It’s Okay…

I’ve made mistakes.  No matter how much I avoid committing mistakes or having lapses, it’s one of the things that always haunt me in my work life.

I guess I’m really not cut out for the corporate scene.  It’s such a cutthroat world for me.  Ideas denied, principles threatened, emotional stability shaken.  I guess I’m too AWARE of the things around me that I also over-think things.  Yes I know I’m not making sense but I have a thing about sharing what bothers me in full detail.  I prefer thinking about it to myself before I’m actually ready to share it.

Anyway, I’m once again at a limbo.  Like I said, I made a mistake.  A lapse, an error.  I apologized, explained my side and was willing to accept what sanctioned reprimand they were ready to throw at me.  More than less I knew how this SHOULD have played out.  Unfortunately, compared to a corporation, family-owned businesses tend to have a different train of thought.

SIGH.

So I’m at a standstill once again.  But, I’m not too worried for myself… YET.  I have accepted my mistake.  And although I wish things would have been handled more fairly, it wasn’t my call anymore.

I need to pave a different career path.  Find my bliss and explore the many possibilities open for me.

For now, my power up song is: It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay by Whitney Houston (and sung by the Glee Cast).  How my case was handled was not right, but I’m okay about it.

A Break From Work

Has it been more than a month already since my last post?  Gosh… I’ve been SO BUSY at work and other stuff that I haven’t been able to just sit down and blog.  In fact, I’m still a bit tired from a business trip to Iligan City (about a 12-hour bus ride from my hometown) to attend a Job Fair last April 2 -4.  My mind is still stressed out from the nonstop interviews and long travel alone.  Thankfully it’s Holy Week so I get to take a few days break before returning to work.

It was my first time in traveling to Iligan City.  And being alone during travels wasn’t exactly safe.  But needing an adventure and break from the office, I was willing to go (and besides, it was the company’s expense).  Just to be sure though, I checked with the bus line if there were any trips on Holy Thursday.  It wouldn’t do me any good if I got stranded there during my long weekend (plus I’d hate to miss my mom’s birthday!).   After the assurance from the bus company that there would still be trips returning to Davao, I proceeded with my preparations.  And since my mobile line wasn’t on an unlimited data plan, I checked for any available daily unlimited plans my service provider offered.  Luckily there was!  So all I needed to do was register (depending on my preferred number of days) and I was all set.  Since my phone has tethering as well, it worked on my advantage in bouncing my mobile signal via wifi, enabling my iTouch to get its signal.  Thank you techie-ness.  For Sun Cellular subscribers, click here for the details.

 Just to be extra sure that I wouldn’t get totally lost (and know exactly where I was along the trip), I utilized my iTouch map for my convenience.  Below you will find that there are 2 routes in getting to Iligan.  In terms of distance, the first route would have been the faster way (the one I took) especially if you had your own car, but due to road repairs along the highways it still took quite a long time in getting to my destination.

via BUDA route

via Butuan route

Job Fair

It was the first job fair I participated in with my new Company and it has been 2 years since the last one I attended with my previous employer.  I was half-expecting to be bored to death but I was literally deluged with a number of fresh graduates eagerly applying with our company.  Their eager faces, skeletal resumes, and idealistic responses during their one-on-one interview with me was quite endearing… bringing me back to days that I was also a part of that crowd.

fresh from their graduation celebration the day before

How I wish it were so simple.

Anyway, with all the applicants I have gathered for pending hiring and pooling, I’m excited how their lives would turn if hired with our company.  More work for me.

SIGH.

Joining the bandwagon in bringing home specialties from places traveled, I brought home Iligan’s well-known Cheding’s Peanuts.  Too bad though mom’s not allowed to eat TOO MUCH nuts (it’s her favorite!).

Cheding's Peanuts

My job schedule has been very hectic lately.  The constant turnovers from one of our companies are quite difficult to handle and I myself becoming like duck’s feet underwater trying to stay afloat.  I had to be responsible in retrenching and terminating a number of employees in another company.  Seeing people cry over the loss of their means of income is very DRAINING to say the least!  I just want to get rid of the negative vibes I get when I have to confront the displaced employees.  Sometimes I get to thinking that I chose the right course but the WRONG career.  Speaking of which, I was planning on taking up post-graduate studies.  But with how my boss is, I doubt I’ll be able to pursue it.  Sure I’ve discussed it with him but he keeps thinking that I’ll be leaving my work unattended.  Regardless of the justifications I’ve made, I sense that I’m not going anyway with that conversation.

