A Different Take on Seafoods

January 2010.

This was the time I wouldn't forget as it brought me experiences that I never thought I get to have.

First off, I never intended to leave the state I love so much. Yes, I love California so much even if it is really hard to find a job here.

Okay, so it was the last quarter of the year 2009 and still job was hard to come by. Needless to say, I was only living with a friend who has a big heart to let me stay in her place for an extended period of time. An acquaintance of hers told me that I should try applying out of state and work in yes, Alaska, the last place I thought I would be. At first I was apprehensive, but due to Needs vs. Wants playing on the way, I decided to give it a try.

 As I completed the application and going to Norwalk, CA to submit what was needed, I never expected to get a call back from the company since I did not have previous experience working for a seafood processing plant.

Weeks went by and to my surprise I got a call from the Human Resources of Unisea, Inc. and I was ecstatic because finally I can work after months of being unoccupied. 

As I was getting ready to pack my things and leave, I can't help but feel nostalgic about the great times I had in California and sad to know that in order for me to move on, I need to leave the state I got to call "Home" for 2 years.

Working in a Seafood Processing plant was very different from the previous jobs I've had before. Whereas before I need to have a high level of Customer Service on the job, this job requires physical, and I mean physical literally since the job involves 12 hours of manual labor.

During my first season (Seasons were classified as either "A" and "B". With "A" season spanning from January through April and "B" season spanning from June through September or in some cases later than that.) I worked in direct contact with Cod fish which includes taking out the parasites (yes, worms or other foreign object it has) and bones. It was really repulsive at first but since I came here to make a living, I learned how to get used to it. In some instances, I get to work in the Crab processing facility and boy, it was really pure hard work. The pressure of clearing out the line of crab was really overwhelming and stressful, but I eventually got used to it. Near the end of my first season I got to work in fillet line and it was confusing but rewarding in a weird way.

Time was really fast if you are working in this industry and sometimes I question myself as to why did I ever tried this venture. But as I made friends along the way, I figured it is not as bad as I would have thought.

The "A" season was finally over and I was overjoyed because I will be laid off and hence, I can have a vacation to the state I really love - California. :)

I was so excited like a kid in a candy store because even if I have only been away from California for almost 5 months, it still feels good knowing that I get to visit the state even for almost 2 months.

My vacation was a blast even if I paid rent for staying in a spare room inside a relative's house, it was all worth it. It was short but memorable since I never thought that I'd be going out almost everyday mostly wherever I thought at the moment. I'm sort of a homebody but maybe because I missed the state so much maybe this was the reason why I go out almost everyday.

Oh, this was also the first time I get to visit the state of Nevada with my relatives. We went to Las Vegas for 2 days and it was so cool. I particularly loved the bright lights along what they call "The Strip". 

At last it was time to go back to where I make my living and I'm back to Alaska again. I started a new season which they call "B" season. Funny when I think of "seasons" television series came to my mind. Haha.

Anyway, "B" season came to me as a surprise since it was this season that got to work as a Production Clerk in August 2010. Before working that post I started the season working in Baader 212 Fillet Line for a short time and in the Surimi Line afterwards. It was again a transition for me and once again I learned to "Do what you gotta do." After the season ended, I did not take a vacation because I decided to stay in Alaska. I ended up spending my holidays there too. It wasn't bad since I don't normally celebrate my holidays in an extravagant way so it was pretty much okay.

Another season came up and it was "A" season again. I worked and survived the harsh weather conditions and I thank God for being there for me every step of the way. "A" season came through fast and I'm glad I'd finished it smoothly. We were laid off and after almost a year in Alaska I visited my home state once again for 2 weeks and a month in Las Vegas. 

Then came "B" season 2011. Funny I never saw it coming that this was my last season. I decided it was to be my last after much deliberation about my future plans and goals in life. "B" season was long and a bit unnerving since the season ended longer than I expected. After it ended, I was relieved because finally, I can work on my dreams and go back to California for an indefinite time.

I am grateful for what I experienced up there in the 49th state, but I know that I will eventually need to fulfill my dreams so here it goes, I am back in California and I couldn't be more happier than that. After almost 2 years of being absent in the Golden State, I came back more mature and ready to face the challenges that await me.

To God be the glory!
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“In a world where you are constantly watched and judged,

the only opinion that matters is your own."