The Hunt

It's been a ridiculously busy last two months for me career-wise. Things have taken a 180 degree turn at work and let's just say I don't see myself growing where I am right now. I still have my job, don't get me wrong. But it has reduced itself to what it shouldn't be - a "job." I am ready to move on.

So, the last few months, I've been aggressively looking for a new opportunity. I am actually surprised how much the job market has picked up. I am not joking when I say I have at least 1 interview scheduled everyday since September. It's definitely a lot of work and I keep running out of "game face" clothing. Here's the crazy process:

• Network like crazy - attend events, panels, etc.
• You reach out to the company/or a recruiter calls you
• Phone call with HR/ phone call with recruiter
• In-person meeting with recruiter
• In-person meeting with HR
• (If lucky) First round of interviews -2 to 3 people
• Wait for a few weeks for them to get back
• (If lucky again) Second round of interviews - 2 people
• Wait for a few weeks
• Third/fourth round of interviews (perhaps with the MD)
• "We'll be in touch" conversation
• Hear back or never hear back

This process takes at least 2 months. It's like a full-time job and it's so exhausting.

The frustrating part is when you get to the 4th round, and then they tell you "they've changed direction." I've reached out to at least 16 different companies, and 14 of them I've had interviews with, 3 of them promising. An 87% response rate, and 18% conversion rate is not bad in the grand scheme of things. But man, it's definitely not a walk in the park.


I've also thought about setting up my own little business from our little apartment, but there are other things I'd like to learn first before that happens.

Hubby and I have been reassessing our situation and think that if we are both unhappy with our jobs, why don't we just go for what we really love? We have money in the bank and we have no kids. What if we put all of our junk in storage and travel the world... for a year! Yeah, my parents will be disappointed if we postpone having kids for another year, but hey, no regrets right?

That is plan B. If the job market does not love us back, then we will follow what we love the most instead.

In the meantime, wish me luck with the job hunt!

You are Big,You are Small

If only all of us can fly to the moon and look down on earth and see how small it looks from that perspective. Then, we can all stop thinking we all have big problems.

After being in New York for almost 6 years now,  I've come to realize even more how important it is to put things in perspective on a daily  basis. It is a gift to have food on the table and a roof over your head. It is even more delightful to be able to live in this city!

Last night, I attended a surprise birthday party for one of our dear friends in a quaint little restaurant in the West Village. She turned 43. While a lot of people don't disclose their true age (or proclaim they are "forever 21"), she declared her new age with no shame. I admired her for that. She said she likes to celebrate another year of life, and since there's much to be thankful for, she wants to celebrate for a full month!

There was no talk of work at all during that night. People just talked about travels, friends, stuff they like and passions. It was so refreshing.

The surprise party lasted for 4 hours with a small group of people in a small restaurant's backyard. When you look at the earth from the moon, you won't even see a speck of evidence that this tiny gathering was happening. However, when it ended, I left feeling bigger and better being surrounded by people who celebrate the million reasons to feel alive. None of these reasons had anything to do with money and work.

Buzz Kill

So a few weeks ago, I came across a buzzkill. No further details required, but this made me realize that life is too short to spend it with experiences or people that do not matter at all. After brainstorming with my dear husband, we've decided that this is the best time in our lives to make a big change, take a huge leap, bring on a new challenge - or whatever else you want to call it. This "change" involves some kind of move - a move to a new job, a new city, or even a new country. It may also involve some kind of traveling, a passion that we both share.

Will keep you posted as it unveils...

4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Living for the Weekends #2

Let's see...  summer has finally come into full swing in NYC. What kind of debauchery is in store for us during the weekends? Or weekdays?

We go wholesome, not wholesome then back to wholesome again.

Watched a cultural presentation at the Philippine Consulate

Took a party bus the next day on the way to a wedding. Note: it was only 2pm and there was liquor and a pole dance on board.

Then the next day, it's back to wholesome goodness to watch a family-friendly baseball game

Galapagos

Ah yes, Galapagos. It's been such a whirlwind since we got back, hence this delayed post. Sorry about that. Here are my favorite highlights:

• We traveled to mainland Ecuador (that's another story) and onto the Galapagos Islands. We landed in Baltra, took a ferry to Santa Cruz and cruised to Espanola, Floreana and North Seymour. 
• D and I are finally certified open water divers! Our dive instructor, Vicente, was amazing. He definitely pushed us to the limit. One of our first few dives were at the maximum we can ever do - 60 feet! The best part was the last (of the 4) dives - we went under thousands of fish hovering around, while sea lions played with us. It was unreal.
• We finally met Lonesome George - although he was very shy.
• We took tons of photos of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, crabs, sea turtles, giant tortoises and all other creatures that can only be found in the Galapagos. They are not scared of humans, which was refreshing.
• Since we were right on the ecuator, at night, when we looked at the stars, we saw the North Star and the Southern Cross.

