I QUIT-is that a big deal?

A lot of the young people I know are experiencing the same thing-unrest in their present jobs. Some think that they aren't being paid enough. Others feel that their duties have no relevance whatsoever. Some are just plain bored. There's a common advice that I give to them. I tell them to go ahead and resign!

Quit your job and go find something else to do. (you can do it the other way around too though)

The problem lies with all of the complexities that a resignation entails. They fret over how their bosses will react. They worry about the co-workers they'll be leaving behind. They sigh about the salary they will now have to live without. They dread making a (short and simple) resignation letter. They get spooked by the scary unknown called the future.

Here's the thing though. Your resignation is not that big a deal as you might think. Sure it will end a chapter in your resume. But other than that, there's not much to worry about.

Your boss knows that employees come and go. He/She probably won't even stop you or ask too much about your reasons. They are wise enough to know that resignations are just another one of the unstoppable occurrences in the office. You're just another worker that they'll have to replace. If you've done an okay job with them, there's nothing to worry about.

Your friends in the office won't be so selfish to stop you either. If they're real friends of yours, they'll happily support your decision. For all you know, they may even have the same thoughts as you. They may be secretly planning a resignation themselves.

The salary part is the tricky bit. We all need income to survive. That's a fact. So before you resign make sure that A.) You already have another job waiting for you OR B.) You saved enough money to last you for a few months 'til you get a new job. Without any of those two, you may have to think things over. But do remember that there a gazillion other companies out there, and now that you already have working experience, finding a new job is not impossible.

Creating a resignation letter is actually the easiest part. A simple visit to Google and POOF!, you'll have a resignation letter in no time. There are millions of guides and samples out there. Resignations are short and simple, you don't have to break a sweat while writing it.

Don't be afraid of what the future will bring. Embrace it and be excited for it. Don't be afraid to switch careers if you think that it's for the best. And even if you hit a dead end. Wrong turns always make us wiser anyway.

Without passion, there is no success. If you don't like what you're doing right now, you will not succeed.

So go ahead and quit! Just don't tell them that I was the one who told you to. :P

Bored in the Office?

Boredom is probably the biggest enemy of any employee regardless of what profession or industry he or she is in. It can cause teary eyes, a lot of yawns, unexpected snack breaks, or in the long-run, burnout and lack of self-fulfillment. But before we go any further, let's keep it in simple terms. Boredom in the office = bad.

So what can you do to avoid boredom in the office? Here are a few "honest" suggestions.

1. Work
Yeah, I know this first suggestions sucks, but let's face it, you're getting paid for a reason. Why don't you try being productive today? Make a bulleted list of things to do and strike each task that you complete successfully. Soon you'll realize that each marked item in the list is an achievement that will make you feel good. Who knows, doing this everyday might even lead to a promotion someday (or at least a pat on the back from your boss).

2. Socialize online
This may not apply to you if your company's IT department is strict about firewalls. But for those lucky bastards who can do so, you can always drop by quickly on your Facebook, Twitter, Multiply or even Tumblr accounts whenever you get bored. Be careful though because I heard a story once where an unlucky engineer got busted by none other than the company COO for playing games on Facebook during office hours. This very unfortunate incident caused Facebook to be blocked for everybody. Ouch.

Humans are social creatures. We need communication in order to stay sane. So go talk to somebody over Yahoo Messenger or Skype if you can. But again, don't forget to work too. Ha ha.


3. Gossip
It's free and it's unblockable. Gossip and office stories are a staple in  any office environment. Update yourself with the latest happenings inside your office and spice things up a little. Find out who's crushing on who and who's dating who. Did the front office receptionist get promoted already? Who resigned? When will your bonus arrive? Think of a question you've been dying to ask and go ask somebody. This is a surefire boredom killer.


4. Plan tonight's gimik
If you don't have any plans yet for after work, go and make one! Think of what you want to do, message some friends and set things up. Aside from killing time, this will instantly boost your mood and make you excited for what's to come. Here are my suggestions: dinner out, a "Two Bottles" session, a movie, coffee somewhere or even sports activities like Badminton or jogging. Pick your poison and be merry.


Note: Two Bottles refers to a drinking session where people don't get drunk too much. This usually happens on weekdays and the number of drinks are limited because there's still work tomorrow.


5. Sleep
Some bosses allow their subordinates to sleep during free time. I know a certain web developer who takes quick naps via sitting position. If you were to walk behind him, you'd have no idea that he was sleeping at all. He'll have his hands on his desk, one on the keyboard and one on the mouse. He's just a little slouched but if you take a closer look, you'll see closed eyes and a satisfied smile all thanks to sleeping.