Darn.

Anyway, we’ll see  in the coming days.

By the way, here are a few photos I took during my bus ride going to and from Iligan.

via Butuan route

via BUDA route

fresh from their graduation celebration the day before

Cheding’s Peanuts

Adventures in Mining

As a first project, [Aya] Charles and I went off to our first journey as HR colleagues to our mining areas.  After a few negotiations with our boss and setting up a gameplan (so to speak) for our project, our trip/visit was finally approved.

I scheduled our trip to coincide with the celebration at one mine site (so that food was bountiful… SNEAKY! LOL).  So early morning of September 7, we were on our way to Tagum City (our transfer point for our more “off-road” transportation).  So I’m going to share a few photos I took along the way.

A couple of hours away from the site

Mining Mountains

risky roads...

Our first stop (our host for our overnight stay) was at our processing plant.  We got there around 11:00AM.  So me and Aya started going through the motions of our workplan.  We started out with our orientation, then cascade, a few Q&A moments until we stopped to take our lunch.  Since we were celebrating as well, our host had their share of the lechon (roasted pig).

Lechon!! (Roasted Pig)

After lunch, we continued where we left off.  Then after all that needed to be discussed, we went into a grand tour of the area and it was great to be able to piece together each persons’ functions into the big picture.  It made our project more clear.  Since we were staying for the night at the plant, we took the liberty in heading out (accompanied by one of the big bosses) to one mine site which we passed on the way up.  We didn’t stray too long though since roads were very treacherous and the night was slowly creeping in.  Our designated driver would be having a challenging uphill drive if we stayed out too late.

Mountains by Night

So after returning to our host area, my partner and I went to go exploring around the plant and get the pulse of things as well as go to the departments we didn’t get to go to earlier.  Then dinner came, and Aya and I were gearing for a late night discussion and review preparation.  Aside from that, I also had to prepare a few contracts for new hires.   The mountain atmosphere blanketed us with a steady lull of inactivity.  And the cold mountain breeze was very soothing especially for me – a city slicker.  The cold water was a little too much for me to bear though.  Imagine ICE COLD.  And that was just from the TAP!  I dreading thinking how I’d be able to take a bath the next day since we had to leave early to go to our next site!  Sheesh!

I survived though.  Thankfully, they offered to heat up water for me to mix with the ICE COLD water.  I just had to speed up taking a bath to get it over with.  We left Wendy (since we traveled with one of our office mates who also had an “assignment” to work on at the plant) for the day and told her we’d have her picked up when we reach our last site.  It was quite refreshing not to have her tag along.  At least we’d get to focus on our agenda with the sites we visit.

Aya and I decided to divide and conquer our work activities to finish off early.  Glad we did since our second area had much to cover and a lot of them were raising their concerns too.  Lunchtime came and I got to have a taste of the extract from a sea urchin.  I forgot what it was called but if I remember right, the local term was “swaki“.  A protein-rich serving.

Uhm... What road?

Then finally, a few minutes after having lunch, we proceeded to our final area.  The baby of all mines.  So the same deal, divide and conquer to be able to finish in just a few hours.  We were looking forward to entering the tunnel too.  I’ve gone spelunking once a few years back, but this one was different.  And what’s cool is that (as per the Mining Operations Manager), I’m the first female who has ever been in the deepest mining tunnel (I forgot how many kilometers below level though).

Main line

The main line.  One of the foundations of the tunnel.

Stone's Sweat

Water droplets within the cave.  Too bad my camera couldn’t take great shots.  But if you were there, you’d be amazed by how these droplets are just hanging there.  And with just the right amount of light hitting them, they seem like precious stones peeking through the depths of the earth.

Odd Woman Out.

Yup! Odd person out!  And loving it! LOL!

Mine Buggy: Madmax

This baby buggy was just fabricated but it packs a wallop in traveling to and from the tunnel.  And it travels around the mountain roads as well!

Birds in Caves

This last photo is one of the amazing things I’ve seen inside a cave.  Birds.  Not just one, but a few couple scattered near the entrance of the cave.  The locals call it “Sayaw-sayaw“.  Sorry I couldn’t find it’s more familiar term though.  If you guys have any idea, It’ll be much appreciated.

It was raining when we finally emerged from the tunnel and since our hosts didn’t find it safe for us to travel still (in retrospect I think it had something to do with security measures as well… to mislead would-be “disturbances”).  So we had dinner at LV, and after our meal we were clear to go.

