Achieving Work Life Balance this 2016

About two years ago I posted a How I Balance Life and Work. Again, I admit that I am way far from achieving the ideal work-life balance.  I am trying hard to prioritize work but still enjoying life's precious moments. For someone like me who's a Jill of all Trades, Master of None, balancing work and life is an endless chase to be honest. 

But its a process I enjoy. I've always mentioned how being productive works as my driving force. My system isn't perfect but its definitely improving year after year. Today I'll share the things that helped me so far in having a thin line between life and work.

Bullet Journal

I know, I know I might sound like sirang plaka but to be honest having  this productivity system called a bullet journal really helps. It became my physical brain holding most of my ideas, my plans and other important matters. Now even a simple notebook to write your to-do list or brain dump your ideas can help too. For more information about Bullet Journal visit THIS LINK. 

Batch Similar Tasks

OH EMM GEE!!! This made a lot of difference in managing my life. At work I batch similar tasks in a day so I can get massive technical plans and technical documents done in a week. At my blogs I also batch writing posts, taking photos and scheduling which post will be published on a particular day of the week. Its so much easier plus I get to have time for personal stuff too.  

Set Goals, Plan and Prioritize

G-P-P!!! I love this. At the start of each month I set goals I want to achieve that includes both work and life. From the goals set I plan my course of actions then I select the most important ones and try to do them first. Clear goals make life so much easier because you have an end to look forward to.  READ: Personal and Financial Goals for 2016.

Stop Treating Work as My Everything

I realized that proper time management is the only key to achieve work life balance. When you manage your time well both at work and at personal stuff you are guaranteed to get things done. For 2016 I seldom arrive late for work and I also spent time to cross out items from my bucket list. 2015 has been the toughest year in terms of my work. I spend mostly working overtime just to finish the tasks so it won't pile up. That year I still hasn't adjusted well with my new role as technical document specialist. But for 2016 I stopped treating work as my everything. I leave the office as early as 6pm and just arrive at work earlier still have enough time to continue the work done from yesterday. Time with your family is as important as work ...actually its more important.

Time Management

I realized that proper time management is the only key to achieve work life balance. When you manage your time well both at work and at personal stuff you are guaranteed to get things done. For 2016 I seldom arrive late for work and I also spent time to cross out items from my bucket list.  READ: Time Management Apps You Need to Download

You know what I learned so far? That work-life balance is highly achievable. All it takes is desire to succeed. You don't need a lot of money to stay productive. You just have to know what you want and how you will achieve it. 

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Becoming a Virtual Assistant: What Does a Virtual Assistant Do and 4 Ways to Get Started

Aside from freelance writing, becoming a virtual assistant is another way you can have an additional income at the comfort of your home. It is an in demand opportunity since a lot of individuals and businesses need someone who can offer various services in an affordable and convenient way. 

A virtual assistant is someone who offers administrative or personal assistance and work remotely (home-based) for various clients. Another definition of a virtual assistant is someone whom professionals trust to do a things that they may not be able to accomplish because of other priorities or busy schedule. READ: Becoming a Technical Writer in the Philippines, Becoming a Freelance Writer in the Philippines

Setting your heart and mind to be a virtual assistant means committing in giving your skills and services to your clients. Thus, it is of high importance that you first assess whether becoming a virtual assistant is really for you.

 

What Does Virtual Assistant Do?

A virtual assistant offer countless tasks  and services to individuals, organizations and companies. As a virtual assistant your task may depend on the field/business of your client. Below are eamples of 

1. Writing
2. Ghost Writing
3. Proof reading
4. Creating Graphic Design
5. Project Management
6. Audio, Photo and Video Editing
7. Transcribing
8. Data Entry
9. Researching
10. Bookkeeping
11. Social Media Management

And the list just goes on and on...

How to Become a Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant starts with building a  solid foundation. Here are tips on how you can start earning by assisting virtually.

Assess The Services You Can Offer

Virtual Assistance offer a variety of services just like mentioned above. This means you need to establish what services/skill you will offer to the public. Know where you excel most whether its writing, doing graphic design or simple data entry. You can research for the complete list of services every virtual assistant can choose to offer. Do not offer something you aren't familiar because you will certainly loose your clients. 