More about the rest of the trip later on...

 

Island of Daphe Minor

 

Baby Sea Lion

  Diving

My last 20s hurrah

Today marks my last hurrah at falling in the bucket of "20somethings." It has been a fun ride. While I feel a little older and wiser, let me sit back and ponder upon what I've accomplished in my 20s in no particular order.

• Received 2 Masters degrees (UA&P and NYU)
• Met my soulmate and married him
• Traveled alone in Spain
• Traveled to over 30 countries
• Moved to New York City
• Lived on my own, cooked my own food and did my own laundry
• Received my diving certificate
• Started a small business, failed but haven't given up yet
• Visited the Galapagos Islands before they sink
• Became someone's "boss"
• (Still) haven't tried drugs

On my last year in my 20s, I wonder what is in store for me?

Trip of the Year

I am filled with excitement right now. One more day and my husband and I will be off to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Yes, THE Galapagos Islands. Perhaps our scuba diving lessons will pay off finally. Ten full days of adventure, away from the craziness that is New York. I need to reset. And I cannot wait to meet Lonesome George.

Patience

I've been trying to recapture the full meaning of the word Patience lately. It is indeed a virtue, however, I need to know up to what point should people "tolerate delay."

My everyday is what I expected working in New York to be: fast-paced, competitive and sometimes unforgiving. Despite this, I still feel like my career is slow-moving. My boss keeps telling me, "Be patient." - but for how long?

On another note, I was catching up with a single friend (in her early 30's) recently. She is in a serious relationship, however, her man may not be as ready to settle down as much as her. She asked me, how long should I wait? Tick tock.

I do believe that people who uphold patience are setting themselves up for greater rewards. But it's definitely not easy.

If I ever participated in The Marshmallow Test as a kid, I wonder how I would have done?

"Old job" anxiety

The longest I have ever been in a company is 2.5 years. I have reached the 2 year mark a month ago at my current job, and I can't help but feel a little... antsy. It's just me being human thinking the grass is always greener. I mean, who can beat the following perks?

• Summer Fridays beginning early May through end of September
• Free haircut and color every few months
• Free beauty products
• "Work at home" one day a month
• Breakfast every few weeks
• Team lunches every month
• 10 minute commute - walking
• Flex schedules and...
• 6 months of maternity leave! (No wonder everybody at work is pregnant)

Maybe I'll stay a little bit longer?

Thumper Rabbit Says...

I have a friend who is really annoying. I can't explain how or why. But in Manila-terms, this friend is just so "feeling." Feeling important. Feeling sossy. Feeling somebody. Perhaps this person is insecure? This person is still a friend, nonetheless. I think he/she just needs to get laid. Stat.

Ok, enough. I won't write anything further. Thumper Rabbit says... if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all.

Living for the Weekends

As the weather gets better and spring is around the corner, weekends in New York have become more and more interesting. It is time to wake up from winter hibernation and socialize.

D and I have had a few interesting weekends already, like for example...

We attended a very "adult" dinner party on a Friday night. Picture this scene: 6 people, age range late 20's to 60's, 3 courses and lots of wine. The conversations spanned from art, to social media to travels. It was very mature, that I didn't even get a chance to take photos at that time.

The next day, we attended another (less mature) friend's birthday party at a Lower East Side joint. She is a comic, so her circle of friends are all stand up comedians. As expected, there was copious amounts of food and alcohol, and cheesy bar mitzvah-type of entertainment. The vodka started flowing at 6:30pm, so by 10:30pm, everyone was wasted. Needless to say, we had no idea how we got home in one piece. It was one helluva party.

The following day, Sunday, was spent recuperating from the craziness of the previous night. Think wholesome brunch like eggs and such. And lots of coffee.

After that, it was another five days of intense working, Powerpointing, presenting and back-to-back meetings. Another countdown to the next weekend. At least it never gets boring.

Anonymous Quote

You never leave someone behind, you take a part of them with you and leave a part of yourself behind. - Anonymous

Weddings and Babies

I feel sad missing most of my friends' weddings and baby showers and such (from Manila and other parts of the world). I wish I can be there and be part of the most important days of your lives. I am giving you a (virtual) hug. So happy you met The One (remember all the drama back in the day, and how they all sound funny now?). To some of you, I'm so thrilled you are gifted with babies! (Who won the bet now?)
 
Mares and Pares, you know who you are.

"Strategy"

One thing I noticed at work lately is that the word "strategy" is a little bit overused. What is the strategy for that? Can we talk about the XYZ strategy?  How do you envision the strategy of ABC? Either the word is used very loosely, or I've been more involved in big picture things. Hoping it's the latter.