The return trip was quite long.  Good thing there were no more transfer of transportation but our travel using our “Beijing” was long and tiring.  Five to six hours sitting inside a bumpy revamped military jeep would make you sore in a few places in your body.  But thankfully, the trip back  was uneventful (sans the bumpy ride).  And the  travel to Tagum City then Davao was pretty boring (had to stay awake though to keep the driver company).

All in all, it was a one-of-a-kind work experience.  I would love to travel back there again.  We got to achieve our goal in gathering needed data to continue our review, at least now the names I list down each has a face that goes with it, orientations and cascades conducted were received well, and we’ve established good rapport with the people that I rarely see in the City.

The best part?  Hearing great comments and appreciation that our visit boosted employee morale.

Success!!!

Now on to the nitty-gritty part.  But decision’s not up to me on that part.  I just hope our proposal gets accepted!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading (and looking at the pictures).

It’s Not a Promotion… More Like a Step Up

My position title is still the same.  And from the vacancies and interview schedules I’ve been setting for the past week (both of our bosses were in town at that time), they were looking for a supervisory position in my department.  A bit sad though that I’ll be the one orienting someone who’ll be supervising me.  Hmm… But as of last Thursday, our COO disclosed that we will be hiring new employees for my department.  2 to be exact… and I will be their immediate head.

WHAT?!? Did I hear right?

I guess I did.  Because far along our discussion, further instructions were given as to how I will be delegating all tasks under HR.  So I just simply kept a straight face, carefully processing what he was saying but at the same time reeling and grinning from ear-to-ear internally.  No talk about changes in my title but that’s not a bother.  Suddenly I’m bombarded with added responsibility by overseeing other people besides myself, and slacking off just isn’t an option.

I’ve always had plans and proposals in mind but never got the chance to air a lot (some I was able to discuss though), and somehow drawing up plans, listing them down, and all things related in reorganization, realignment, and policy creation seemed way out of my league.  Until I started opening my mouth on pertinent issues and giving out ideas to address other concerns.  I should be happy.  I am!  But I’m getting a lot of sleepless nights thinking about it.  Over-thinking much?

Not really.  I guess I just have a bee in my bonnet whenever I am given a large responsibility.  Especially when it’s something I’ve never tried before.  I’ve been planning, scratching out, and rethinking ideas for the last few nights.  And last night, when I should’ve rested for my fun run early this morning, I ended up drawing up a “to-do” list for Monday.  So far, I’ve filled up 4 pages (going 5) on my notebook which I have officially dubbed as my “planning  notes”.  I SO want this to work.  I’m a bit scared but I want to prove myself that I can do it (most especially before our bosses would have other plans AGAIN for my department).  Better move fast but better be well-prepared as well.

I’m nursing a mild headache, and I seem to have caught a cold plus my eyes are getting red for not getting any sleep.  Hopefully I won’t be too bugged down tomorrow.  It’ll be a turning point.  Too bad that the other applicant backed out for the position.  Can’t blame her though.  So I’d better continue pooling again.

Like I said, it’s not a promotion.  But it’s a step up!  Time for battle!

Wish me luck!!!

Time To Shine? Nuh Uh…

It’s been 2 weeks since my manager went on leave and never reported back to work.  2 weeks that my working world has turned upside down once again.  Not barely a month did I have a constant companion under my department.  The good thing was that when he jumped on board, there was little adjustment on my side since we were on the same wavelength.  Though a bit bossy, his work ethics and capabilities are worth commending.  The changes we’ve begun cascading in the Company was a team effort.  He would willingly guide me and in more than a few times, have mentioned that whatever process he will be undergoing, will also be a learning process shared with me.

2 weeks.  I feel like I’ve been on a bubble.  I’m simply skating over the waters with the number of things I need to work out on.  The project we started has left me groping for air and a lifeline to hang on to.  Paper works here, legal cases there, vacancies to be filled, reports for submission, clerical tasks all around, and not to mention the frequent impromptu jobs that need immediate attention have been bombarding me day-to-day work life.

I’m shutting down.  Sleepless nights thinking on what should be done, how to get things done but never actually handling it.  I SUCK.  I feel so useless.  I’m ACTING USELESS.  Sometimes I wonder why I get myself into these things.  Why couldn’t I just be in a steady, organized, and amazingly setup company?  I guess I just don’t have the confidence in myself.

