company to regain profit since Waterman is a PLC company. With 10% salary cut, I think I am struggling to accommodate myself in the expensive UK living expenses. I might be ok if the whole salary belongs to me. But as a grown up, it is my responsibility to send part of it to my parents to relief their burden. They are not desperately needed for my money. It is just me do not want them to work hard after their retirement.
So I have made a brave and biggest decision in my life to given up all my hard work, all the luxury that I have achieved in the UK through my own effort. I decided to resign in May and return to my hometown, Kuching. I know it is hard especially when I have spent 4 years of my life in this dream land. From a crap student to a hard working engineer. I crawled slowly to where I wanted to be. Unfortunately it has to end here. I think rather than suffering from this uncertainty and unpredictable UK job market, I believe the motherland has something to offer to its own people. Frankly speaking, there will always be a place for a professional like me.
Alhamdulillah, luckily I have been offered a position in Kuching. Pretty good offer even though not as much as I earn here. But still can afford ( I can say) my humanly needs. In fact, it is far more better then what I have got here in Manchester. I believe it is time to go home, where all people that I love, especially my beloved parents can be by my side. I know they miss me so much and how bad they want me to come home. Yes... Your son will come home, mak & ayah. Your son will be at home everyday, spend most of his time with you both. And once again, the house will be full of laughter. Someone will lay on the sofa with tv and satellite remotes on his hand all day for the whole weekend. Yes... That person is going to be me.
Goodbye to beautiful Preston and surrounding Lancashire County and peaceful Manchester. Goodbye Mr. Timpson and his cobbler shop where I used to shine and repair my work shoes Goodbye Joe and his skinhead gang. Goodbye Kayode with his dreadlock hair and bling-bling jewellery. Goodbye Mr. Khan and his kebab takeaway. Goodbye Mr. Kuldip and his news agent. Goodbye Ah Fong and his chinese chess set. This is Great Britain. It is undeniable, Britain is great.
I hope one day I will come back here. Maybe not for the employment, just for revisit. I hope by that time Deansgate still busy as usual, Old Trafford still peaceful as it is, Piccadilly still green and crowded with different races and colours, Mr. Mcfenna's fruit stall still operating at Market street, the Town Hall bell still ringing. Having my education and experience obtained in the UK, I am proud to be British product. It worth every single penny I reckon.
So this is it... The End Has No End...
Manchester Central Library from above