READ: Becoming a Technical Writer in the Philippines, Becoming a Freelance Writer in the Philippines

Learn More

Just like my tip in freelance writing as a career, you need to get educated if your goal is to become successful. Read virtual assistant themed websites and learn from the experience of other established VAs. It is also helpful for you to attend courses or seminars that can harness your skills. You also want to keep on growing as a virtual assistant. Your goal is to move from becoming a freelance virtual assistant to becoming a virtual assistant business owner. So take your time and get tons of learning in how to handle the said field.

Offer Your Services to the Public

If you are just starting to become a virtual assistant then you can promote your services via Facebook or by talking to people you know that you can be a help in their business. You need to involved in places where your potential clients hang out. Broadcast what you can do for you will never get clients if you don't become active and sell yourself to others.

Network with Others

The more people you know the better. I encourage you to network with other virtual assistance and go roam around to people who can help you get known. It is a tough competition but in the online community, Filipinos is the race to beat. We are known because of how skilled we are and because we  are always give our prompt service. If you haven't like SavingsPinay on Facebook then please do. It is a great network where you'll get to know how to earn money online.

I hope that this post helped you!

Are you interested in becoming a virtual assistant?

I hope you liked this post. Don't forget to do any of the following:

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Jobs with High Salary in the Philippines

The graduation season has begun and new graduates will face the early challenges of finding a job. And as many will introduce you to the idea of working for experience first, many will surely aspire jobs with high salary right? 

Today's career post will focus on industries/jobs that can guarantee competitive salary perfect for someone who's wanting to provide a more solid financial foundation for the future. New graduates are you ready?

But first my career advice for you...

As a fresh graduate last 2013, finding a job was a special moment in my life. I felt like I finally am doing decisions that will affect my life. Finally I am standing by my own intuition. Things didn't happen the way I wanted and to tell you honestly the career life I have today is so far from the life I wished. 

Confucius once said, "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life", but apparently, that's not always the case. You will find a job you sincerely love but at every working day will turn out to be a battle. And you become a silent fighter...fighting for your rights, for your status and for your job. 

Till now, I have no idea whether I am in the right career path. Imagine I am a BS Journalism graduate working in an IT industry as a Technical Documentation Specialist. Two contrasting field that's hard to connect together. READ: Becoming a Technical Writer in the Philippines

So what's my one and only career advice for you?

Know that some things doesn't go the way you wanted it to be. The job will not fit you...you will have to fit for the job. You will have to learn how to adjust, how to adapt and how to blend with your co-workers. 

Now that I've mentioned the above I will get back to the real topic of today's post. Let's face it salary is one of the most important factors to be considered in every job search so to give you an idea here are the Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs as per Jobstreet.com Annual Salary Report.

Image and Info Source : www.jobstreet.com

IT-Related

Possible jobs to try: Software Engineer, System Analyst, Network Security Specialist, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Computer Tech Support, Graphic Designer and Programmer.

Law/Legal Service

Possible jobs to try: Head of Legal, Documentation Officer, Paralegal Officer and Associate Lawyer

Actuarial/ Statistics

Possible jobs to try: All businesses needs/wants a statistician specially aircraft, pharmaceuticals, food and chemicals.

Customer Service

Possible jobs to try: Customer Service Representative, Technical Support Representative, Technical Support Analyst, Technical Sales Support Representative and Sales Product Support Representative

Training and Development

Possible jobs to try: Training Development Specialist, Program Coordinator, Service Training, Learning and Development Consultant

Public Relations/Communications

Possible jobs to try: Public Relations Specialist, Public Relations Manager, Event Coordinator and PR/Social Media Manager

Banking/Financial Services

Possible jobs to try: Bank worker/teller, Company Auditor, Economist, Loan Officers and Stockbrokers.

Arts/Creatives

Possible jobs to try: Interior Designer, Creative Designer, Graphic Artist and Product Development Specialist.

Finance Related

Possible jobs to try: Finance Managers, Financial Brokers, Financial Dealer and Financial Investment Adviser

Marketing/Business Development

Possible jobs to try: Marketing Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, 

Hope this post helps. 

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All About Searching Jobs in the Philippines

This blog post is very timely especially since it is the marching period. I hope before reading the rest of this post you have already checked out my timeless tips for new graduates HERE and HERE.

Today we will be talking about job search and specifically in the Philippines. From How to Find a Job, Job Search Engine That Works, Strategies That Will Make Search for a Job Fast and more. I will also share a personal experience on how I find my current job. 

I hope you'll enjoy this post. Don't forget to share it to others.