I’m not blaming my former manager.  He left in a haste due to family reasons.  Just a brief background, his 6 year old son had a nephrotic kidney that needed continuous treatment already.  And he feels his salary package here wouldn’t suffice to support his family.  I’m blaming myself. I’m spreading myself too thinly.  But I can’t help it!  I’m only one person with a number of things that need immediate attention.  I’ve requested for an OJT to assist in encoding and filing, my request was disapproved.  I’m losing my energy and interest in working here.  Sure the company’s fine but like I’ve mentioned in my previous post on work, there are a FEW things I’m not ecstatic about.

Anyway, I was able to keep in touch with Mr. HRManager asking for referrals on who could possibly take his post.  In his own words, he texted me: “Like what I said to you previously, as per my assessment in my short stint in …, they do not need to hire an HR Manager.  Naa na man ka (You’re already there).  All they need is to hire 2 HR Assistant.  Ang dapat lang buhaton ni owners is to support you (all the owners need to do is support you).  Ayaw lang pud pataha sa mga tang-an (Don’t be intimidated by the “veterans”).  Kaya naman nimo. (You can do it). Time to shine.”

Truly inspiring.  When I read that, I felt a sense of pride reinvigorating my spirit.  Finally, an immediate head who could vouch for what I could do.  Very empowering too.  Too bad the owners wouldn’t know about that.  I mentioned it to one of our heads here that I could handle the department as long as I could hire 2 assistants.  I’ve even plotted out our work assignments but sad to say, the owners had other things in mind.

So now, I’m staring at a large pile of paper works, not to mention the large amount of email that has been steadily streaming my inbox.  I’m really not in the mood to work.  Not yet.  I’m so bad.  I should be proactive and no amount of “buts” and “ifs” could justify my lack of interest.

Time to Shine?  I guess… not.  I sound so pathetic!  Sorry for a bad read guys.  I’m trying to put a positive note here.  But I’m really down.  -__-

Change is in the Air

My seatmate/cube-mate is moving out.

For the past month from starting in my new job, It felt great having someone to chat with day-in and day-out in the HR Office.  From being accustomed to staying low and going solo, it was a breath of fresh air to have someone to confide with, learn the ropes from, and understand how each and every person interacts through the eyes of the wise.  A friend when needed the most.

Cutiepie (my seatmate) would still be part of the department but due to the constraints of our office space, she “relocated” into another area – which I know she prefers.  So now, I’m on my own until the newbie comes in for tomorrow.  Oh excuse me, not a newbie… my supervisor.

It was only last Saturday that I knew about the changes in the office – job titles got altered, job descriptions were revamped, confusion was all around.  I couldn’t complain.  After all, I’m just a worker.  But I’m really anxious what  comes next.  I was told that I could go to the different sites when I first started.  Now, I’m not so sure.  Since my supervisor will be mainly outside of the office.  Quite unfair!  I wanted to do field works.

Oh well… I’ve already met the guy.  I do hope though that he’s open to me doing field works.

Anyway, I just want to share with you one quote which seems to run through my mind at the moment:

“Because you are champions of the spirit.  You ignore the scoreboard!  Long odds are irrelevant.  In the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity, you do not waiver.  You roll, you tumble, you fly”

- Vanessa, Hellcats

Just a Quick One

This week has been very hectic not only for me but for the whole Central office. We’re busy preparing for our Sports League and birthday celebration of our bosses’ daughter which will be tomorrow, the 28th of May. I’m both excited and anxious for tomorrow. Still got a lot of things to prepare plus my tasks tomorrow are not I’m usually up for. I’ll be leading our National Anthem; “requested” by some supervisors to “assist” them in our calisthenics; plus I’ll be dancing!

Waaah!!!

I’m getting antsy just thinking about it! Add to that, I’m nervous about the program/invitations I have prepared and creating back-ups for all necessary documents. What’s still unfinished is the music and reserved copies!!!

So, I gotta go! There’s some things else I want to share but time is of the essence.

Will post soon!!

Out With A New Group

My weekend was quite an unexpected yet very eventful.  Friday (the 13th of May), I was scheduled to go the Farm to inquire and settle a certain issue.  But instead of leaving in the morning, I had to travel in the afternoon since my designated driver needed to hand carry a few important things going to the farm… causing me to arrive a little bit after 3PM then leave well after 5PM.  It would have been fine if not for the fact that my new officemates and I planned to eat out for dinner.

