Today is an important day for me. I will never forget this day and cherish it for the rest of my life!
I started transitioning my career during the pandemic while managing my family business. I researched careers I could pursue while at home and upskilled by enrolling in online courses, joining a community, and participating in design challenges.
My dream is to work in tech. Work from home with my PC/laptop. Managing my time and ensuring that I can still do all my household chores to help my parents. Yes! I’m still living with my parents since they are not getting any younger, and I don’t want to be with them and ensure they are safe and sound.
I’m so happy because it’s so fun and exciting that I was once working in a laboratory where I had to be physically present, wear sterile decontaminated suits, gloves, and a hairnet, and use disinfectant wherever I went.
At first, I was okay with it, and I enjoy my job. But shifting isn’t for me. My body clock reacts intensely, and most of the time, I feel weak and have headaches because of poor sleeping habits. But as time went by, I started to think this wasn’t what I wanted. This is not healthy for my health either.
That’s the reason I pursue my dream job. I know it’s risky because I need to start from scratch again, but it’s okay. I know I can do this!
A dream job isn’t always what we want when we are young; it is something we discover along the way as we learn more about ourselves. At first, I wanted to work in a laboratory until retirement. Still, because of the pandemic, I started exploring a lot of things online, and my interest redirected me into something new to me and to my degree.
When I was in high school, I was sure I wanted a career in programming, but now I am so undecided that I let my parents decide for me. I love using different programs on my computer. I even made a blog using Multiply and Blogspot. I explore a lot of stuff. I also tried designing my own blog template, and it’s just fun. Computer is also my favorite subject, and the organization I joined back then. We call our group “Charles Babbage Club.” (I don’t know. It sounds weird now, but back then, it was awesome, hahaha.)
After graduation, I had a hard time deciding which course to take. My family is from Science courses. I wish I had taken Computer Science since it’s still a “Science,” hahaha, but no. It’s like my path is already written. My mom is competitive, and to be honest, I was under a lot of pressure at the time. My parents want us to be doctors; my sister is in a pre-med program at that time (and kudos to my sister, who is now a doctor! I love you, sissy!), so they are expecting me to choose a pre-med program as well.
I am so confused, and I don’t know what to choose. I remember my First choice was BS Biology, followed by BS Information Technology, and lastly BS Computer Science. After the entrance exam, I got admitted to the BS Biology course, and I was like (omg, Biology is my hatest subject aside from Chem lol). Anyway, I had no choice but to pursue, and luckily, I did! It’s hard, tho, but I finished and majored in Microbiology.
After years have passed, I have finally started pursuing the career I want. I just had a thought: if not now, when? I want to try.
I know we have different timelines, so whether I made it or not, I am still happy because I tried, and that’s okay.
April 11, 2023, is the day I started a UX Researcher role in a tech company. I was so nervous; after a pandemic of no socialization, I felt like, “Am I able to mingle with these people? Am I able to start a conversation and collaborate with them? ”
Well, I adjusted like months, from being the most silent to the most talkative in the office, and I miss that! 🥺
Who would have thought that after so many challenges and unpredictable instances, I would still be able to achieve my dream job? I will never forget this day as it made my dream come true! Thank you, Qairos!
Now, I am on a new journey as a UX Researcher in a FINTECH company. I am still proud of myself for pursuing and risking this journey. I am genuinely honored by all the blessings I have received in 2023 and will continue to be thankful in the succeeding years. Thank you, God, for giving me this opportunity.