Searching Job in the Philippines

Hunting for a job is one monumental task. To begin with you have just gotten out of a previous employment or a fresh graduate finding your little space in the professional world.

Nowadays job search is becoming harder and harder. The new technology is rich that makes the competition very stiff. Those finding their new jobs are getting more and more afraid to fresh graduates while the new breeds are getting more anxious on a stricter and higher standard of employment. Know that it is a whole different experience finding a job after you got fired, after you resigned and/or after you graduate. 

Now let's laser focus on how you will begin looking for a job in the Philippines. Let's talk more about a plan which will make the job search much simpler for you. 

Basic Job Search

1. Find Out What You Want in Life

Now the first step in job search is a thorough investigation on what you really want in your life. What do you want to do and what career path you want to follow. You've finished studying...now what?! Are you going to  follow the label and become the engineer or teacher or journalist OR you have another plan for your life. I encourage you to read and ponder upon a post I created a year ago entitled Finding Out What You Want in Life : A Short But Meaningful Guide. Think long term here. Envision the career that you want in the next 3-5 years.

2. Resume + Cover Letter

Of course these two documents will be the very paper that can speak for yourself during the job search. A resume includes a summary of your profile, your education, your skills, your job experience and your reference. A cover letter on the other hand is addressed to the company you are applying with. It is a letter you give as part of your application stating why you are best fit for the job you are applying. In summary, a resume is your qualification while your cover letter express your interest in the position. 

3. Job Specifics

Next we'll have to go on the specifics AKA filters. These items will streamline the jobs available for you and speed up the search job process in the Philippines as well. 

     

•  The type of the job. Are you looking for a full time or part-time?

•  The environment of the job. What industry do you want? Is it related to your field, your course or something new you want to try.

•  The location of the job? Do you want to work in place near you or somewhere far with better opportunities?

Job Search Engine that Works

Now I'll work you through some of the job search engine sites here in the Philippines that are easy and definitely work towards your advantage.

Jobstreet.com

This is the leading search engine site in the country today. Jobstreet offers an account you can use to apply on top companies. You can filter the jobs that you wish to apply and click on the Apply Now button, write a 300-word cover letter and your application is good to go. There are countless success stories in Jobstreet too. Usually you will be contacted by the Hiring Officer within a week or two. 

JobsDB.com

This is the second best choice for Filipinos to search jobs online. JobsDB offers almost the same user experience with Jobstreet. You can only apply for a job once you have created your free account. You will also receive notification for new job openings available straight to your email. 

Careerjet.ph

This is a little more complicated to use than Jobstreet and JobsDB but another great search engine site available in the country today. 

Other Effective Ways You Can Search for Jobs

Walk-in

Of course the traditional way of walk-in to the desired company and leaving a copy of your resume works too. This is also nice to have a feel on the company and see how the office looks.

LinkedIn

If you haven't created a LinkedIn profile then you better do now. This is a great way to find a job that fits to your career vision. You'll love LinkedIn because it acts as a professional social media that links you to people connected to job that suits your area of interest. A lot of hiring officers nowadays use a business LinkedIn profile to connect with potential candidates.

Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram

Did you know that social media sites such as the big three Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can also help you land a job? These social media sites are powerful because brands and companies use them as marketing tool. They even have career opportunities announcement as their status update.

Winning Strategies for Your Next Job Search

1. Make sure that you have a well-built resume. Take time building and creating your resume especially if its your first one. Make sure that your resume speaks well for who you are. 
2. Set Time on Your Job Research.  Set aside some time to go on your job searching. It takes effort going opening after opening to push through with your application. Tip is to apply on weekends so you can spend more time without interruption plus there's not much people applying on Saturdays and Sundays. 
3. Apply Immediately. If you found a job that matches your needs and wants then apply immediately. Don't wait for too long before clicking the apply button.
4. Have a professional email address. If your email address still has weird and funny names then please for goodness sake CHANGE IT!!! Your email address should only contain your name and surname as much as possible. 
5. Check you email every now and then. Once you start applying for jobs you'll surely need to check the messages in your inbox more frequently. Don't forget to go on Spam box too just in case. 

How I Found My Current Job

I consider my current job as my first serious one. It is the only job where I stayed long and where I manage to undergo the actual application process. Now there are two job search engine that I use and still use up to today. Jobstreet and JobsDB though it is only Jobstreet that I have much luck. 

