What I've learned from 1 year of working
For those who've read my graduation speech where I humouredly gave college advice (http://freesbieangel.multiply.com/journal/item/10). Haha here's my version of work-life "learnings" after a year of working.:
1. It pays to be punctual especially if you work in a company like mine who gives salary deductions counted per hour.
For short IT (company) DOESN'T PAY TO BE LATE..
2. Do share about your life with workmates. Haha my model is T. Jackie and T. Jane from Cambridge and Jan, Lucy, and Kim from Unilever. It makes people comfortable when they know something about you the way they did with me. It helps in adjusting to the work environment.
3. Try limit your work time to work hours. Finished or not finished, there's tomorrow. If you can't yet, try adjusting gradually. My new boss won't let me work past 7 pm and she doesn't believe in doing over times. I used to request tlaga just to be able to stay late..but i guess what she was right. I got adjusted to the right work time no matter the amount of work.
4. No matter the work load and the pressure, remember that God is always with you and He's bigger than any of your mountains.
5. Christmas presentations and contests are fun. You see your workmates in a different light, they're all jolly and giggling and willing to laugh at themselves. Christmas contests are a money making opportunity for you as well when you win in a contest or party games..! haha..kidding. It's a time when our bosses can get really generous and there's always FOOD in the pantry for every week of December..
6. You might get the habit of eating breakfast, morning merienda, afternoon lunch, and afternoon merienda (in chronological order or not) at work. So brace yourself and buy adjustable clothes. You never know when you'll need them.
7. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if working for the Lord and not men. Working for men and working for the Lord is a different perspective. Men's ideals change and may not agree with yours at times but God's standards are the absolute good and whether or not you agree to it, His interests are always for your good.
8. It pays to have a saving habit. I was able to save up 3 months worth of living expenses while in between changing jobs. He who stores little by little makes it grow - Proverbs.
9. What you sow, you reap. How you treat your work, if you sow with a good attitude, it will show in the quality of your work. A crappy work attitude can lead to crappy work.
10. Check the culture of the workplace first before you share too much about yourself ..haha! I so have fond memories from learning that one. Once napagkamalan akong QUERIDA ng client and one time accused of making friends while working.
11. It's okay to say you don't know.
12. You don't have to fake confidence/assertiveness in sales. Confidence comes when you've done your homework, you know where you stand, you know where your product stands with all its strengths and weaknesses, you know what your customer is looking for, and you know Who's the One backing you up no matter the outcome!
And most important learning..
13. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge him and He will make your ways straight. In booboos and good times it truly pays.
A blessed 2009 for our workplace, our industries, and our careers!
- Marie Kris D. Rodriguez Franchise Coordinator/part-time Financial Planner