Four years have passed since I decided to leave the
corporate world, yet the memories of my previous employers are still vivid and
clear. Some of them left the world unexpectedly with their untimely death, some
can be searched in Facebook and others are hopefully soaring in some part of
this world. As I have said in one of my old posts, having the opportunity to
work with the President/Chairman/CEO of a company (not once but twice) was a
huge privilege. Today, as I run my own micro business I now consider that
experience as the biggest highlight of my professional career.
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Friday, December 14, 2012
Meet Batch 69
A class of 8 members and diverse personalities. We are like chalk and cheese gathered under one roof in pursuit of one goal – CANADA.
Meet my classmates. Meet Batch 69 of TECP.
(Drum Roll)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Reality Bites - Age Does Matter
Time really flies fast. So fast you might not even notice that your age is over for the job you want. In the Philippines, resigning in your job at the age of 28 is already extremely risky.
So what does 27 years old can do that 28 years old can’t do?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lessons From a Wanderer (Part I)
In Job
Have you seen the movie A Very Special Love?
In the first half of the film, Miggy (portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz) for me, is the epitome of a very notorious boss. I am blessed because I have not encountered a boss like Miggy. I occasionally experienced some mood swings though but they are all good people, worthy to be adored by people in the rank and file positions nonetheless.
At my age, I have already experienced working with different bosses and here’s what I can share with you. I am not a professional per se but the suggestions below were based on personal experiences. Triggered by past mistakes. :p
Always have a pen and a notepad with you. I am a forgetful person. Though I believe I am far from acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, I sometimes have the tendency to forget what has just been said. In my case, a pen and a notepad are always on top of my table. But even if you are totally my opposite, when you have a mountain of work load to do, writing down notes is highly recommended. I read in a broadsheet that Efficiency in an employee is being always ready. A habit of taking down notes will help you to act systematically. It will gear you up for the real battle. Thus, it may also lead you to become very efficient. We all know that there is no harm in writing so try to make it a habit.
Always be punctual. I have no big problem with this. But there are circumstances that are beyond our control. Suppose you leave your house before sunrise but you arrive a minute after your boss laid his things on his table. He will ask you: “Why are you late?” “There is a road accident near my place that causes the heavy traffic,” you reply. Do you think your boss will believe you? You’re lucky if he woke up in the right side of the bed. It’s ok to be late once in a while but pray hard that you won’t be behind the schedule when your boss is sure to come early.
Learn how to speak. Whatever career path you choose, you have to learn how to mingle with others. You need to develop your introvert character. If you can’t be friends with everybody at least try to talk to the people around you once in a while. I am not suggesting a major character transformation if you are comfortable with yourself and you like yourself that way. But adjustments have to be made. I am sure that you don’t want to be unaccompanied all the time. You will never know if you are being surrounded with beautiful people or it is best to quit your job soon when your eyes are too focused on your job alone.
Communicate with your boss. Above all things make sure that you report to your boss on a daily basis whether he just appeared in his office to sip a cup of coffee or he decides not to become visible at all. His absence is not an excuse not to discuss with him the situation of the business. Communication is also very crucial specially when a problem occurs. It doesn’t matter too much if you have solved a problem on your own. There are bosses who appreciate employee’s initiative but some interprets it as “by-passing the authority.” Most of the time, a good intention doesn’t count. It is understandable that it is quite intimidating to talk to a person above your level but the thing is He is your boss. He has to know every single problem.
In the first half of the film, Miggy (portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz) for me, is the epitome of a very notorious boss. I am blessed because I have not encountered a boss like Miggy. I occasionally experienced some mood swings though but they are all good people, worthy to be adored by people in the rank and file positions nonetheless.
At my age, I have already experienced working with different bosses and here’s what I can share with you. I am not a professional per se but the suggestions below were based on personal experiences. Triggered by past mistakes. :p
Always have a pen and a notepad with you. I am a forgetful person. Though I believe I am far from acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, I sometimes have the tendency to forget what has just been said. In my case, a pen and a notepad are always on top of my table. But even if you are totally my opposite, when you have a mountain of work load to do, writing down notes is highly recommended. I read in a broadsheet that Efficiency in an employee is being always ready. A habit of taking down notes will help you to act systematically. It will gear you up for the real battle. Thus, it may also lead you to become very efficient. We all know that there is no harm in writing so try to make it a habit.
