Over the holidays, I updated my CV (which I haven’t done in a long time). In jest, I told my friend who worked in Singapore and Malaysia before, “Gusto ko na lumayas dito sa Pinas, nabubwiset na ko. San ba ko pwede mag-apply sa Singapore?” Then she told me that she can refer me as a replacement of her friend who has just resigned from an IT company in SG. She also gave me a name of another company which I searched over the internet.
After browsing the company’s website, I got the email and sent them my resume with a note that says I am JUST sending my CV for their future requirements (as I wasn’t so sure if they have opening in the Recruitment Department). I even told them that I am aware that most companies prefer Permanent Residents in Singapore. I wasn’t that decided to leave the country, I’m certain it was just a spur of the moment coz I already had several opportunities there a few years back but I really want to spend my life here in the Philippines.
Come the start of 2011, I got so busy with work that I totally forgot about that application. One day, I saw an unknown number registered on my list of missed calls on my phone which I initially thought were my parents'. When I opened my personal email (which I do not regularly check), I saw an email from what I presumed was a Recruiter from a company in Singapore. She told me that she has been trying to contact me via mobile but I wasn’t answering their calls. I responded to her email and explained that my personal phone was on silent mode coz I was swamped. She asked me to connect with her via Skype but I wasn’t able to coz we are not allowed to take calls via Skype here in the office so I said I will just be the one to call her.
That day I called her. I was very apprehensive as it was the first time in years that I will undergo an interview again. I am a Recruiter, I do interviews and it ain’t easy for me to shift roles from an Interviewer to an Interviewee. So just imagine how nervous I was. The phone interview lasted for 30-45 minutes (I was so worried about my phone bill.. hahaha!) I swear, the interview was very technical (You may find it weird that I finished Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology but I am a Technical Recruiter and I’ve been doing this for more than 5 years now.. I only took basic Computer Science subject when I was in college.. hahaha!) and I wasn’t able to answer all the questions coz I admit, we are behind Singapore’s technologies.
After the interview, I told myself that I didn’t pass the interview for sure. But after a few hours, I saw another email from her asking me to answer an online exam for 30mins. I swear, it was also very technical and there were computations and situational questions too (I am not aware of SG’s labor laws) coz the job entails account management, employee relations and benefits administration, too. Due to time constraint, I got so nervous that again, I didn’t get to answer all the questions. Once more, I told myself not to expect anything. I felt really stupid. Hehehe.
The next day, I got an email again asking for references coz they will be doing the background check. I told my bestfriend about this and we concluded that probably I got shortlisted coz in some companies this stage is just for formality. I was trying hard not to expect but my friends told me they’re confident that I passed the screening.
Even if I gave them some references, still, I wasn’t decided yet. I would only think about it once I see their offer.
The following day I received the Offer Letter.
Then they asked me to submit my requirements for the Work Permit. I sent them my papers, hoping that it would only be approved in 2weeks (I wanted to stay longer here in Manila) but it only took 1 day (half a day, actually) and my pass got approved. But then again, I still have to formalize everything and undergo other processes that include medical exams (na wish ko lang maipasa ko.. at baka tunaw na baga ko hahaha!) and personal appearance at the Ministry of Manpower.
I had a hard time deciding coz the Philippines is my home. I’ve been to other countries but only for a short period of time. I can’t even imagine myself living in another country, hence, I live away from my parents who were formerly based in the US but are now living in Japan.
It’s hard for me to leave my friends who have been my family here in Manila; my colleagues whom I have grown to love beyond being officemates; my brother and sister who have been getting closer to me now that they have their own family; my nieces and nephews who have the power to cheer me up whenever I am feeling blue.
But I guess the time comes for me to focus on myself more. This is what I wanted. Change is what I wanted. I am keyed up by the fact that I’d get to work with group of people with different nationalities and having diverse cultures; I’d get to eat other delicacies; earn more than what I am receiving here in Manila (but of course, the cost of living is much much much much higher!); I’d be with one of my best friends whom I am gonna share an apartment with.. and probably fall in love again.
I didn’t plan it. I didn’t expect it. So when it came, my friends told me to accept the offer coz it seems that it was really for me. I did not have a hard time finding a job. I didn’t even have to go there for the interview while most Filipinos spend so much time (and money) there looking for a job. It was probably fate.
So I said yes, I will accept the job. So I signed the offer.
I resigned from work and my last day will be on February 16, 2011. I am set to fly on February 17 coz I will be meeting my employers on the 18th. In all honesty, I am kinda scared of the job (Hahahah!) as I will be holding bigger accounts and the position has more responsibilities than what I am doing now. I am afraid that I won’t be able to meet their expectations. But I will try my best to concentrate on the job.
Singapore may be near. The fare isn’t that expensive, but of course I know it won’t be easy to take a leave from work. Hehehe. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can go home in July (coz I am booked for South Korea in July-August).
No more gimmicks (it’s costly). No more cigarettes (last time I was there, a pack costs SGD11). Time to save for the future.
Please wish me luck.
So help me God.
