Good day, Hivers! How are you doing so far? How was your day? Before you answer my questions, let me ask you first. Are you interested in someone's life? (In a good way). Well, if you are, read this blog of mine as I share my journey as a graduate and became a full-time employee.
Since I come from a poor family. My Father is just a Farmer and my mother is a plain housewife and it's sad to know my mother passed away almost 3 years ago. I experience different kinds of work, extra work for extra money. Even as a construction worker. I do any job as long as I can and help me provide for my needs and also can contribute a small amount to my family.
In March 2001. All of my hard work had paid off. I graduated from TRADE TECHNICAL EDUCATION (TTE) with a Bachelor of Science and Industrial Technology Major in Electricity.
Way back in 2001 after my graduation. I rested for one month. After a short break, I pursue my dream to get a job. In our time having a job was a dream since we live in a poverty-stricken country. I decided to go to Manila to continue to reach my goals.
When I was there I stayed at my sister's house and her family. I applied for the Champan Garment Corp. Garment Factory line, where the factory is located in Imus Cavite. It was very difficult because of budgeting since my daily rate is just 270 pesos per day and no work or no pay also. That's the daily minimum wage in our time. During payroll, I kept little for myself and I set aside the money that should be given to my parents and the budget for my food which I will give to my sister for the whole week.
I am just an apprentice worker in Champan Garment Corp. so after six months I will end my contract. I won't sign the probationary for another 66 months as a casual to Regular Employee because I plan to apply for a big Company and above minimum wage also since I have work experience already. In 2002 I applied at Ergonomics Systems Philippine Inc. Where I was offered above minimum wage and located at CANLUBANG Laguna. During that time when I was already an employee of ERGO, I started only as a regular and simple Employee who just had to punch in the morning punch out in the afternoon and go home. That's my daily routine. I satisfied myself for almost 6 months as a regular employee. After a few months, the company is highly in demand for their products and Engineering works. It can hire factory workers from different places in Visayas and Mindanao where preferably fresh graduates from high school and college.
Since my 201 file was already submitted to the Human Resources Management office. One time during lunch break the management personnel and the HRD Personnel at the canteen area pointed their finger at me and I was shocked.
I ask, what happened? She talked around with AVP president Mam Mimi Lim.
I recalled to myself and wondered what was wrong I had done at my work and was conscious of at that time. I am really worried about the purpose of why I was being pointed out by the HR PERSONNEL. Imagine the HRD Manager pointing her finger directed to me. I feel something at that moment that is unexplainable. After the break, we got back to work— One of the HR personnel was looking at me in the tin production area asking about my name. I was shaken and my heart was just about to explode because I was thinking that I would be terminated from my work.
I was shocked by the sudden announcement that I needed to face the HR personnel. They asked if I was Teddy Senia, and I answered YES. I asked our HR personnel what I did wrong. Did I fail my duty as a worker? She simply replied “NO” You have done nothing wrong. She just told me that I should go to the HRD office. After our short conversation, I went directly to the HRD office. To my surprise, the HRD Manager brought me to the AVP PLANT President's office. When I was at the office of the AVP president, the HRD to my files from the folder. She looked at my Transcript of Records and looked at me.
She explained that the company is now looking for an employee that suits the position. As she reviewed my file she knew that I was qualified for the position since the company belonged to Engineering Works, and my course was BSIT- Industrial Technology. Suddenly, she told me that I was promoted to the new position. I was like a mute at the moment; l told her that I don't have any expertise and what if I failed my duty. She firmly believes that I can do it. Of course, without a doubt, I accepted it wholeheartedly. After talking she explained about nature and the responsibilities he also told me that I have 1- a week training and seminar. To know how to handle different kinds of attitudes of workers and how to get good quality control at the production area which I will be handling.
The manager also discusses the Rules and Regulations inside the company; On how to handle and maintain harmony at the workplace. He also teaches us how to get the production output in one hour along with every 250 production workers including regular employees who are to be supervised by Chairs and the Panels Dept.
For my first month handling the two department Chairs and Panels Dept. I was proud that the productions are Export and locally consumed displays at the big malls in Metro Manila.
The chairs Department supplies different private and government offices, like swivel chairs, dividers and cabinets.
Our company “Ergonomics” is also tapping into giant contractors who are handling floor plans in the Condominiums, and hotels.
Since that time I have been handling the two departments and I already know how to do weekly reporting about the target date of the shipment. I know how to calculate the production outputs of every worker and evaluate the relationship performance of the employee who is going to be a candidate for Regular Employee.
At the end of the contract, the next level is probationary and Regular Employee of the company. It has a complete benefit with incentives in every shipment.
My position in ERGONOMICS can provide for my needs and wants. However, there's a big conflict in my family. My family and relatives fought so hard— that I needed to resign from my job to be near my parents. When I gave my resignation to my manager she rejected my resignation letter; She told me that I am the one who's the best for the position. My manager advises that I don't be quick to decide. They give me a one-month leave to think and also to bond again with my parents. However, at that time I decided to stay in my hometown and work there.
As I got back home from my hometown I met my friends with their wives/gf. I realized that I'm still single and not getting younger. After some failed relationships in my province, I received a call from someone that there was a company that needed security. I immediately get my savings and go back to Manilal. Manila offered high-paying jobs in our time, so for me, it was a privilege to work there.
As I work in Manila I met my wife. To make the story short we got married and have 3 daughters. Since I have a family and kids I put in my mind that I need to work hard to sustain our needs. I became a bodyguard in a small shop and then I became a private security guard. Fast forward, I got sick and couldn't provide for my family so I let my wife work. I don't lose hope that I can get back on track again. I pray for a fast recovery. (Boom) I got healthy and regained my energy. I immediately looked for a job that was near us. Luckily, one of the branches of SAN MIGUEL CORP. makes a poultry farm that can supply Jollibee, McDo and Magnolia.
That's where I'm working right now at ZES POULTRY FARM. It was a stress-free environment with good people. However, in our line of work, we still have small fights with our colleagues. Still grateful for these blessings.
You know as I work and gather experience, I realize that every position that has been given to us “employee”, is a huge responsibility. It may be small or big, but you still need to stand and fulfill your duty. Be a Responsible and Role good model to your co-workers
That's all. I hope my experience gives you hope and motivation. Thank you for reading!
(Photos sent by my wife)