Always be punctual. I have no big problem with this. But there are circumstances that are beyond our control. Suppose you leave your house before sunrise but you arrive a minute after your boss laid his things on his table. He will ask you: “Why are you late?” “There is a road accident near my place that causes the heavy traffic,” you reply. Do you think your boss will believe you? You’re lucky if he woke up in the right side of the bed. It’s ok to be late once in a while but pray hard that you won’t be behind the schedule when your boss is sure to come early.
Learn how to speak. Whatever career path you choose, you have to learn how to mingle with others. You need to develop your introvert character. If you can’t be friends with everybody at least try to talk to the people around you once in a while. I am not suggesting a major character transformation if you are comfortable with yourself and you like yourself that way. But adjustments have to be made. I am sure that you don’t want to be unaccompanied all the time. You will never know if you are being surrounded with beautiful people or it is best to quit your job soon when your eyes are too focused on your job alone.
Communicate with your boss. Above all things make sure that you report to your boss on a daily basis whether he just appeared in his office to sip a cup of coffee or he decides not to become visible at all. His absence is not an excuse not to discuss with him the situation of the business. Communication is also very crucial specially when a problem occurs. It doesn’t matter too much if you have solved a problem on your own. There are bosses who appreciate employee’s initiative but some interprets it as “by-passing the authority.” Most of the time, a good intention doesn’t count. It is understandable that it is quite intimidating to talk to a person above your level but the thing is He is your boss. He has to know every single problem.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a confession to make. One of the primary reasons why I blog is for me to be mindful of the lessons I have learned and matters which I still have to internalize. I decided to make a post about this topic not just with an objective to help the newly grads endure the reality of life after college but to serve as a personal reminder - that in the corporate world I can’t expect everything to happen the way I envision it. Like a former boss once told me:
“Iba-iba ang brainwaves ng tao.”
P.S. If there is anything that you would like to add, you may proceed to comments. Let’ help each other survive in the corporate world. :)
Lessons from a Wanderer (Part II)
In Job
Proofread reports before submitting it. It is a mortal sin to present a finished document without reviewing it from top to bottom page or cover to cover, scrutinizing the spelling of every word used and verifying the inside address and signatories. Read it five times even though it only needed to be read twice. It is much better to be cautious than be sorry later. Lastly, make sure you can explain your work because some superiors do not bother to read documents specially with a hectic timetable. There is a high probability that you and your boss will chit chat over its content.
Do not bring work at home. Carrying a memory stick with unfinished reports or a file of documents at home is a big mistake. If you don’t want your workload to chase you in your dreams then leave everything in your table. Make a To-Do-List before going home so the next day you know exactly your priorities.
Make sure your cellphone is always on. I don’t know about you but in my case, a cellphone has always been a necessity. I used it not only to answer questions of my co-employees but more importantly to attend to clients’ inquiries. I know it is not in the context of any profession to take action when work is over. There are text messages and incoming calls however that demands utmost attention. By the way, if your cellphone is frequently used for official communications than private purposes do not hesitate to ask if you can reimburse your load expenses. An all text 20 load a day could saddle your wallet in the long run. So, Practice your right!
Working could be so much fun for so many reasons but we sometimes fail to experience the joy in the workspace also for so many reasons. Adjusting to different people and being flexible to various situations are very vital in any line of work. This is quite difficult specially if you arejust new in the company. However, you shouldn’t give up easily. When one starts working it is not important that you graduated with honor. Your performance and your overall attitude will ultimately determine your tenure and possibly your success. But if you fail and fail and fail in your pursuit of a seemingly perfect job, here’s a quote from a man with no arms, no legs and no worries::
To all job hunters, try again and again and again until you find your niche!
Do not bring work at home. Carrying a memory stick with unfinished reports or a file of documents at home is a big mistake. If you don’t want your workload to chase you in your dreams then leave everything in your table. Make a To-Do-List before going home so the next day you know exactly your priorities.
