An Open Advice About Career Decisions

A good piece to reflect on...

AN OPEN ADVICE ABOUT CAREER DECISIONS:

Several of my staff has approached me lately about their career decisions. I really appreciate my staff opening up to me. It is quite reassuring to know that they're still having second thoughts about leaving. Here is part of the email I sent to a "confused" staff:

I have worked for more than 5 companies already so I guess you might be correct in saying I have had considerable experience about leaving and moving on. I will not stop you nor tell you to leave, though of course it will be better if you stay. In any career decision, leaving or staying I believe, based from my personal experiences and as an HR professional, should only be done for the right reasons.

For one, you shouldn't leave because you don't like several people in the company, nor should you stay because of the friends you have made here. At the end of the day, it is your life. Your friends or "enemies" should not make or break your career. If you let them be the deciding factor, then maybe you should think twice. You are the craftsman of your fate and the captain of your ship. Captain Hook shouldn't be one of your worries!

Do not leave nor stay because of the "brand" of your company. If that was the case, I would have rushed off and sign my JO in "C"! Ask yourself whether you want to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a bigger pond. Know your priorities. Only you can answer that.

Do not leave the company because you're so damn frustrated about the way things are being run, or stay because you have this "messianic complex" that you can change things overnight. Be realistic about the things. Learn to accept that there is no perfect company. Be accepting that change is a slow and painful process at times and be thankful that you realize and act on things that can be changed and improved. Definitely, do not leave or stay just because your parents want you to. I know I am advocating obedience to parents but again, we are talking about YOUR career. But learn to value their wisdom and discern well.

Money isn't everything. The package being offered now might be better but look at the long-term prospects. Do not leave or stay just solely on the compensation package. Look for growth prospects and review their career plans for you. Your immediate gains today might actually be a loss a few years from now if you do the Math.

Boredom is another challenge all professionals are faced with during lull periods in their career. Do not leave because you have become so bored with your job. Do not stay either because you want things as they are. Change is inevitable in any organization. Talk to your boss. Ask for more responsibilities or other tasks if you're bored. Enroll in a special course. If you're satisfied with the status quo and is just waiting for retirement hoping things will stay the same, you're in for a big disappointment - either you will be forced to change or you will be forced to leave. Be ready before that time comes. Boredom or complacency is perennial battle most professionals have to deal with. Arm yourself with creativity everyday!

Tonight I suggest you rest well. Sit still and listen to what He is saying. PRAY. I have always made my career decisions through His guidance. He was and still is my Career Adviser/Talent Manager. Your work, our work, is a vocation. He knows us more than we know ourselves so trust Him for whatever plans He has for you. You can never go wrong.

And remember: Use your head to get to the top. But use your heart to stay.

The Journey: Asta la vista Maricar and Mon!

New Year, January 1, 2007, two separate resignation letters were sent out. One was from a Supervisor, who was at first uncertain if joining the three others was the right thing to do. But on this day, Maricar submitted her resignation letter with a firm decision. There was no stopping her from going to Singapore, even if she was offered an increase. She wanted some changes in her life and she knew this was what she needed.

On the same day, a Customer Service Representative who was just as eager as the other three sent out his resignation letter. Feeling excited of what lies ahead, I clicked on the "send" button of the email that was in front of me. It wasn't an easy decision for most of us, but I have a feeling that we will pull this off. However, at the back of my mind I was a bit worried. Sad and worried for the love ones I'm leaving behind. But this was not to be a sad story, rather a beginning of a much exciting story in life - a story that will be worth sharing.


Mahal, Aimee, Maricar and Mon. These are the four brave and hopeful souls who will go to Singapore for an adventure of a lifetime. Char! Hehehe *wink*


Asta la vista!



**** To a better future.

The Journey: Adieu Aimvas

No one thought that she would have the courage to leave her boyfriend in the Philippines. No one expected that she would resign. Yes, this was the sad and unexpected news that Aimee had to tell her colleagues during their Christmas dinner. I could just imagine the look on their faces. I don’t exactly know how she pulled it off, but the word was out. Young, strong willed, intelligent and loud mouth (in a good way) Aimee, has decided to jump on the wagon of fate to the beautiful city of Singapore.


Say goodbye to Aimee as she gracefully takes a bow from her last performance as a C&C Assistant. Adieu!






**** To Vasq

The Journey: MEY says goodbye

“No goodbyes just see you later.” This is what Mahal wrote in her Skype shout out. Only a few knew but it’s actually her way of saying, “I resigned.” Mahal is one of the first Customer Service Representatives in our company. Always at the top list for the number of emails answered. The petite young lady in Customer Service Department, who’s always been a bit shy, is now ready to spread her wings and widen her horizon. Hopeful and unafraid, Mahal is determined to see what lies ahead for her beyond the boundaries of the Philippines, into the jungles of the Lion City, Singapore.




Say farewell to the shy Megan and to the upfront Heather; a proof that some goodbyes are really forever.




More to come…











**** To Megan and Heather

THE JOURNEY: 795

It was with priority number 795 when their plans all started to be realized. Yes, it was with that single paper and numbers that their dreams started to unfold. After months of planning and research, four friends are now ready to embark on a journey of their lives - a journey full of dreams and hopes; and a journey that will soon change their lives forever. This is an adventure of four friends whose journey will take you to the beautiful country of Singapore, the Lion City. Four different lives, different characters and unique individuals, but with one goal…



Soon…



**** To the Independent

For the New Year: 2007

Live in the way of truth with God, with others and with yourself. Make the best of what you can do... Make the best of what you have...Cheers!



**** Happy New Year!