Ridiculous!

A couple of years ago, I worked for a graphics company. When I came in, I replaced a long-term employee who’s like the mother of the rank and file there. There was palpable animosity towards me. I was the villain who took away the position from their beloved finance manager.

They threw almost all kinds of intrigues to me. And the most ridiculous one that they made up was that I ride the taxicab every day going home. Sure, I really did. I didn’t, and still do, not like walking too far to the bus stop or to the MRT. What I find ridiculous in that intrigue was that they didn’t stop and think that I could very well afford the cab ride! I asked for a transportation allowance for that very purpose, why wouldn’t I use it, right?

Eventually, they got tired of throwing intrigues my way and accepted me as the finance manager. They couldn’t do anything about it, I was their boss!

Unique bond

When I was starting out, I worked for a BPO, an Accounting firm to be exact. Since I was only starting out, salary was still low. Back then, I was already sending two siblings to college. Can you imagine how a PhP7,500 per month salary can stretch to accommodate that? Loans left and right, that’s what kept me afloat for a while. Until the monthly amortizations and interests piled up.

One morning, when I couldn’t hold on to my worries anymore, I broke down in the office. It was still too early and there was only one other employee that time, a senior staff. I didn’t know that he could see me talking to my friend on the phone. I was crying my heart out, telling my friend about the worries, the loans piling up and the tuition fees I still needed to produce. After that talk, I felt slightly less burdened. And closer to the senior staff. He talked to me and I saw the genuine concern in his face. I knew then that he’s someone I could trust in the office. I was right!

I never encountered another male co-worker like him again. There’s another one but we didn’t bond like that. I guess, seeing you cry at six in the morning can really bond two persons like none other.

Work on the inside, too.

Have you read about the story of my two pairs of jeans? If not, do so and tell me if you can relate. If you’ve been there at one point in your lives.

You know, I always tell my siblings that, yes, appearance is important. But what’s inside you, the determination, the burning desire, the passion. Those are more important in the grand scheme of things. You can wear all those designer clothes and accessorize yourself all over. At the end of the day, what gets you that job is what’s inside you. What the person in front of you sees when he/she looks in your eyes. Is there determination, passion, desire to do the best in this person? Is there a smart human being inside all the flashy ensemble?

Trust me, I’ve been there.

So work on what’s inside while you are busy with the outside. It will get you farther in time, believe me.

Jumping from one job to another

I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this but I would still like to tackle this topic here: jumping from one job to another. I do recommend it. Before you get all hot there, let me explain my view.

I’ve seen so many disgruntled employees in the years I’ve worked in corporations. On the surface, these are employees who are obviously unhappy with their current jobs. Bosses are terrors, pay is not enough, benefits are unsatisfactory, work environment is too stressful. When you look deeper, you find someone stuck to their jobs because they are scared to venture out and find the one that will make them happy.

I am recommending jumping from one job to another, yes. But this is for those people who are truly unhappy with their jobs. I am not recommending this to those who will just quit their jobs on a whim. Do not let yourself get stuck in a job just because you are scared of looking for another one. Try a job for a year or two. If you feel like you are happy with your job, your boss is supportive, there is a room for growth in your company, the compensation package is good, and there’s a retirement package for employees, then stay. Stay until your retirement if you feel like it. But if there’s no room for growth in your company, if you feel like you are getting dumber instead of smarter in your current job, and if you feel like you are not compensated enough, then get out of that job pronto! Find another one that is better. Don’t be scared!

And most importantly, don’t let yourself pass your 30’s before you do something about your current situation!

Two pairs of jeans

When I was still reviewing for the board exams after graduating in college, I only had two pairs of jeans. I alternately use these jeans going to review school. One of it was already shredded in some parts near the thighs but I had no choice but to use it because I had nothing else to use as an alternate pair.

I knew that my friend, whom I was with the whole time we’re reviewing, saw the state of my jeans. One was really faded, and the other torn one. But she never said anything about it because she knew that I had no other option but to go to review school and wear those jeans.

Looking back, I realized that those pairs of jeans became a tool for me to reach for my goal. To pass the board and then get work right away. I did get both. My license and a good job.