Holding on to Life

A self portrait

When we're in the lowest point of your life. It feels like there is no end to trials. Most people already lost their hope without even trying to get out of the situation.

If we dwell on the problem, we will never think of a solution. What is needed to be done is to focus our mind on the good things that trials bring.

Trials produces charater. It tests our knowledge and wisdom learned over the years.

"But wisdom is proved right by her actions" qouted from Matthew 11:18-19. Though the verse is mainly about how people are prone to judging others but how we react is up to us. Same goes with the trials that we are going through.

It is not the trial that makes a person, it is the reaction we make in the presence of it. 

To have a better life, you have to want it. Look at the things you have or you know to get you out of the situation. Whatever it is you're facing right now, only you and nobody else will be able to help you out of it without your commitment.

First of all, know what you want and ask God to lead you to the right path. I believe that if we sincerely call upon God, He will bless our path. In the darkest hour of our lives the best solution there is to call upon the greatest source of life and be prepared to take action.

 

 

It's Never Too Late to Start Over

I have gone through from being a banker to a call center agent then a house wife. After several trials, I realized the reason behind me not being able to decide on what I should be, is because I didn't know what I wanted. I am a wide reader, read a lot of books for I've always been curious how things work. 

Just last year I started reading 'Purpose Driven Life' then I stopped on the part where the author said that we should do what we want. I decided to search my heart on what I really want for myself and not what others want me to do. 

I looked at currrent situation and all that I have been through. I listened in what this life is telling me. I started believing in myself and relying on God more. I realize the importance of prayer in everyday life. 

I thought of my job experiences and asked myself if I would still want to go back to those type of jobs. A teller in a tellers cage or a call center agent which, is in a cubicle behind the phone. Then, these words came to me: 

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matt. 5:14-15

And I said to myself, how much I wanted to be seen by people. I am no longer in hiding, I want to get out of my shell and be the best that I can be. 

I started going out and search for work. In every application I sent, I prayed to God to direct me to the right path. I got several offers but I waited for the one that I really wanted. The wait was very long to the point that I almost lose hope. And then, God's assurance gave me the patience I needed: 

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? ²⁸And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? ³¹Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.

³⁴"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.  Matthew 6:25-34

I cried everytime I read this passage. When I feel so down. I pray more and asked for prayers from others. I even sent a prayer request on this website :  

www.joycemeyer.org/dayofprayer/

And instead of just waiting, I decided to prepare myself for the interview. I read books and reviewed my CV to make sure that I'll know what to say during the interview. 

After a month & a week later. The final interview was set. I was really excited knowing that this is it for me. I didn't assume that I'm gonna get the job, just knowing that I've been given this chance was enough for me. At least, if I don't get the job, I'll know what to do next.

On the interview itself, for some reason I wasn't nervous at all. As if, God was there with me giving me the words that I should say. And even when I was actually being interviewed by the AVP of the company. I stayed calm and focused. It was an unforgettable experience because I was surprised with the way things turned out and how easy it was for me. 

I got the job, I was given such an opportunity to bring change in my life and in turn, bring change the lives of others.

Why do I consider this a miracle? 

1.) I didn't have the experience for the job that was being offered. I just said to myself, all I needed to know was what to do and do it.

2.) I didn't work for 1 year & 3 months so being offered a position as a manager will seem to be impossible.

3.) I just got married and in the corporate world, a newly married woman will be a threat since there is a possibility of resignation due to pressure that marriage brings.  

I'm set on a new adventure in life. And what I've learned with this experience is that your current situation is never a constant thing and you can never based your future on what you have today.

God sees us and He knows what we are going through. God is not just concern with the spiritual aspect of our lives but also the financial part of it. 

Although 'Love of money is said to be the root of all evil.' It doesn't mean that having a better life is a bad thing. Think of David, Solomon and Job and many more personality in the bible that was blessed in every way, spiritually and financially.

Since we are created in God's image we should live a better life because God never gives less but abundantly.

HOW TO GET A BETTER JOB OFFER

Finding a job is a courageous thing to do. No one should be half-hearted while searching or going to job interviews. Putting in a lot of prayers is something that worked a lot for me. I will not be ashamed to tell you to pray for the job you are applying for. 

The first company that called, offered me a job right away, informing me that they will give me a call, days before the training starts. After a week of not receiving a call, I decided to follow-up on my application and was informed that they don't have a schedule yet.

With that, I decided to send two more job applications to other companies. Applying as a Supervisor, I don't have any equivalent job experience but I said to myself that I know that I can do the job all I need to know is how.

