WORKSTATION DIARY SERIES - Finding my purpose on every interaction

By:Ulysses C. Ybiernas | October 15, 2015

Finding My Purpose on Every Interaction

The one thing that continues to draw me to this job, despite the years that have passed, is the daily challenge it presents. There’s something about the ever-changing nature of the work that keeps me on my toes. Even after two decades in this role, I still find myself feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety when there’s a shift, especially when I’m reassigned to a function or a space that feels more exclusive, like the one I’m currently in, catering to some of the wealthiest people of Cebu.

Serving the affluent, with all their expectations, demands a level of precision and attention to detail that I’ve come to appreciate, but also find overwhelming at times. The stakes are higher here, and the margin for error is slimmer. It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about doing it impeccably. But I’ve learned over the years that what truly sets me apart is not just my skills or experience. My faith, my background as a former seminarian, plays a significant role in how I approach this work and how I interact with others.

I believe that everyone, regardless of their wealth or social standing, is first and foremost a human being with a soul. It’s easy to forget that in an environment where the focus is often on money and status, where people can be reduced to their financial worth. But for me, there’s always a thin line between providing superficial service and offering something genuine. People can tell the difference. They can sense when you're just going through the motions, when your actions are guided by obligation rather than authenticity.

In this job, it’s tempting to play a part, to wear a mask of politeness or deference for the sake of the role. There are times when I wonder if I should conform to expectations and put on a persona to better fit in with the crowd. But I’ve learned that pretending to be someone I’m not, for the sake of duty or even out of a sense of indebtedness to these wealthy clients, never feels right. So, I do what I know best: I treat them kindly, not because of their wealth or their status as valued clients, but because I believe it’s my calling to do so.

This job, this role I’ve been given, isn’t just a career for me. It’s a means of supporting my family, providing for their needs, and fulfilling my responsibilities. And more than that, I see it as a divine providence. It is God who has placed me here, and I believe that the work I do is a part of a larger plan. It’s not about fulfilling worldly success; it’s about honoring the blessings I’ve received by treating others with respect, kindness, and dignity.

It doesn’t matter how arrogant or dismissive some of the clients may be. I treat them as I would anyone else, with compassion, because ultimately, they too are children of God, just like me. No matter how much wealth they have accumulated or how they choose to present themselves, we are all equals in God’s eyes. One day, we will all stand before the same Creator, without our material possessions, without the accolades or status we’ve gained in this world. What will matter then is how we treated one another during our time here.

So, I approach each day with a sense of humility and purpose. I remind myself that the true measure of my work is not found in the approval of my clients, or my manager, or in the paycheck I receive. It is found in the way I serve, the way I honor the dignity of each person I encounter, and the way I reflect the values I hold dear. Because, at the end of the day, we are all just passing through this world, and what we do here, how we treat each other, will resonate far beyond our time on earth.

True service can be found in your everyday interactions with others, no matter how small or simple they may seem. You just have to embrace your purpose, and remember that if God has called you to that task, He has also equipped you to fulfill it with a bit of grace.

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