During March, I refrained from writing due to the challenges I faced with withdrawal symptoms from recent medication adjustments, impacting both my mental and physical well-being.
The withdrawal effects exacerbated my existing health conditions, leading to fatigue, insomnia, and a resurgence of allergic reactions like hay fever and severe body rashes that I endured during my childhood and teenage years.
As my health declined over the past few months, I made the tough choice to resign from my position at a charitable organization in Singapore dedicated to empowering disabled individuals. The fluctuations in my health made it difficult for me to perform at my best, prompting this decision. Since my caregiver, Glenda, departed around this time last year, I’ve struggled with focus and experienced a decline in productivity.
Facing a Challenging Setback
Leaving a job that I deeply care about due to circumstances beyond my control is truly disheartening. It marks the end of a significant chapter for me. Working at this organization was not just a job but a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with my supervisor, an advocate for assistance dogs and a guide dog handler whose journey I’ve admired since high school.
She not only took a chance on me when no one else did but also opened doors to incredible opportunities, such as serving on the board of the Disabled People’s Association in Singapore.
My work was more than a job; it was a calling to support individuals in Singapore facing challenges, especially those within the disabled community.
In the upcoming month, I will be transitioning my responsibilities to my successor as I prepare for a new role as a board director at K9Assistance, effective after the financial year concludes in July.
Though it pains me to step down from my role as a community partnerships executive, I find solace in the continuity of my dedication to promoting assistance dog acceptance and inclusion in Singapore, albeit in a different capacity.
Embracing Hope Through Lasting Bonds
A few weeks ago, after informing my supervisor of my decision, I made a final visit to the office to celebrate her birthday with colleagues and our chairperson. He expressed a desire to organize a team gathering post my departure to acknowledge my contributions, a gesture that deeply moved me, considering my part-time status compared to full-time colleagues.
The evening was a mix of emotions as I reminisced about my time at K9Assistance and the bonds I formed. Despite the challenges, we shared laughter and camaraderie that night. While it will take time to navigate this transition, I will forever treasure the wonderful memories and enduring friendships with compassionate, like-minded individuals.
Through the ups and downs, the unwavering support of friends serves as a poignant reminder of life’s beauty and resilience.