A day later, I receive a call from another company I applied for and was scheduled for an interview the following day. I was there an hour early but the line for the applicants was long already. I waited patiently with the others, then one of the staff came out and started interviewing us one by one.

All the applicants that came before me were informed that they will just receive a call. So, as I waited I said to myself, "This will not take long, they will just give me a call."

My turn came and to my surprise I was informed to stay since another HR staff will be interviewing me. On the final interview, I was informed that they are considering for a managerial position instead.

One secret is going to the interview well prepared. I note down all, as all the possible questions that may be asked. 

Studied my CV and checked the possible questions that may be asked of me, considering my past employment.

Don't be too lazy answering exam given to you during an interview. Understand the question then answer. 

I even negotiated for the salary grade, just to show my courageousness. 

The thing is. if the offer is better than you expected. Take it. 

People tend to qualify themselves for the position they want to achieve. The truth is, that time will never come for we always tend to look at ourselves less than what other people see. If you want something, might it be a higher position or a business. Start now. 

Be brave for if you don't take the offer now. Someone else will be more than happy to take your place. 

Pregnancy and Resignation from Work

I never had any serious money problems and I was able to take care of myself for the longest time but looking at my life right now, I feel like I didn't make any progress at all. Recently, I resigned thinking that I might be pregnant, which the way I see it now was the biggest mistake I've done in my life.

It's a BIG "no-no" for anyone to resign where they are about to enter a great responsibility specially in my case 'cause again I only suspected that I was pregnant.

Yes, I'm sure that my husband will be able to sustain all my needs but what will I be to my daughter/son-to-be?

My mother is a courageous woman, she was able to provide for us all. Our life is different now, it's much simplier but there is more peace. We have learned to appreciate everything that we have.  God truly showed us that money is not everything. God is everything, our source and strength.

I'm still on step 1 in my life. Been looking for a job for about a month now, right after my husband left for abroad. Filed several job applications and still waiting for one of them to give me a call. I still have a long way to go but one thing I know is that it's not to late for me. It's never too late for a person to change his/her life for good or for bad.

I'm putting this life to the test. I know that there are much greater forces that is working it's way into our lives to bless us. All we need to do is take action and believe, the rest will follow.

If you are in the same situation, wherein you are made to choose between 'getting pregnant' or continuing with your career. Don't resign, don't do it until you're sure. You should at least be pregnant. 

Make sure that you will be able to at least support yourself. Save up for it and get ready. Having a baby is a big responsibility. If you can't even support yourself, how can you support another? 

How to Earn a Living, Working at Home

More companies are opening up to the idea of hiring agents at home since it will cut overhead cost and less benefits given to employees.

What are the things expected from a VA (Virtual Agent)

1. Must have a call center background.

2. Have worked as a virtual technician or equivalent.

3. Must have a good and reliable internet connection.

4. Must have their own space at home and have minimum background noise

5. Excellent in multi tasking. (Can work w/ several customers under pressure)

6. Team player is very important.

7. Able to work 8-12 hours a day at the comfort of your own space.

8. Have a dedicated phoneline.

9. Having a Skype account is also an advantage.

Common task given to a virtual agent :

1. Answering phone calls.

2. Return phone calls to customers.

3. Determine customer's issue.

4. Have the customer checkout (pay) on our website(walkthrough).

5. Remotely access customer's computer and fix the problem.

TOP WEBSITES OFFERING ONLINE JOBS:

• Upwork
• Toptal
• Freelancer
• Peopleperhour
• Craigslist
• Guru
• Demand Media 
• 99designs
• Freelance Writing Gigs
• Elance

If you are into selling food supplements or beauty products:


You can try becoming an independent associate of Max International:

You need to have a Credit Card to have an online account. Initial investment is around P10,000.00 wherein you get 2 boxes of their products including a starter kit which you may use in offering the service. 

This is what I'm currently doing and it has given me extra income plus great discounts since I take the supplement myself.  

Getting into Herbalife is the lowest of all. It's not like networking wherein, you need to recruit people to earn. Herbalife is more of a lifestyle. 

To qualify, you'll have to sign up to a 10-Day Program wherein you will be recommended of a healthier diet. Less carbs and more of protein. The 10-Day Program cost P1,500.00-2000.00.  In that program, you should at least loose 7-8 lbs. If the program is a success for you, that is the only time, you can sign up for the membership which will cost P1,800.00 with corresponding products of the same amount. 

