Things to Consider on Your First Job in the Philippines

This is dedicated who is just about to apply for their first job after graduating from College. 

1) JOB ITSELF 

Does it have anything to do with your course? Is it something that you are really interested get into. Are passionate in learning more about your work and the people that you will be working for? 

Do you see yourself being promoted in this company? 


2) LOCATION 

The nearer the place, the more comfortable it will be for you. Being close to your workplace will also lessen your transportation expenses. 

3) DAILY EXPENSES OR WEEKLY EXPENSES 

After considering the location, know your expenses. This is specially if you're planning rent a place. Ask yourself, if you can really afford to rent a place when it's you're first time to work.  Now, if you are one of those lucky ones that are still able to get a job while living with your parents. Then take this time, to check how much you may give to your parents to help out with the monthly expenses. 

4) OFFICE UNIFORM/ATTIRE AT WORK 

Will the company a uniform or are you left to decide what to wear. It is always a plus, if your uniform will be provided by the company. This mean that you don't have to spend a dime for your clothing at work. 

Another thing is, is it comfortable to wear? Comfort is always an important thing to consider. Knowing that you will be in that clothing most of your day then it should be something that you are at ease with. 

5) SAVINGS

Remember this, 

It is NOT about how much you earn, but how much you save that will set you apart from others. 

You may just be in an entry level in your job but if you're spend your money wisely this will be an advantage for you. 

WHY DO YOU NEED TO SAVE? 

Even though you are living with your parents, you are actually on your own now. This is the beginning of your journey into independence. 

Your are simply their to guide you and teach you how you may go on your way. Learn from what they went through. 

You'll need the savings to support yourself if in any case, your first job doesn't work. Knowing your expenses will enable you to know how much you need to survive while waiting for the next job. 

Save to invest. The investment that I'm talking about is not the type of investment that promises fast returns. It can be a TIme Deposit, Mutual Funds, Insurance or Dividends that may be offered in a company you're be working for. Anything that can secure a better future for you. 

ONE LAST REMINDER: 

You will not understand it now, but remember to 'NEVER' sign as a co-maker for anyone at work. One mistake will take away all the money you work hard for. 

Proverbs 6:1-5 

1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. 3 So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! 4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. 5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. 

Being a co-maker means that you agree into paying somebody else's debts in case they resign, it is simple as that. Although, some will tell you that it's just for documentary purposes. Believe me, it's not. It is legal and binding. There is nothing you can do but to pay up once the principal borrower resigns. 


Good luck on your first job! 

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 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