Problem solved!

Thank you, Buddha!!!!

Just when I was wondering what final decision to make about my plans for 2nd half of this year, it has been made for me!

My boss pulled me in this morning into his office and midway into our conversation, he suddenly brought up my maternity leave and the fact that I'm nearing the 2-year mark here in this office. The convo went like this:

Boss: So, you'll be two years na here by June, which is also when you're due to give birth, right? So you'll be out for 2-3 months depending on whether you're CS or normal delivery... I guess you'll go back to Smart afterwards? That's what's fair to you.

Gladys: Speechless but nods

Boss: So I'll tell them you'll be back by Q4.


Gladys: Actually, I was thinking of extending my leave further.

Boss: Extending? Without pay na yon. So.. until yearend?

Gladys: Yeah

Boss: Okay, so I'll tell Smart HR you'll be back on January 2016. What function do you want?

Gladys: A brand role.

Boss: Okay, I'll make that communication. It has to be told to them earlier, you know, because these things take time and I want to make sure you'll get a good position. So that settles it. Who do you think can take your place here?

Gladys: Mentions a name.

Boss: Yeah, good point. Okay.

Done.

What a huge relief. I didn't have to suffer through a tough, emotional conversation. I didn't even have to utter much, not even a single word about how this is my first baby, my dream come true, etc etc. It was all fixed up for me.

I can't help but attribute it to Buddha- I've been, after all, praying to Him to take care of my career progression from this point forward, considering that the baby will be my top priority. It's like He inception-ed Noel into this line of thinking, in such an effective way that the road ended up being fixed for me all the way.

I am shocked. In a good way. I can't believe all that went down so well. So easily. This pregnancy may have gone through a tough road to get going, but so far, everything else about it and after it has been smooth-sailing. (Knock on wood, pwera usog) Hope that's a sign of everything else to come.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Santo Singkong. I am beyond grateful. Your blessing has never left my side.

Grateful. Happy Chinese New Year!!