Make sure your cellphone is always on. I don’t know about you but in my case, a cellphone has always been a necessity. I used it not only to answer questions of my co-employees but more importantly to attend to clients’ inquiries. I know it is not in the context of any profession to take action when work is over. There are text messages and incoming calls however that demands utmost attention. By the way, if your cellphone is frequently used for official communications than private purposes do not hesitate to ask if you can reimburse your load expenses. An all text 20 load a day could saddle your wallet in the long run. So, Practice your right!
Working could be so much fun for so many reasons but we sometimes fail to experience the joy in the workspace also for so many reasons. Adjusting to different people and being flexible to various situations are very vital in any line of work. This is quite difficult specially if you arejust new in the company. However, you shouldn’t give up easily. When one starts working it is not important that you graduated with honor. Your performance and your overall attitude will ultimately determine your tenure and possibly your success. But if you fail and fail and fail in your pursuit of a seemingly perfect job, here’s a quote from a man with no arms, no legs and no worries::
"What do you do when you fall down? Get back up…
If I fail and I give up, do you think I’m gonna get up? No.
But if I fail and if I try again and again and again, there is always a possiblity that I will get up.
I just want you to know that it's not The End.
It matters how you're gonna finish and
you are gonna finish strong."
--- Nick Vujicic ---
To all job hunters, try again and again and again until you find your niche!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Lessons From a Wanderer (Part I)
In Job
Have you seen the movie A Very Special Love?
In the first half of the film, Miggy (portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz) for me, is the epitome of a very notorious boss. I am blessed because I have not encountered a boss like Miggy. I occasionally experienced some mood swings though but they are all good people, worthy to be adored by people in the rank and file positions nonetheless.
At my age, I have already experienced working with different bosses and here’s what I can advise to people who are just starting. I am not a professional per se but the suggestions below were based on personal experiences.
Always have a pen and a notepad with you. I am a forgetful person. Though I believe I am far from acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, I sometimes have the tendency to forget what has just been said. In my case, a pen and a notepad are always on top of my table. But even if you are totally my opposite, when you have a mountain of work load to do, writing down notes is highly recommended. I read in a broadsheet that Efficiency in an employee is being always ready. A habit of taking down notes will help you to act systematically. It will gear you up for the real battle. Thus, it may also lead you to become very efficient. We all know that there is no harm in writing so try to make it a habit.
Always be punctual. I have no big problem with this. But there are circumstances that are beyond our control. Suppose you leave your house before sunrise but you arrive a minute after your boss laid his things on his table. He will ask you: “Why are you late?” “There is a road accident near my place that causes the heavy traffic,” you reply. Do you think your boss will believe you? You’re lucky if he woke up in the right side of the bed. It’s ok to be late once in a while but pray hard that you won’t be behind the schedule when your boss is sure to come early.
Learn how to speak. Whatever career path you choose, you have to learn how to mingle with others. You need to develop your introvert character. If you can’t be friends with everybody at least try to talk to the people around you once in a while. I am not suggesting a major character transformation if you are comfortable with yourself and you like yourself that way. But adjustments have to be made. I am sure that you don’t want to be unaccompanied all the time. You will never know if you are being surrounded with beautiful people or it is best to quit your job soon when your eyes are too focused on your job alone.
Communicate with your boss. Above all things make sure that you report to your boss on a daily basis whether he just appeared in his office to sip a cup of coffee or he decides not to become visible at all. His absence is not an excuse not to discuss with him the situation of the business. Communication is also very crucial specially when a problem occurs. It doesn’t matter too much if you have solved a problem on your own. There are bosses who appreciate employee’s initiative but some interprets it as “by-passing the authority.” Most of the time, a good intention doesn’t count. It is understandable that it is quite intimidating to talk to a person above your level but the thing is He is your boss. He has to know every single problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a confession to make. One of the primary reasons why I blog is for me to be mindful of the lessons I have learned and matters which I still have to internalize. I decided to make a post about this topic not just with an objective to help the newly grads endure the reality of life after college but to serve as a personal reminder - that in the corporate world I can’t expect everything to happen the way I envision it. Like a former boss once told me:
In the first half of the film, Miggy (portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz) for me, is the epitome of a very notorious boss. I am blessed because I have not encountered a boss like Miggy. I occasionally experienced some mood swings though but they are all good people, worthy to be adored by people in the rank and file positions nonetheless.