The membership is extended to your spouse and is transferable to your kids for as long as you are able to renew the membership yearly. That's at P400.00.   


The income comes from the discount you get for the products you bought. The membership will entitle you to 25-50% discount. This is highly recommended for those who are underweight or overweight since with this you will learn how to eat healthier foods instead of skipping meals. 


Alliance Global (AIM Global) 

With Alliance, the initial investment is P7980.00 you are also given products of equal amount plus  the insurance and scholarship program. 

You may earn by selling the products or recruiting others to sign up for the membership. The supplement I've tried is the 24/7, Liven Alkaline Coffee, MyChoco Alkaline Chocolate Drink and the BURN Slim this is after I've gone through the 10 day Program of Herbalife.



Answering Surveys Online

 With MOBROG, you need to have a paypal account so that you can transfer your earning to it. You'll need to have a balance of at least P250.00 to transfer your balance to your paypal account.

I'm currently earning less than a P1,000.00 a month.

You'll earn P15-200.00 per survey and spend around 15 minutes to an hour answering the surveys.

I just do this during my lean time since I'm also running a homebased business.
 
 I've tried other surveys online. This is the only one I'm still on and am so far enjoying answering their surveys.

Affiliate Marketing

Top 4 are: 

• Lazada 
• Amazon 
• Zalora 
• eBay

All you need to do is go to their website and look for the affiliate marketing which is usually on the upper left corner of the page.
 
 You need to have an existing blog or social network account where you make post the links which are to be provided for to you once you logged in.

Each of these requires approval which may take 1-2 weeks.

The fun part is that you will receive a product from them to try on requiring to provide a feedback afterwards.


 Be a Seller at Lazada Ph 

This is only if you have a registered business. You'll need to have the following documents:

•  BIR Registration 
•  DTI or SEC Registration 
•  Collection Receipt 
•  Business Permit

 
You'll need to go to their website and then look for 'SELL ON LAZADA' which is on the upper right of the page.  After going to the site, the only consideration you'll need is if the area of your business is serviceable to their logistics partners.

Once that is okay, you'll just have to set your account then you're good to go.

How you prepare yourself is up to you. Just remember one thing : "Anything can happen as long as you put your mind & heart into it!"

How to Get Out of Financial Debts

During the recession, many have lost their jobs while other had no choice but to close their businesses. One way or another all of us were affected by this. The question is, how do we get out of the situation? I've read books and watched TV program featuring the said topic.

To get out of the situation, just like any situation you are in, we need to acknowledge the fact that we are under debts. Denying it will only worsen the situation.

1.  Know the total amount of debts. To solve the problem, you need to know the exact amount that you need to deal with. From there you will be able to formulate a plan on how to get out of it without depriving yourself of anything.

2. How much is due every month.  With this you'll have an idea how much you'll need for the month. Take note of the things that you don't really need.

3. List down the expenses incurred for the basic needs like food, clothing etc.

4. Find ways to cut down expenses. Take note on how much you will be able to save if you do thinks on your own might it be polishing your nails or having you hair down. Even small amounts count.

5. Think before you buy. Posing for a minute might just be what you need to get out refrain yourself from buying something that you don't need that much.

6. Take note of the cash coming in less than the amount that is needed to be paid. This maybe hard at first, but in time this will help you a lot. Knowing the exact amount needed to be paid over the amount of cash that is coming in will set your goal straight. This will tell you how far you still need to go.

7. Get a high paying job or look for additional income. Get a better job or ask for promotions. According to the Smart Cookies, to attract promotion you should always look your best at work. Do overtime work if you can.


One thing that works well, is dressing up for success. The way you dress yourself will definitely boost your confidence and attract success.  

If there is anything else that you find interesting other than your current job. Start at it if you have spare time. If you will succeed  on it that might just your ticket away from the desk job that you're in right now. Keep in mind that your work is also a business and you are not there just to receive a 15-30 pay but to learn how to run a business once you have your own. With that in mind you should really learn to have a sense of ownership because someday you will have a business of your own.

 
8. Set a goal. Write the amount you need for your monthly bills or payables, for savings, emergency funds and leisure.

9. SAVE! Being in debts making it so easy to find an excuse not to save. What you need to do is to treat your monthly savings just like a monthly bill.

10. Spend quality time with your family.  Irregardless of your situation, there is still a need to pamper yourself and your family once in a while. It doesn't have to be that expensive. It can be eating out, going to the park, cooking something special for your family or going out of town. That is okay for as long as it did not affect your monthly target.  

11. Pray for your plans and take actions. As the saying goes, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21