Power naps are a good energy booster if done correctly. Don't overdo it though or you'll get reprimaded for sure.

Remember that happiness starts from within. If you're getting bored, do something about it! I hope you found these tips helpful (or at least a little entertaining ha ha).

 Again, BOREDOM = BAD. :)


Have fun,
My Pink Office

JOB OPENING: Corporate Communications Specialist

FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING:


A company involved in the Information and Communications Technology Industry is looking for a new Corporate Communications Specialist.
 
We need someone creative, independent, fun and responsible to become a part of the company. If you love to write, do events, conceptualize and create things, this could be for you.



The job involves:
- Creative and Technical Writing
    o For the corporate website
    o Marketing Collaterals
- Graphics Layout and Design
- Events management
    o Coordination & documentation
- Other tasks needed as part of the marketing team

Requirements:
- Graduate of Org Comm, Comm Arts or Marketing are preferred but not required
- Creative ECE or IT graduates are most welcome as well
- Knowledge in creative and technical writing
- Knowledge in graphics design or print layout
- Good communication skills: oral and written
- Excellent English
- Flexibility to deal with people from various positions and backgrounds
- A good team player who can also work independently as well
- Can work under minimal supervision
- Willing to travel
- Work experience is okay but not required, Fresh grads are welcome to apply
- Can start immediately. :D



If you’re interested, or know someone who is, just send your resume and a few written samples to blue_yhannie@yahoo.com.

Thanks! ;)


--> job opening, communication arts, organizational communication, writer, marketing, wanted, creative writer, technical writer, public relations  <--

Hello Friday

Dear Friday,


I'm so happy that you're finally here. I feel like it was just yesterday when I said I hated Mondays and now here you are, making me feel fine and dandy again.


It was a bummer though that I had an early breakfast meeting today and was a few minutes late. I even rode a cab all the way from my house to the office just so I could make in in time. It cost me a whopping 350 PHP but no regrets! I've always wondered how much and how long it would take to ride a cab from my house to work anyway. Needless to say though, I shall only do it again in case of emergencies. Time and convenience versus money. The big dilemma of life. 


Kudos to the cab driver though. He was very nice and I appreciated all his efforts to speed up the travel He took smart shortcuts and overtook a lot of vehicles along the way - my kind of driving! He even gave me his cellphone number so that I could ring him if I needed another ride. He lives within the city that I do and it's convenient for the both of us. Sureball customer.


Had breakfast with the team and one of the biggest bosses around and talked about boring work stuff. The last part was funny though because Big Boss said he would set up our Web Guy on a date with one of the assistants here. Ha ha! Knowing Big Boss, he probably will do it indeed. Poor girly. She won't know what hit her. Who could say no to the orders of  Big Boss?


The lesson of the day is: sleep early in order to wake up early especially if you have an early meeting the next day. Or else, you'll have to pay for an expensive taxi ride. :))


I shall probably party later with my significant other. I hope you all enjoy your weekends too!


PS: Will (MUST) try to save up on money now.




Cheers,
My Pink Office

Start Your Week Right

This post is fairly simple. I just want to say that...

I HATE MONDAYS.

That's about it. Ha ha!

Hope you have a great week guys. :)


From yours truly,
My Pink Office

Annoying Clients

If your business is in the field of sales, and if your ass always depends on it, here's a note you should remember: Clients will abuse you.

This is especially true for those who are trying to get on the good side of their clients. Those who want to get ahead of the competition and do whatever they can to gain the client's favor.

What made me say this you ask? Well, I just came back from a 3-day planning trip with clients. I'm not into sales. Let's clear that up. But I'm from the marketing team and I was tasked to assist in coordinating the event since our company was "gracious" enough to sponsor the whole thing for the clients.

So here's what basically happened: our company paid for EVERYTHING. And when I say everything, I mean every nook and cranny of their expenses. From the accommodations (which they didn't hesitate to abuse), to the food, the pens, papers, masking tapes, snacks, junk food, coffee, and even their wine and pulutan. It was all on us.

Of course, you might argue that this is all just part of business. You invest in them because they will in turn invest in you soon and with a big profit for you to joyfully grab. But aside from the financial aspect of the investment, you'll also have to invest your pride, efforts and yeah, did I mention pride?