At my age, I have already experienced working with different bosses and here’s what I can advise to people who are just starting. I am not a professional per se but the suggestions below were based on personal experiences.
Always have a pen and a notepad with you. I am a forgetful person. Though I believe I am far from acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, I sometimes have the tendency to forget what has just been said. In my case, a pen and a notepad are always on top of my table. But even if you are totally my opposite, when you have a mountain of work load to do, writing down notes is highly recommended. I read in a broadsheet that Efficiency in an employee is being always ready. A habit of taking down notes will help you to act systematically. It will gear you up for the real battle. Thus, it may also lead you to become very efficient. We all know that there is no harm in writing so try to make it a habit.
Always be punctual. I have no big problem with this. But there are circumstances that are beyond our control. Suppose you leave your house before sunrise but you arrive a minute after your boss laid his things on his table. He will ask you: “Why are you late?” “There is a road accident near my place that causes the heavy traffic,” you reply. Do you think your boss will believe you? You’re lucky if he woke up in the right side of the bed. It’s ok to be late once in a while but pray hard that you won’t be behind the schedule when your boss is sure to come early.
Learn how to speak. Whatever career path you choose, you have to learn how to mingle with others. You need to develop your introvert character. If you can’t be friends with everybody at least try to talk to the people around you once in a while. I am not suggesting a major character transformation if you are comfortable with yourself and you like yourself that way. But adjustments have to be made. I am sure that you don’t want to be unaccompanied all the time. You will never know if you are being surrounded with beautiful people or it is best to quit your job soon when your eyes are too focused on your job alone.
Communicate with your boss. Above all things make sure that you report to your boss on a daily basis whether he just appeared in his office to sip a cup of coffee or he decides not to become visible at all. His absence is not an excuse not to discuss with him the situation of the business. Communication is also very crucial specially when a problem occurs. It doesn’t matter too much if you have solved a problem on your own. There are bosses who appreciate employee’s initiative but some interprets it as “by-passing the authority.” Most of the time, a good intention doesn’t count. It is understandable that it is quite intimidating to talk to a person above your level but the thing is He is your boss. He has to know every single problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a confession to make. One of the primary reasons why I blog is for me to be mindful of the lessons I have learned and matters which I still have to internalize. I decided to make a post about this topic not just with an objective to help the newly grads endure the reality of life after college but to serve as a personal reminder - that in the corporate world I can’t expect everything to happen the way I envision it. Like a former boss once told me:
“Iba-iba ang brainwaves ng tao.”
P.S. If there is anything that you would like to add, you may proceed to comments. Let’ help each other survive in the corporate world. :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Ako si Pare. Ikaw, sino ka?
“Pare.” That’s how most people call me for the past 13 months.
Most people who do not know me personally would probably perceive me as a serious and mischievous creature since my face is mostly identical to a fuming tiger and my body movement is like always geared up for a boxing match. There maybe some truth about this but definitely I don’t have any plans of following Manny Pacquiao’s career path.
The Brief History
Sir Nonoy started it. Then, sir Freddie followed. Sir RCG imitated the two. And eventually everyone did. From Joan to Pare of RG Meditron.
Am I offended about being called “Pare?” Maybe I should. But, honestly, I loved it. For me that was my officemates’ way of showing their love for me - in a nasty manner. Hehe!
To all my kumpares, Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat! Tagay tayo mamaya!!!
Most people who do not know me personally would probably perceive me as a serious and mischievous creature since my face is mostly identical to a fuming tiger and my body movement is like always geared up for a boxing match. There maybe some truth about this but definitely I don’t have any plans of following Manny Pacquiao’s career path.
The Brief History
Sir Nonoy started it. Then, sir Freddie followed. Sir RCG imitated the two. And eventually everyone did. From Joan to Pare of RG Meditron.
Am I offended about being called “Pare?” Maybe I should. But, honestly, I loved it. For me that was my officemates’ way of showing their love for me - in a nasty manner. Hehe!
To all my kumpares, Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat! Tagay tayo mamaya!!!
