Linus Soh

I’m looking for a place
I’m searching for a face
Is anybody here I know?
‘Cause nothing’s going right
And everything’s a mess
And no one likes to be alone

Isn’t anyone trying to find me?
Won’t somebody come take me home?

As the weeks have gone by, a lot has changed. I’ve been promoted at Circuit City to Senior Sales and Senior Technician. They transfered me to the Waldorf location because that’s was the only place that had an opening. This means that I now have about an hour drive to get to work, verses a 15 minute drive. I started my new position yesterday and it’s been pretty cool. It’s been mostly busy, but I feel like I’m doing what I’m good at.

Not much has changed on the emotional front. I feel isolated and alone. But I’m trying to get involved in another place; that’s difficult too because I don’t know anyone there. I’m taking a risk tonight and going on a New Years boat ride with them tonight. I’ll be turning tricks (card tricks) and I hope it will be a fund time.

This year started out great — ending, not so great. but the new year brings new horizons. I look forward to what’s in store.

Yes, it took me a long time. But they are finally up!

Check them out!

The Christmas season is finally here. Since this is my first time working retail, I’m finding it really overwhelming. People are really different this time of year, which is surprising for me. I’ve never experienced greed at this level and finding it truly eye-opening.

Believe it or not, even the nicest people are really greedy. It’s been one of the things that made me think, “Am I this way?” People will do whatever it takes to save a few bucks. It’s really…something…

So, I’ve created a list of some quick words advice for consumers to consider in future years when shopping. This should help you, the store, and other people in having a less-stressful shopping experience.

1. REMEMBER: Employees are people, too. Please don’t yell at them simply because you have to pay extra on a product or something is out-of-stock. Getting verbally and physically upset will only make matters worse and make you look foolish in front of other customers.
2. Yes, the store you are going to is trying to make a profit. Believe it or not, they are. Asking for a discount because you’re buying a lot of stuff may seem logical to you, but it’s not cost-effective for the business.
   

   Side note: I’m always amused but how surprised a customer gets when I say no to their request for a discount. Why would a business want to make less money? When was the last time you have $50 to some random person just for the heck of it?

3. The price listed is the real price. Yes, it’s the sale price.
4. Don’t spend more than 2 minutes trying to haggle over a discount. Don’t spend any time trying to get that free gift card. If you would have qualified for it, you would have gotten it.
5. Please don’t complain that you’re only getting a $0.50 discount. The cashier will have no problem giving you the full-price.
   

   Side note: Yes, I actually had a customer that was upset that he was only getting a $0.50 discount on a DVD. He actually got upset when I explained the two options: pay full price or get $0.50 off. Then he got even more upset when I charged him full price.

6. No, there isn’t an error with the register. That is your total. If you have questions regarding your purchase, move to the side so that other customers can make their purchases. Don’t stay at the register trying to add. It holds up the line and, ultimately, you won’t get any more discounts.
7. Take your complaints to customer service or a manager. They will be more than happy to hear how horrible you think an employee is. Seriously, this is the best way to get your problem resolved. More often than not, the employee does not have any authority to make any price adjustments or resolve your problem.
8. Be patient. The store is crowded and you’re trying to get out of there. We all have better things to do; unfortunately, lines are a necessity in a civilized society. Being patient will allow everyone to work quickly.
9. Employees: DO NOT BE RUDE TO THE CUSTOMER!! Yes, you’re tired and you’re ready to go home. You may have even gotten chewed out by another customer. However you may feel, it does not give you the license to be rude or discourteous to them or other customers. Deal with your frustration and move on.
10. Make sure you have everything you need before checking out. Do you need batteries? How about a memory card? Because it’s busy, store associates often cannot recommend everything to you. If you have questions, please ask. They are there to help you get the most out of your purchase.
11. On this note, don’t get upset when an associate offers accessories. Their job is to help you get everything you’ll need so you, or someone else, make another trip to the store and stand in the same line you’re getting into. Get the camera case, extra batteries, paper, etc. to make the gift complete. No one likes getting the toy and then you saying, “Batteries are not included.”
12. Get the extended warranty. You’ll need it. Associates wouldn’t be offering it if they didn’t think you needed it. I know everybody has a guy that knows someone that’s good with computers. (I’m a certified technician and I still get extended warranty.) It’s not a matter of knowing what to fix, it’s replacing the part, servicing the part, making sure it works. Trust people that do it for a living. You wouldn’t go to your uncle Bill to file your taxes, just because he’s a math wiz. And in the end, you’ll still have to pay your taxes. Your friend won’t buy your parts either.
13. Finally, understand that this is a crazy time of year for everybody. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Be curious, respectful, and have a sense of humor. Don’t miss out on life because you’re trying to get the best deal and going from store-to-store. There is a hidden cost to saving the $5 because you traveled 40 miles to get that iPod. The cost is primarily your time, effort, and traffic. This life is meant to be lived. Enjoy it.

The last few weeks have been some of the most challenging and stressful that I’ve ever experienced. With the world as I knew it swirling around me, I’m finding it more and more difficult to stay afloat and continue to survive.

I’ve contemplated what the future will hold for me in the next coming months. I feel that so much is on the line that I’m finding it difficult to make the right and only logical decision.

I feel that I have lost the world that I’ve lived in for the last five years. Changes that have surprised me and faith that has shaken me, I have but one hope. And even that hope looks dim and worn.

But, this hope is worth holding on to. This hope, although dim and worn, is the only thing left.

I was listening to a song by the Counting Crows the other day. The chorus goes:

Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you got `till it’s gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Why does this song ring so true for me?

Well, when I started this journey six or so weeks ago, I began it with the hope and expectation that I would heal in time to return to staff. That is no longer the case. It grieved me to make the decision, but my counselor didn’t think that things would be resolved in three months. So, with great sadness, I have left my staff position at Maryland Christian Fellowship and resigned my position with Great Commission Ministries.

Even though this decision grieves me, I think it is the best decision. This will allow me to get the healing I need without the ticking clock of three months and it will allow me to experience my difficulties slowly.

Things are going well with my counselor. I feel like we’re getting to the root of some my issues. It started in one place and it has crossed into a deeper area. I feel like my counselor really understands what’s going on. What he’s great at is really challenging me. I didn’t want a counselor who would just listen; I wanted one that would look me in the eye and tell me, “You’re wrong” or “That’s not biblical” or “God wants you to heal first.” I appreciate him for that.

I’ve taken a lot of his advice to heart. In fact, I’m trying to be a bit more bold with my emotions instead of holding them back. I took a huge risk with someone yesterday, and I think I did well.

I’ve started working at Circuit City and they are in the mist of deciding to hire me full-time. I’ll know by the end of the week whether they will or not. I’m praying that they can meet my salary requirements.

That hope has gotten a little brighter.