I sort of pity the Account Manager I was with. Since he's responsible for this account, he was the main man that the clients always looked for. He was the one they turned to for their every need. He was the one who had to oblige to their every wish and whim. He was their "slave". (all in the name of sales)

They almost did the same to me. Damn brats. Being in charge of the event, I had to coordinate with the caterer, buy the snacks and make sure their big bellies were happy. BUT, I am not a food server. I coordinate. I. Do. Not. Serve. Then here comes one of them and asks me, "Hey have you delivered food already to the other room?” in a tone that was extremely undermining and annoying as if she expected you to do it, and as if it were your job to do so.

Uhh, excuse me dearie. Since when did I become your personal maid? I refuse to do that. I will not be your slave. Go do it yourself if you want to. . . So I simply said "Nope", smiled and walked away. Ha ha! If you’re hungry go get your own food. You have feet and hands right?

I didn't become a University Scholar at a prestigious school to become your own little house elf.

That's not my job.

So to all of you Acoount Executives and Managers out there, congratulations. Congratulations for your patience and persistence. Congratulations for working hard. They always did say that money is in sales. They just never said that your balls have to be grabbed and squeezed before it happens. :)


Stay cool guys,
My Pink Office

5 Quick Tips for Commuters

Okay, so not everybody owns a car that they can drive to work, and even if they do, some people prefer not to drive on weekdays because of the hassle and of course, to cut costs in gas, toll and parking. The solution? Public transportation.

If you're like me who works in the country's central business district while living in one of the Metro's suburbs, you would ride either a "shuttle" (a van or fx that goes directly from its station to the designated area) or a bus-jeep combo. If you're lucky, you may also be carpooling with a friend but I think that's a rare case. So from my own personal experiences in public travel, here are a few tips that might help you to survive, endure or maybe even enjoy your daily ride.

1. Avoid hunger. - Nothing makes travel more unbearable than when you're stomach is squeezing you silly 'cos of hunger. Avoid this by either eating before you leave the house or office, or by bringing along an easy-to-hold and easy-to-eat snack. Smart snacks to bring include, a sandwich, a waffle, a regular-sized burger, biscuits or crackers. Stay away from food that has too many bits and pieces that fall off or those that require you to use two full hands or even utensils. Also, do avoid food with strong odors so as to be courteous to other passengers. It would be torture for them to smell something so delicious when they too are hungry, with nothing to eat. Equal torture would be an annoying onion stink trapped inside a vehicle. Choose wisely.

2. Drink up! - Bringing along a tumbler or bottle of water or juice is a good idea. Just be careful not to drink at times when the vehicle is passing on bumpy roads. You wouldn't want to get your clothes wet now would you?

2.1 For the first two tips, make sure that you have a plastic bag with you because that's where you will be placing your trash afterwards. PLEASE don't be a litterbug.

3. Entertain Yourself - Get used to it. Horrible traffic is the norm in this society. So to stay sane (in case dozing off is not a safe option), you must learn how to keep yourself entertained. This is where your cellphone, mp3 player, pocketbook, eavesdropping and wild imagination come in. Choose which one is available and practical for your situation then use necessary weapon accordingly.

4. DON'T OVERSLEEP - Not unless you want to spend more when you wake up, miles away from your destination or worse, end right back where you started realizing that you've just made a complete roundtrip.

5. Quiet Does Not Mean Useless - Long commutes are the perfect place for some quality alone time. Take advantage of this by letting your mind drift to a peaceful state. Say a silent prayer. Review what you have done for the day. Plan your night out. Time is precious right? So go ahead and use every bit of it.



That's it for now. More tips might probably come out soon, but let's stick with five this time.



Happy commuting,
My Pink Office



Note: Siopao is not a good commuter's option. One hand has to hold the white bread while the other has to hold the sauce. Now which hand will hold your bag, get your fare and make hi-fives?

Once upon a time...

There once lived a girl who worked in an office. After she graduated from college, (actually she was hired a week before graduation) she immediately jumped on the corporate boat to become one of the zombies of Makati City, Philippines. She was young. She was bright. She was quirky, creative and with a lot of passion. But somehow she seems to be looking for something else. This blog is her attempt at distracting herself, and maybe some other people too. Who knows, maybe it can lead to a few sparks of inspiration, laughter or some sensible thoughts at least on what one should do next.


Welcome to My Pink Office.


Here you will encounter observations, chatter, opinions, and other bits of crap from the author. Well, maybe something other than crap every now and then. Posts will be about work life, love life, social life, and heck, even life as a whole. You may find that topics may suddenly jump one after the other, but isn't that how most people think anyway?


I hope you get to find something for you here.




Much love,
My Pink Office






Note: Monday mornings are the hardest because you have to wake up from the dream that is the weekend.