Blog Post 06.          November 25, 2023

The Application Journey Resumes

For today's blog, I'll be sharing with you my application journey!

<<Back story

I've always wanted to be a VA because the prospect of working from home seemed a lot like heaven. Imagine being your most productive self, extending value to your clients on the other end of the world, and being with your precious pooches, all while in the comfort of your home. Hands down to the power of technology and the innovation of our time! It's just unfortunate that it had to take a pandemic for PH industries to realize the full potential of transitioning to remote work. 

Anyway, in September of 2022, I've sent out my applications to a couple of postings on different job sites. A few employers took interest and eventually, I got interviewed. But my initial target was Athena EA. Having applied too soon without enough knowledge of the role, I was bound to be rejected. Lol. That's fine with me and I've come to terms with the outcome.

Thankfully, as it were, I got called back to my previous job because the local business picked up a few projects, and therefore I had to heed that call, which was actually a relief! My partner and I are independently living, and we really needed the income to make ends meet. Despite difficult times, I'm happy to say we didn't get discouraged and chose to muddle on. 

Since then, I've been juggling project-based local contracts with remote work. I did a few voice-over engagements for entrepreneurs, as well as copywriting and proofreading gigs for foreign clients. I also let my creative passion steer me through challenging times by crafting a collection of holiday candles.

So essentially, I've been wearing a lot of hats ever since my initial application. Having been turned down for the role gave me all the more reason to persevere towards my goals!

I took that time to slowly transition to my prospective role. I have been learning more about the Western way of working; have gotten a good gist of their culture, their ethics and their priorities. I've come to surmise that Americans in general value quality, respect and trust among their business associates.

They're great people, and knowing that they foster a good sense of collaboration within their teams is such a compelling reason for me to want to work with them and bring forth my best. Through the struggles and triumphs, sharing that vision of success  with high functioning leaders is truly a remarkable feat!

Fast forward>>

The projects have been completed, our finances are in (somewhat) good order, and I have subsequently endorsed my previous position to better hands. 

Now, I can fully devote my time and effort to my VA journey! From the start, I knew I had to put in the work to consider myself a VA. I took the initiative of coaching myself to success. I attended online trainings, watched informational videos, and read a lot of resources. Being passively mentored by industry experts really got my feet wet, so to speak.  I was enrolled in a myriad of courses across several learning platforms just to be better equipped for my prospective role. I even got certified with an organization!

Luckily, I got my partner to buy in on the idea of my career shift. Without his loving support, the journey would have been impossible. 

It took a lot of grit, deep focus, hard work, willpower and yes, many days of no shower! Lol

I really pushed myself this time, tapping into some potential I never thought I had. To be honest, I never thought I'd be able to complete Google's PM program, because the idea of studying over the course of a few months was just too cumbersome for me. But on the contrary, with commitment and determination, I finished it within the 7-day trial, at no cost! 

My approach was on a holistic context.

I knew I needed to reframe my mind, strengthen my body, and integrate everything into my being. I became a reinvented, improved version of myself.

I touched onto different facets of my life because I needed to understand my purpose.

It's now the 25th of November 2023, and I think I'm just about ready for the role! (75% give or take) 

All that preparation has really put me in a better position. I was clueless then, but now I am able, knowledgeable, and remarkable (I hope)! I'm aware that the role won't be easy and will definitely come with its challenges. There's a lot more I need to learn, but with practice, I can imagine giving the best value to my clients, in the industry I have chosen! Also, I've rediscovered my passion for writing and rekindled my love for reading. Who knew?

Cold feet

I haven't handed in my application just yet. My portfolio needs a little more refining, dotting the I's and crossing the T's. And no, I'm not letting the fear of my doubts stop me now. I know my capabilities and I want to make an impact where it can matter most. 

Interview

I've been rehearsing interviews in my head for quite a while. But I know that letting my authentic self set the stage would be my best bet. I just have to be ready with key points so I can highlight my strengths and convince my employers to have that same confidence in me, letting the power of persuasion do some magic!

Given that we have no prior experience for starters, it's important that we are convinced of ourselves first, right? Because how can you sell your skills if you yourself aren't convinced enough!

So if you've read through to this last part, congratulations! You might be on the ADHD spectrum, just like me Lol! 

Now look, I know it's hard at first, but don't let that stop you from trying. All it takes is a little re- wiring of the brain, your commitment, and with a couple more effort, you'll be unstoppable and surely, a great asset to your company! It's okay to have doubts, but always remind yourself of why you are doing this in the first place. Set that vision for yourself, and by all means, make it happen!

Which is my target company, you ask? 

I won't be divulging it for now (let's not jinx it), but here's a clue: 🌴

They're a fresh start up with a tropical theme and identifies with my fave color, green! I was drawn to them because they've been advocating for a culture that's giving. And who wouldn't want that, right?

Juuust counting down the days until I can say I'm at 100%, which is really more of a mindset,  than an actual metric. Still learning more of the nitty-gritty details so I may perform the role efficiently and effectively. No easy task, but I'm willing! There are also a number of personal goals I'm aiming to achieve before the year ends (e.g. expense tracking, value-sharing and gift giving, because it is the season of giving, after all!). So I suppose the final stages of my progress will be pulsing to an organic and placid tune. *cue in the chill jazzhop music 🎶

I'll be updating this entry, whether I get hired or otherwise. And I'll be sure to keep you guys posted! 

[Edit: The Scrum Master role which I've been eyeing has been filled. Probably for the best, as I have yet much to learn. Now shifting my sights to a relevant role as an Ops Mgr. I'm 98% ready! Let's keep our doubts at bay by truly believing in the value we can offer. Bonne chance to us all 🍀]

End note

If you're a starter, newbie or a total novice to the industry, you'll definitely need all the support you can get. There are a lot of resources online, check them out to see which niche and training paths are meant for you. Some tailored courses are paid, but most training videos are free.

We still have a long path ahead of us, but taking it one step at a time inches us closer to our goals! With patience, it'll all be worth it.

If you'd like to reach out to me, I'd be glad to help. I'm rooting for you too, so keep going!