While still at the farm, I already told Cutie Pie to wait for me.  So during the duration of my travel back to the office, we were constantly communicating where I was already.  I was a bit embarrassed that I had to make them wait (being new in the group and all).  So all the while I thought that they’d be in a sour mood, or decide to leave me.  But they waited!  Sure they made a few cracks but in a jovial mood.

After rushing to get my things, we were off to the karinderia they were bragging about.  It was just near my alma mater but I didn’t know the place existed then.  After placing our orders (mine was 5 pieces pork barbeque and 2 servings of pastil – rice topped with ground chicken meat), we took our seats. The wait wasn’t long and eventually we started eating and taking photos (I think something’s wrong with my Gumshoe.  It’s not taking pictures the way it used to do.  Or maybe the settings are wrong).

“Pastil”

The Barbeque!

After having our fill of our dinner (and debating where to go next since some wanted to catch a movie in Abreeza, others didn’t) we ended up heading to the statue of David in Ecoland (my officemate has coined it as David Park).  Strolling along the baywalk, eating street food, chatting, and taking photos with them gave me a glimpse of the personalities with the new group.

Candid much?

Saturday Fun

Last Saturday was the birthdays of 2 of our officemates.  As FORCED “custom”, afternoon snacks were free.  I had my fill of the ice cream only since I was still full from lunch.

Snack Time!

The weekend bonding didn’t end there.  Some of the older women wanted to watch a movie.  Though I wasn’t keen on watching In The Name of Love, I took a cab together with the 3 who confirmed to see the movie after all, they were heading to Abreeza.  Again, we had a lot of picture-taking moments while strolling all over the mall.  We had our dinner at the food court.  I was still hesitant in watching the movie.  However, being constantly prodded by 3 women who enjoyed the same things as I did (particularly going out), I gave in.  A really cheesy movie!  But I had fun.  I’m looking forward to more bonding moments with them (less the cheesy movie part).  LOL.

Food stalls in the Grocery Area

Making puto bumbong even when its not December (He smiled even through his mask.)

Souvenir Shot!

Being like kids again!

My Dinner!

Feeling like Stockholders

Another Workweek Done

After a number of repeated file checking, 7 served labor related memos, 3 cascaded office memos, a couple dozen of evaluation forms, the end of work hours on a Saturday is such a beacon of light in an endless tunnel.  Thankfully though, the tunnel isn’t all pitch black.  There are a couple of spattered flecks of color around that provides enough distraction and hope in what would otherwise have been a gloomy day.

I’m a bit tired from all my workload.  A bit burdened?  Yes. But demoralized? No.   I may have a lot to clean up at work but I’m taking it one step at a time.

Icing on the cake for this weekend?  Free Pizza!!!

Pizza for everyone!

Just a short post since I’ll go visit my old work.

Back at Work!

It’s a Saturday and it’s marking the culmination of my first week of employment in my new job.  I started last Tuesday and although I’m still at ropes in making heads and tails on the whole organization, I’m being optimistic.

Sometimes it gets scary knowing that I can make my own decisions with regards to my department and how to improve it.  It’s both a great challenge and a productive learning process.  I just hope I’m cut out for it.  There are a couple of things that I have a few hesitations but hopefully I’ll work it out.

A New Workplace

At times I catch myself comparing my current work to my previous job.  There are a lot of differences but there are also a lot of things I can learn from.  My second job is almost like this but it was my last job that taught me a lot.  Now I’m back to this setting, I guess I’m more confident in how to take on the work output expected of me.  I just hope they’d add more employees to make the team.

Hours are shorter but the days are longer.   I get to work from 8AM to 5PM but it’s from Mondays to Saturdays.  Oh well, hopefully I’ll get to work something out.  If not, then it’s fine.  At least the important thing is, I have a job!

Speaking of having a job, my heart goes to my former teammate who recently informed me this week that she also received her walking papers so to speak – getting the same treatment I got from my former FB.  Such a great loss.  But for my former teammate, I wish her all the luck!  With the experience she got, her constant meeting of what is expected of her (even if unappreciated) and the great amount of patience she exhibits, I’m pretty sure she’ll land a better, much better job soon.

So for all those with stable jobs:  “Keep up the good work! ” For those who are searching for jobs: “Don’t give up!  You can make it!” And for those contemplating on resigning or on the verge of ending their employment:  “There’s always a better one waiting around the corner.“

Anyone else care to share their thoughts?

So that’s it for today!  Have a fun weekend everyone!