Three months later, H1N1 has come so close

Three months ago when everyone first heard about H1N1 emerging in a faraway place (from Singapore), it was hard to imagine that it would come so close to our lives today. My colleague was diagnosed with H1N1 on Thurs and I heard the news from a concerned colleague who messaged me immediately. She wanted to warn me against going back to office on Fri as I'm expecting.

What was to happen on Friday shocked me even more.

1) My office refused to announce to all staff that a person is diagnosed with H1N1. HR was asked to hush hush.Until pressure was on them to send out an email by lunch time.By then, most of the staff have heard about it from the grapevine and some have started wearing a mask.

2) Being pregnant and naturally concerned about being infected (even it's mild for the masses, it's a risk for me), I've asked for advice on work arrangements or leave. Ignored by HR.

3) Sent my request to my immediate supervisor, she gave lots of excuses and implied, no leave for me, don't want alternative work arrangement. Come back to office with a mask. She said that she is too busy reading up for her class to attend to this request.

I was shell-shocked by the indifference and the lack of care for staff welfare.

Or perhaps it's God's affirmation that I've made the right decision by leaving this org in a few months now and be a full-time home maker. I was still toying with the idea of staying as long as I can to help out. Now I think I really don't have to...It is not necessary anymore.

Of course, I feel a little sad. I've been with my colleagues for a few years now and have grown an attachment to the work here. It's like part of my family. But I know it is time to let go and move on.

So I'm looking forward to a new chapter of my life soon, where I'll be "working" 24/7, in the "business" of nurturing and building lives :)