Workaholism

I never really classified myself as a workaholic. But I realized that I am. Even when I was working as an event planner, I used to dream about table cloths and table settings. And now as a marketer, my mind is forever churning out ideas. I still dream about work (this time about merchandise and collaborations and creatives and a whole lot of other stuff) and even on vacation, I can't help but check out some work stuff. And boy oh boy, troubleshooting on weekends is neck-breaking but a girl's gotta do what she has gotta do.

It's not that I'm complaining that I got loads to do, I was just a bit shocked that work indeed has become ingrained in me so much that I get antsy when I just relax and do nothing (even on weekends). But come to think of it, because of this affliction, I was able to rise up the ranks in less than three short years. I'm no hot shot in the corporate world and hey, I started as a rank and file employee but I'm pretty proud of my accomplishments. I may have skipped a couple of night outs and I can no longer drink til I drop but I'm still generally happy with where I am right now. Even though I did not start as a management trainee, I wouldn't be where I am right now if I did not make the decisions I had then.

Money. I admit it. I was a bit perplexed before since I felt like I was doing a great job and I was not well-compensated. All the other people around me were making double or thrice than I did and I felt like a failure. But let me tell you this, a person's salary is not the only measure of a person's success. I've been hearing that it's natural that you start with a small salary and eventually, after some years, it will get bigger, blah blah blah. And I was like "What?! Why not start now?". But believe me, it is indeed true. Yes, some people land great jobs right after college but most people, as the bell curve shows, will get an average job and their worth will get bigger if they perform at their best over time. Now with three years of experience under my belt and three promotions, it's kind of nice to know that my hard work has paid off. And oh, I'm not yet done with the hard work, it's something that will be forever with me I guess. Other opportunities have sprouted along my path and I can't wait what the future holds.

So I guess it's not that bad to be a workaholic. I'm happy with my career, I still see my friends from time to time and I still get to spend time with my family and be a wonderful "mommy" to my spoiled little Shakti.

Now, back to work. :)

No Breaking Dawn For Me

I am probably one of the very few who turned down free movie passes to Breaking Dawn Part 2. My company, Wacoal, sponsored a block screening on its first day. For weeks, I had to coordinate with Nuffnang for this event. Thankfully, I was not the one in-charge of everything. I just had to think of the popcorn and drinks, the ticket allocation for the employees, the raffle for the bloggers and the booth for the event.

So why do I refuse to see the movie despite the free tickets, us sponsoring the screening, me working on the opening night, and practically everyone watching the much talked-about movie? Well, I read the book. As simple as that. I fell in love with my Edward while reading Twilight and Robert Pattinson did not do justice to the character in terms of looks (what do I know about his acting, I did not watch any of the Twilight movies).

I was a sappy teenager when I read the series so I was pretty much kilig then. I think I'll still be. One of these days, I'll read Twilight again so I can conjure my version of Edward once again.

To those who will watch the movie, enjoy! I'm not telling you to not watch the movie or the movie sucks but this is just my reason why nobody can persuade me to go to the cinemas with for this.

Balancing on a Tight Rope

I know. I should be reading and working on my paper due on Monday. That's what I've been telling myself for the past week. I even took a one day leave from work so I can work on it. Sadly, I'm still staring at a blank document for the past hour.

It's all about balance they say. Work + family + friends + me time = non-existent for me. Lately, it's been all about work. I was out last Wednesday with Khalil and Tani, buying a gift for our dear goddaughter Lexi. It took us HOURS just to pick the right gift and a long time waiting for it to be wrapped. Anyway, Khalil noticed that I was too workaholic. In the few hours that we spent together, I made more than four work-related phone calls and I was busy typing away messages on my phone. Yes, it was a fail leave.

Or at times, it's been work and friends or work and family only. I've never accomplished balancing everything at the same time. Good thing I'm on the last two modules of my Digital Marketing thing. But it made me start to think about my plans to take my master's degree. I don't think I can manage working and studying at the same time.  Just thinking about it is giving me a headache. So what to do, what to do? It's like I've been contemplating about this since forever. It's exhausting. 

So I found a resolution. I will stop worrying and just see where the road will lead me. I'm sure the universe will not give me a situation I can't handle. It may be difficult but I'm sure I will learn something from whatever challenges I will encounter.

So for now, I have to get back to writing that paper on eCommerce. After all, I'm so near the finish line, I can't afford to slack off now. 

Hello again blank page!

Today, I Decided To Take an Adventure!

It's been raining non-stop for the past few days - weeks, actually.

Yesterday: The chaos was unbelievable. Many streets were already underwater, there were more people who needed saving than volunteers, it was madness!

6:30 AM: I received a text from our HR informing us that only government work was suspended. So that meant we had work.  Since it was still raining really hard, I already texted the office that I cannot go to work but I will try to do so once the weather improves.

10:44 AM: I woke up with the sun shining! :) I will go to work today. Took a shower, had brunch and headed out without checking the news. It started raining a bit in Q.Ave but I thought it was just a little rain. It will be over soon.

12:40 PM: I arrived at the office. It was drizzling.

1:30 PM: How wrong was I?! It started raining really hard = worry.