Lenten Sacrifice

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day lenten season for us Catholics. We typically need to give up something that we love doing as a sacrifice during this season. Last year, I gave up red meat - I know, you vegetarians and pescatorians out there may just roll your eyes. This year, I thought really hard... I wanted this sacrifice to not just be doable, but also tough enough to be called a "sacrifice."

So this year, for 40 days and 40 nights, no beer and chocolate for me.

So what are you going to give up for lent?

Valentines Day Material Things

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. How have you showed your love/friendship to others? How have people shown love to you? I think I got a little spoiled this year...materially.

 

Flowers at work! :)

 

Surprise dinner at Le Cirque

 

 A weekend in Quebec City

Don't get me wrong. I prefer more meaningful experiences, but hey, I won't say no to any of these. Are you doing anything romantic this weekend? Pray tell. Happy Valentines Day!

Managing 101

In my role at work, I am given the opportunity to "manage" people. I manage our relationship with ad agencies, I manage an internal team, I manage up and I have someone directly reporting under me. Everyday brings different challenges so I try to balance the way I handle different people.

But, today was a little different. For the first time in my career, my direct report cried to me. It was during our status meeting. To clarify, I didn't make her cry. After going through the list of items in our agenda, she asked me if we can discuss her work situation (she reports to me and another person). She started becoming teary-eyed out of frustration because her other boss makes her send out UPS boxes. She's obviously very smart and driven. She didn't say it out loud, but I think she hated the fact that she has to do something as mundane and uneventful as packing and shipping.

I would hate it too. I didn't want to bring out the "when I was your age" card, but I've been through that crap in the past as well. I counted stupid sweepstakes entrees to the thousands, I had to Fedex/UPS hundreds of documents to clients, packed goody bags and do other things that do not require a brain. I thought at that time, how dare them undermine my knowledge and education by making me do these stupid things?

Obviously, there is something to learn about these experiences. It taught me humility and patience.

When you're young, you look at the world in rose-tinted glasses. When you're young and in-love with and in New York, you look at life with rose-tinted glasses while laying in a bed of roses. (Not exactly "cool" and "New York" when you're doing mailroom stuff.)

I listened intently and let her finish as her frustration turned into tears. I told her we all go through what she's going through, including me. We need to work through some stupid stuff to get to the meatier stuff. I told her she can look at this from a different angle. What can you learn and take out of this experience? Then, I gave her some water to calm herself down, paused... and then, I asked her how her boyfriend is doing - and she started smiling.

Our meeting ended on a good light. She's 21 and life outside of the four walls of school is just starting to hit.  But, I do hope that I taught her a little something today, while bringing her back to wear her rose-tinted glasses. I hope I become the kind of boss I myself would like to work with. Life goes on.

Social Media Week

I just wanted to share that this week is pretty exciting for people who have the same job as me. Why? Because it's Social Media Week!

But, on another note, I am unable to partake in all of the fun because of the other work that I have to do back in my cube. Totally not complaining. It's good to be busy, especially nowadays. There's food to eat and bills to pay. Has unemployment in NYC really hit 10.4%?

That's a Non sequitur, right there.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

I totally believe that statement. I see it in all levels of relationships. Does that mean we should escape familiarity to avoid drama?

5th Anniversary

Today marks my 5th year living in New York City.

It's been five years since I stepped foot on a blizzarding night in Newark Liberty Airport. I only had two big luggages with me. Now, I probably have a truckload of stuff. Has it really been that long since I came here? I was ignorant (but at that time, I didn't think so), carrying my Filipino-Catholic values from home. I didn't even understand what it entailed to live in this so-called concrete jungle. Now I embrace and experience it all the time. Cold weathers? Peace of cake. Crazy co-workers? Bring it on. $26 Black Label burgers? Let me try that!

New York, how did I last five years with you? You are the most arrogant, selfish and unpredictable place I've ever known. But, I will still love you anyway. Happy 5th Anniversary.

2009 Loves and Hates

I'd like to keep this short this time. Instead of wallowing over the year that has past, it's time to look forward to a new decade. Happy New Year everyone!

Loves
1. My hubby
2. My family
3. Traveling to... uhm, 10 countries?
4. Still having a job to pay for all those travels
5. Home-cooked meals
6. The occasional fancy dinner out
7. Our NYC apartment
8. Friends who "get" you
9. Shoes/Bags/Accessories
10. Getting my nails done (it's a luxury to me)
11. Mad Men
12. Facebook, Twitter and 4sq

Hates
1. Sloppy work
2. Clutter
3. Stupid TSA rules
4. Annual performance reviews
5. Crosstown buses (when they never come)
6. Winter slushy grossness
7. Fair-weathered friends
8. Insecurity
9. Negative vibes
10. Expensive anything ($400 for a white t-shirt? C'mon!)
11. Single ladies who think they are better than the happily married bunch
12. Stricter visa application requirements because I have a Philippine passport