First posted 06:20pm (Mla time) Sept 10, 2004
By KC Concepcion
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page D1 of the September 11, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
These are the top five things I have learned.
1. "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans."- John Lennon
Take things as they come. But also, know when to make a choice.
At first, don't be too picky with your job. Don't say "I promised myself I would never work as a waitress so I'm gonna wait until something better comes along." Any experience is better than being too picky and not taking a chance and not picking up the good things about what does just come along.
In my experience, a good attitude goes a long way. Decision-making is a very big responsibility and if done with the right attitude then one's work is easy. It's really about choice. Will you choose to be preventive (you make lists so you don't forget, lists so you follow procedure, etc.) or reactive (problem-solving, trouble shooting)?
Will you choose to accept that others with more experience know more than you do or will you insist that you are in the right? Will you choose to accept responsibility for your actions or choose to blame others for mistakes? There are a lot of choices really, even as you wake up. You have the power to make your day a good day if you choose to do so. Smile or frown? Laugh or cry? To be "bugnot" or not to be?
Mistakes do happen--don't dwell on that...move on.
2. Don't take things personally. Know what you can or can't do, and believe in yourself.
Make a well-balanced CV that can show not only your achievements but also your personality. Employers look for dynamic, organized, positive people. But, do not get frustrated by rejection or criticism, use them to motivate yourself to do better.
There will be a clash of personalities, egos, etc. and if one is not careful--there is a chance that things will become personal. Keep your perspective.
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering..." -Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
Life isn't about you all the time. If someone says something to you, it is a product of their perception of their own reality. It is not about you, but about them. Many times we hear people say and do negative things against us, this shouldn't pull you down, because it is really about them and how they perceive other people. We should not get trapped in their realities by taking what they say or do personally.
3. Have other options, make a Plan B in case Plan A does not work out.
Once you have had experience in certain fields, challenge yourself. Apply for a dream job you don't think you'll get but make sure you have a backup.
Make friends with someone else in the office. This will make work more bearable and will definitely help you go to work when you don't feel like it.
Ask questions if you're not sure about something--this may seem obvious but when you start working you sometimes feel intimidated by your bosses and don't really feel comfortable approaching them. But, from what I've learned, it is definitely better to face your fears and ask your boss.
"Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life." -Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
"Hay naku." This is the best. Many times we fall into this trap. We always assume that the other person is mad or feeling this and that or said this or did that but most of the time it isn't so. This is where you hear, "Akala ko kasi..." So even if it's quite obvious, but there is this teeny weeny doubt in your head, clear the air!!!
Get it out there, ask and you shall receive the right answer. It is better when you have the actual word to hold on to than just have all these thoughts in your head, then mali pala."
Listen well. Learn as much as you can.
4. In operations...Be organized with all your files. Ayusin mo para pag may hahanapin ka makikita mo agad. Use an organizer to list all the things that you need to do for the day so you won't forget. Be attentive. Listen to all the instructions from your boss. If it's break time take your break to avoid stress. Wag mo ako gayahin nalilipasan ng gutom!
Gain your boss's trust: normally the easiest way to do this is to be very efficient in the beginning and finish work early. Once this happens, they'll pretty much give you assignments with no strict deadlines and will be much more flexible with timings.
I can only tell you what to wear. I think you're conscientious enough when it comes to work. Choose a brand or look that would suit your job. Something chic and cheap.
Get your hands dirty (and why not dress the role, and look good while at it?).
Realize that there are many facets to work. On one hand, it needs to be something you love and enjoy, and on the other, it needs to pay the bills, give you experience, and teach you valuable life lessons. Make sure that you don't forget this balance when searching for a job.
5. Always do your best"Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret..." -Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
Need I say more? Even if you have to make coffee for your boss, make the best damn coffee. When you do your best, there are no regrets.
Other essential points are as follows:
"Kapag gutom ka--you will work harder! You will be more ambitious!"
"Focuuuuuuuus! Dance before boys!"
You have to see a job not only for face value but for what it can bring towards your goals in the future. If you've got the time, someone's birthday's coming up, or you just feel like doing something different one morning (and you happen to have your paycheck in hand), get "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Or grab your first Bible.
Or think up your first philosophy. Or better yet, chill with the friends you choose as family and forget about the paycheck for the first time in years--because the best things in life are free!
Choice din ito, right?
KC would like to thank : Tita Marni O.(I do remember the card. Love you!), Tita Agot I. (U da bes, bebe!), Cokie B.(Re-joys!), Nikki P. (Don't touch my eggshells), Ariel L.(A tres bientot!), Anuja G.(See u in europe hun!), Envelope (Haha lam mo na kung sino ka), Tito Freddie S. (for Superman), Yek da Bru Froufrou, Pierra C. (my shining star), and to Ralph Waldo Emerson (though I should maybe be thanking Bessie Stanley instead.)
Copyright 2006 Inquirer News Service. All rights reserved.
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