first job bliss

Its 75 days since I graduated from college. Its 54 days since I left home. I have worked for 30 weekdays. How am I now? How life has changed since I basked into this new life?

A week after my graduation I went home for the holy week. Another week later and I was officially bored. I really can’t stand doing nothing or doing household chores alone most of the time. All I can think of then was to get a job soon.

Nobody in the family pressures me into working yet. Ate Mir told me why I was so much in a hurry. To work is really tiring she warned me. But I have made my mind. I wanted to do something, which is to take a step towards the realization of my dreams and long time ambitions.

In the 24^th of April I arrived here in Manila. My initial plan then was to work in a call center because the pay is really good in that industry but they disapproved especially my mother.

They said I might be putting myself and my health to too much risk. My father added that a person’s chance to prosper does not depend on how much she earns but on how she handles her finances. Because I have known for a fact that “ang matigas ang ulo at di nakikinig sa magulang ay napapahamak” my decisiveness was shaken.

I still tried to get into a call center to satisfy my curiosity before I got my job now.

May 26, Aimie asked me to go with her in her scheduled interview in Convergys. I went with her in Robinson’s Tower in Ortigas. Since I was already there, I also applied. But then both of us failed. We just laughed it off, charge to experience.

The next day I received a text alert from JobStreet. It says speed call center agent hiring. Since Robinson’s Cybergate Tower in Pioneer, Mandaluyong where JobStreet’s office is located is just a 7.00 jeepney ride from the house I went. I thought I have nothing to lose but I have got experience to gain. There they would screen applicants if they are qualified afterwards they will endorse them to their partner companies.

There were so many applicants whose age ranges from early 20s to late 30s. I passed JobStreet Select screening which was composed of series of group interview, typing test and written exam. I was endorsed into two companies.

Because there were so many applicants I had my interview to my first endorsement which was for ePLDT Ventus around 4pm. The funny thing is I didn’t pass. The HR from ventus said I only got 74 percent while the passing rate is 75.

I thought it must be a sign that I really have to say bye to call center app. So I didn’t go to my second endorsement anymore.

Although I might have not passed those applications it helped me get the job I have now. Interviews can be really nerve wrecking so practice really helps.

On the fateful 4^th day of May I got hired in BDO Head Office. Banco de Oro’s Corporate headquarter is a twin tower located along Makati Ave.

On that day ate Ophel and I were together. Moral support.hehe. Para lang kami namamasyal. Sabi ko nakakatawa naman, naghahanap na ako ng trabaho sinasamahan pa ako. I was like a kid on her first time to go to school. But it was great. I really appreciate it.

Early morning we went to the HR Office of BDO in Greenhills. Again there were so many applicants. The rooms were full and people just keep coming.

Since I have already passed the exams and interview of their partner hiring firm last May 29, I only had one interview that Monday morning. After the interview the interviewer told me to come back at 2 pm that same day.

Out of those so many applicants not all are advised to return. Some were told to wait for their call. Though others may still hope the chance is really bleak or it already means that the game is over.

Ate and I waited for 2pm at the nearby fast food. We ate our snack and lunch really sloooww. Minutes before the time we went back to the HR. Ate waited for me in the lobby. I was handed out an envelope while the Ma’am given the instructions on what I have to do next. Parang walang tuldok yung sentences nya, ang bilis magsalita. After the accolades she asked “Do you have any question?” I paused for like half a minute to digest her long sentences.

She said that I will have my next interview in the BDO Head Office in Makati on that same day. I thought “Amazing Race na to, layo ng makati sa greenhills.”

We rode a bus. Ang init..tapos bumaba kami sa Ayala. Nagtanong kami kung saan ang BDO. Malapit na pala dun. Sabi just walk straight on the corner turn right. It’s beside UCPB.

In the corner we saw the man made waterfall of Peninsula Hotel. Then we turned into Makati Ave. Then we saw Mandarin Hotel. It’s another landmark to look for when getting to BDO. Maganda yung lugar. Habang naglalakad sabi ko kay Ate “maganda dito, gusto ko na dito.Sana matanggap na ako dito” We easily got into our destination. Again Ate just waited for me in the lobby. I went up into the building alone. Ang lamig kaya di na ako masyado mukhang harrased nung interview na.

I really gave my all in the interview because I already wanted to work there. That time I felt grateful that I liked English subjects ever since.

After the interview the manager told me to go to the other tower. She told me to hand there my envelope but I must not open it. So off I go. I gave the envelope, sat and waited for my name to be called. Again there were so many applicants. Lahat, like Aimie’s term, were “dressed to kill”.

I settled on my seat patiently. The guy beside me was super gwapo!gush!haha.chorva!

The three other persons behind us were chattering. I noticed that the guy seemed like interested on a chatter too but wala akong pakialam. I was too anxious to get the result kaya dedma lang ako.hehe.

Then for what seemed like an eternity my name was called. Again the Ma’am talked fast. “Come back here on May 6 wear proper corporate attire black skirt blouse with collar blazer and black closed shoes with 2 inches heels don’t be late. Any question?”

With eyes wide open I said “I got the job Ma’am?” haha. I must be silly.

Yah, you did! Congratulations! She replied.

I can barely contain my happiness. Ate was really happy for me too. Our prayers were answered. We’re very thankful to Him.

The next day we accomplished the requirements to be passed.

May 6. First day at work. Ate Vi, Kuya Ronie’s wife lent me a The Black Shop suit. I know even them were excited for me.

God has been so good for me and I am really grateful.

I didn’t have high hopes before that I will be working in the central business district of the country. It seemed like a surreal experience. I never thought that I can get a chance to work there.

When I was a kid once in a while we would visit our aunt who worked for a dentist in Salcedo Village. I can remember that during our Christmas time visit there was a huge Christmas tree with huge gifts underneath in the spacious living room and there was a nice garden to be seen outside the window.

Then when I was already 18, Kuya Roger brought me and AC, our nephew with him in their office before in the 53^rd floor of PBCom Tower in Ayala.In those brief and infrequent visits I came to think that Makati may not be for me. I mustn’t have high hopes.

Then I got this chance.

(this was written last week)