2:30 PM: Regretting that I decided to go to work. But still continued answering emails, fixing files, etc.

4:30 PM: I can't take this anymore! I want to go home, I don't want to be stranded in Makati! There's no cab outside the building and since I heard that EDSA is already flooded, I decided to take the jeep and the train. Boy, the line was really long.

5:30 PM: I'm at the Q. Ave station already. Cars were starting to counterflow on the northbound lane of EDSA. Know why? Yes, Centris is flooded already (EDSA side)! And the funny thing is, the underpass was not even flooded. After minutes of contemplating whether I will wade in the flood water, I decided that it's time for me to go home. What would happen if the rain worsens? It means that more streets will be submerged underwater and the flood would start to rise even more. Last I heard was that Philcoa was waist-deep and Maginhawa was chest-deep. Come on, I have to pass Philcoa in order to get home.

5:40 PM: I was able to get a cab after insisting (almost begging) that I have to go to UP (about 20 minutes away from Q.Ave). He probably felt pity in his heart because he agreed to take me but we have to go around Mindanao Ave, Visayas Ave and go out at Central in Commonwealth. City Hall and Circle were super traffic according to the previous passenger as the flood is really bad.  I immediately said yes despite the long route.

6:30 PM: I'm still stuck along Mindanao Ave. Traffic would literally move inch by inch = flood. Good thing manong driver still went ahead. He must have sensed my desperation. There was also a bit of a flood along Visayas Ave. but we were able to manage.

7:00 PM: I'm at the Commonwealth (Central) gate of UP waiting for my mom to pick me up. We were supposed to pick-up my brother at Ateneo but he said someone will bring him home. We ended up at MiniStop buying bottles of booze. If the rain continues tonight, I have no plans of going to work tomorrow. I will drink myself to oblivion.

So there goes my day, not much of an adventure but it definitely is one-of-a-kind. I also learned a couple of things. First is to listen to the people around me. Several people were already telling me not to go to work but the minute I saw the sun, I rushed to work. Second is I have to think of myself. I've been thinking about my unfinished work in the office that I forgot to check if I will be ok, if I can make it home without any problems. And lastly, I found out that I can be strong and I can think of a way to solve my problems. When things get difficult, I always call on my mom and expect her to fix things/ situations for me. This time, I only called her when I was in the cab already. And I'm so proud that I was able to wade in flood water. I was already thinking of crying and complaining but I did not do that. A friend told me that I have to be more careful when walking in flood water as I may step on something sharp or fall into holes. Thank God none of that happened.

Anyway, this day has not been a total waste. Yes, I could have spent time helping out in a shelter or a relief center, but that's where the universe led me. It's still a learning experience for me.

And by the way, the text I was waiting for yesterday never came. But I received it today. Thank you, you made my day. :)

Makati Girl for Two Years

July 5, 2010: date I was hired by Philippine Wacoal Corp.

I now officially have two years of work experience! (my previous work with Hizon's was short-lived so I'm not counting it).

When I first entered Makati's corporate world, I felt thrilled, scared and nervous at the same time. I am now a Makati girl but that meant I had to brave the throng of people at the MRT. Taking a cab everyday is just not practical. Also, having an expat president seemed a little scary (but it's a good thing Mr. Iwasaki is very nice).

My job at the Direct Sales Department at first was a bit boring (maybe not just a bit). We needed to generate sales, organize the mini warehouse and do a monthly inventory. That was just not my thing. Routine work made me want to puke.

By my third month, the management probably noticed that I was not that interested with the job and decided to move me to the Store Division. My initial task was to handle the trainings of the employees. But since trainings only occur three to four times a year, I handled a bunch of marketing tasks. This I really did enjoy. I love talking to other people like suppliers and business partners. I love attending events and meeting new people. I love working on tasks for our campaign. I love everything! This is the job I really want. It sometimes involve long hours but who cares, I'm having fun.

Of course, like any other employee, I passed through the phase when I felt like my salary was not enough. This was heightened a couple of months ago when my younger brother got a better starting salary (which is higher than my current basic). But come to think of it (now that I did some reflection), my pay is pretty ok. Not stellar, but ok. After all, my job is not that stressful and I only need to report for 5 days a week (I so hated my 6-day job before). I guess I just need to stop being an impulsive buyer (I got more than 10 pairs of shoes I haven't worn at all) and I ought to learn the importance of saving. Still, a raise is also most welcome. Haha.

But overall, I'm happy with my job for the past two years. I have learned tons of stuff, been promoted twice and I was given a chance to take Ateneo's Digital Marketing Program (which is really interesting). Plus (a great, big, huge plus), the people are extremely nice. Office politics can never be eliminated but somehow, the one we have is mild. At the end of each day, we are still one big happy work family.

I still see myself taking an MBA but I'm not yet financially ready (I still need to make ligaw to my parents. Haha.) Maybe, in the next two or three years I can reach that dream. For now, I am just thankful for all the blessings that I have. I may not have gotten everything that I wanted but I believe that everything that is for me will happen at the right place and at the right time. All my past experiences shaped me who I am today. Thank You!

Cheers to my two years at Wacoal and I wish that adventures will keep on coming my way wherever I am. ;)