I make sure that my resume looks good though I believe my first one is written fresh out of college. It doesn't look as good as what my resume today. I love including few summary on what I do highlighting the things that relate most on the job I am applying. I also don't forget to write down complete contact information. READ: Becoming a Technical Writer in the Philippines

Now whenever I search for a job I usually just apply here and there. I submit just to whatever and whoever as long as it falls under my criteria. Then I wait about a day or three for a reply. Most contact you through phone instead. I believe my first job sent me a text message for interview invitation rather than email. READ: My Life, My Job, My Career and the 6 Success Tips that Helped Me

How fast you'll become accepted in a company depends on their hiring process. In Jobstreet you can see the estimated processing period of the company. Some are within 5 days while others are as fast as 1 day process. Mine took a month of pabalik-balik before I finally got the job.

How Hard It Is to Search Job in the Philippines

Searching jobs nowadays again is much convenient compared before. There are a lot of job search engine online that makes the process easier. Once you found a job you like you can have a quick glance of the company website for information. If you are not satisfied with the details found you can find company review on the internet too. Make sure that you are committed in the process and you have a plan before you do. 

Hope this post helps. 

Share your experience when it comes to searching jobs in the Philippines

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More Career Lessons for New Graduates

My biggest congratulations to Batch 2016 Graduates! In the next 1-3 years you will find yourself in the challenging journey of transitioning from university to work. I've been in that situation and still facing big financial and career decisions up until today. Funny how sometimes I want to go back to school when before I have always wanted to work in an office. 

Now that I am on my second year working in Makati I have experienced, gathered and learned more important lessons that can be valuable to new graduates. READ: 6 Career Lessons for New Graduates. I hope after your graduation day, once all the celebration is done, you read this post and ponder upon the following things:

Your Diploma, Award and/or Grades will be worthless

As ruthless as it may sound, your diploma will be just a piece of paper mounted, framed and displayed in your living room. The medal you earned as top of the class will just become a good reminder of your achievement while the high grades you have accomplished will soon be forgotten. 

Once you start working your attitude will be the number one thing that people will value for. You need to work with your relationships. You will become part of a team and if you can't work together with your other co-employees you will surely find yourself caught in a big problem. Forget about the diploma, award or the good grades you have and focus on how you can manifest a good character at work.

Take Charge of Your Finances. 

It will be your full-responsibility to budget your money and manage your income. This is both exciting and daunting because it means taking a big responsibility that may affect your future. The earlier you learn to take charge of your finances, the better your journey to financial will be.

Below are some posts that can help you:

1. How Much Money Should You Save Each Month?
2. How to Achieve Financial Stability in Your 20’s
3. How to Actually be Good in Money
4. How to Correctly Spend Your Money 
5. How To Save within Your Salary?

Saving automatically a portion of your income is as important as budgeting. I have always regretted overspending and not saving earlier. If only I saved money as soon as my first paycheck arrived, I will have a better financial status today. 

There are those who will earn more than you for doing the same job --- even less of the same job

This is a reality that you need to prepare for once you become part of a company. There will always be a people around you who will earn better even though you feel like working more. These people have long-earned experience that make them worthy for a bigger salary and no matter how much you hate this reality.

Sometimes it's all about finding a good manager

You are lucky if in your fist job you are blessed with a good manager. Managers are the first person who will shape a new graduate on how and what it is to be an employee. The manager should oversee and inspire you to become a better part of the team. He clears what is and what is not your responsibility. He sets you in the direction you need to go. A manager can also be the factor why you will quit or hate your job someday. READ: 5 Reasons to Find Enjoyment in Your Daily Job

Build a Network

Networking is important if you want growth in your career. You need to learn how to build a relationship with individuals whom you share similar interest, values and goals. A good network will gear you towards advancement. Opportunities will open up easily and you will learn a lot from these people. 

Quit for the Right Reasons

There will come a time that you will be too burdened maybe or find yourself in a tough decision whether to quit or not to quit. Whether you are still in the career path that you wish to follow. It is important not to quit just because of hard work or challenge that you experience. Quit because your heart tells you so and I know it sounds cheesy but I mean it. Quit because it is clear in your heart and mind that you don't see anymore satisfaction in the current work situation.  READ: When To Quit Your Job and How to Do It

Hope this post helps.

Next Posts on SavingsPinay

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• 7 Tips on Effective Project Management

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