Memories

I was listening to 89.9 this morning, on my way home, when I heard the DJ mentioned that watching Superbook keeps him awake in the wee hours of the morning (Is it still shown on TV? I wonder...hmmm...). Anyway, then there was a sudden flashback. My sis and I love to watch Superbook and Flying House. We really enjoyed those cartoons (I don't know what's its category). It's great learning about the teachings in the bible, in that way/manner. We were also imagining being trapped in a flying house or having a superbook that will bring us back during those times. That will really be cool!!!
And of course, after watching a 30-minute religious/cartoon show, it's now time to watch...."The lights, and the lady in tights!....That's, Entertainment!!!"
Now, I dare you name the original cast of the show....

Career Search

Three weeks ago I mentioned about one of my closest friends asking for an advice with regard to her career. She gave downbeat comments about the work, the people and even the compensation she’s getting. Just a week ago, while I was reading an article on “Work Values of Successful Filipinos,” it mentioned that low performers (on the job) would often complain about their work (i.e. measures workload as against what they receive, not flexible to do other tasks). Perhaps it may be true but it can also be that these people are not really happy where they are right now that’s why they complain. So let me share some of the questions I ask when people come to me and seek for career soul searching.

1. What kind of life do you want?
Your work should not be your life (that’s when ‘burn-out’ sets in), therefore choose a career that you think will go together with the kind of life you envision. It boils down to asking, “What do I want to happen 5,10 or 20 years from now?” Do you want to manage a big group and at the same time guided by structures/systems or perhaps manage your own business and be able to experiment? Do you want more time with your kids, meaning being able to work at home?

2. What is/are the reason/s why you left your previous work?
This will help you avoid the same mistakes. Be cautious in choosing the company/department to work for. If there is a long checklist of points to consider, this “list of things to avoid” will be the first. (send me a note in case you’re interested to know the checklist)

3. What is it that you enjoy doing and are very good at?
Even in business, people advise that you venture into something you really love doing. Then, you will never consider what you do as work. It’s a big plus if this is your talent and skill. So try to recall what activities back in grade school, high school or college you excelled in. Or remember what things have you done in the past that deserved a compliment.

And the last step, look for a job that fits the answers to the three questions.

Rocking on Top

I was in the office when intensity 6 hit Manila. I was conducting a seminar then with our new hires. We were watching a video presentation when we felt the whole building was swaying. Oh yes, being in the 32nd floor, we sure felt it! The tables and chairs were dancing and we were literally bouncing from our chairs. Being the facilitator of the seminar I have to remind everyone not to panic, orient them on the nearest fire exists and wait for management's instructions if an evacuation is needed. I have to admit I got nervous. I just cant imagine running down, passing through 32 floors. I am claustrophobic and at the same time I have vertigo problems.

When i went back to the room, i found the rest praying. I guess that was the 1st thing I should have done. I'm still thankful nothing bad happened.

The next day, I was telling everyone (my family and former officemates) about the earthquake but it seems that they were all enjoying their sleep.

The Test

Today is my baptism of fire here in my new job. I'm proud to share what our HR Manager said, "I like your floor prescence. You're full of energy. You did very well."

Perception

During the last day in one of my classes, we decided to eat out. While waiting for the food we had an activity to get to know each other more. Each one of us wrote on a sheet of paper any "unsual thing" about us...any infromation that will not make people think that 'Hey, that's you.' Our prof will read each info then the rest of the class will guess who that person is.

Well the class wasn't able to guess the 'identity' I wrote. But to my surprise, 3/4 of the group pointed at me when this was read: "Loves to eat Ivory soap." Hey hey hey..what does that mean, huh?! That people perceive me ....

a. crazy/weird or

b. adventurous

Hmmmm.....

SM…what happened to you???

SM malls, particularly SM Makati, used to be my fave mall. I grew up knowing this mall -- from my underwear, to socks, school bags, name it! It was the only shopping place I knew then. It was a glory when Megamall opened. Imagine, a mall that has almost everything and is only 10 minutes away from home! Back in college, when I need to review for an exam I would watch the LFS (while eating McDo chicken sandwich…yum yum), to keep me awake. When I reach home, my folks are about to sleep, just the perfect time to start studying.

Fast forward….the place is now a nightmare to me particularly SM City and SM Manila! I swear, I’ll never go back to these places. Overcrowded (can take the crown from Divisoria), lacks ventilation and very noisy (hail to all those loud music coming from all stores). To add, here’s a conversation I had with one of the Customer Service Representatives.

Me: Hi, where is Carolina located?
CSR (SM): (looks at her logbook/folder of list of establishments. After 2 minutes….)

Sorry miss wala niyan dito.
Me: Okay, so what textile stores do you have here?
CSR: Textile? Diba damit yun?
Me: Tindahan nang tela, meron?
CSR: (looks at her logbook/folder again, picks up the phone, stares at me –she seems lost)

Ay, wala ho yatang nagtitinda dito nang tela
Me: Are you sure?
CSR: Pasok na lang ho kayo nang department store tapos itanong niyo sa sales lady.

When everybody else is highlighting on customer service as a differentiating factor, here goes this CSR. I wonder how come she’s stationed there. I go to malls to unwind, feel relaxed. Now, do you think I’ll be able to do that given that scenario??? No!!!!! That’s why I’d like to thank those brains behind Powerplant Rockwell, Shangri-la EDSA mall and Eastwood in Libis -- just a few minutes from my place. Yun nga lang, expensive din ang goodies. Sagot na nang Greenhills yan!

The End

….and now, the end is near…I’ve finally reached the last of my 15-day vacation, although officially it ended last Friday. Looking back on Day 1, I can say that yes I’ve accomplished all my ‘things to do’ (more than what was expected…*clap clap clap*). I can’t really say I had a complete rest because sleeping wasn’t part of the plan. The last 5 days were spent on just being in bed during the day and awake the whole night (my new work requires that). It’s DIFFICULT, that’s all I can say. My circadian clock tells my body that it should be up by 12noon (paging call center people, any advice will be greatly appreciated).

Going back, I’m now ready to face the new challenge in my life (c’mon Rena, continue to convince yourself?!…hehehe). Of course I do feel those goose bumps all over, the butterflies in my stomach. But then again, I think this kind of feeling is normal for a newcomer (sounds defensive…)

The Vampire

15 more minutes and I'm done with my work! Yahoo!!!! i'll be home by 6:15am. Hopefully I'll be able to complete an 8-hour sleep. That is if I don't get hungry by 12nn.