One week after...

One week has passed since the office closed and we lost our jobs. On the first night, we were still in shock. The mere thought of looking for a job again was too much to bear. Lost in thought thinking about what went wrong, high and drunk on a potent concoction of emotions ranging from sad to angry and anxious and afraid, I found it hard to sleep that night. The next morning, it seemed I wasn't the only one who could not get a good night's sleep as we came in groggy and a little dishevelled.

We have still been coming into the office this week - not to work (there isn't any!) but to clear out our work stations and to apply for jobs while enjoying all the comforts and amenities of the office such as free air-conditioning, high-speed broadband, coffee and tea. And not to miss any last opportunities to be together, we have been going out for lunch as a team On Wednesday, we made a daytrip to a small village and surrounding towns in the state of Pahang just to get away from it all in the city to find some solace in the peace and quiet of isolation in the central part of the country, still unspoilt with the main ranges and lush tropical forests. Some lush greenery is soothing for sad, sore eyes.

On Thursday we even managed to squeeze in a karaoke session together, enjoying the food and great company and belting it out, releasing all the pent up emotions. Today was officially the last day in the office as we had to empty out all the paper files in storage to be properly disposed of, door access cards and season parking passes to be returned. However, it won't be the last we see of each other yet as we will have an official farewell lunch next week, courtesy of the director who is also our manager and friend. Although we will be parting ways, our friendship will forever be cherished. We have gone through thick and thin, from the inception of the business idea to making it happen 2.5 years ago, and now observing the last rites at its funeral. In some ways, I see us as more than just friends - comrades would better describe our relationship. In unsettling times like this, faced with such calamity, we have been encouraging to the apprehensive and keeping spirits high for those on the brink of a breakdown, all the while assisting with resume writing, job vacancy opportunities and job referrals. We were, are and will be, the best for always and forever!