When a Boss Goes for the Jugular

This is not my story to tell. I was just asked to write a sad experience of a talented person, working hard for his company but was never merited for his talent.

In order to get promotion employees show aptitude and flair in their field. This is what a friend of mine did to catch the attention of his boss. Due to this acumen, he kowtows to no one. Unfortunately the boss was the epitome of corruption and those who wanted promotion via these corrupt ways became his marionettes. Not this person. He was steadfast in refusing any semblance of puppetry. Performance was his guarantee to a juicy position, and thus he gave all; himself, time and brains.

One day he was asked to create the Accounting system for their newly formed company. What he created became the policies of the finance department. Even so, the ingenuity he possessed was not enough to merit the promotion he wanted. On the other hand, his works were claimed by the boss as his own. He was shamelessly denied his talent and creativity. Self-esteem was spit upon just because “the employee won’t kiss the ground” the boss walks on. (?) It was heart rending; aside from being denied promotion and accolades, he was skimmed off.

He fought hard. Evidences were brought out; tapes, written documents, rough drafts etc. A supervisor against the chief executive officer (?) It was like David and Goliath nevertheless he fought not because of pride but rather for self- respect.

After a long process of authentication, he was vindicated and was acknowledged as the author. This employee finally resigned from his job; set up his own firm and the expertise he possesses in the field of management accounting services got him the best clients.

One year after my friend’s resignation, the boss was terminated. People who were in the enclave of his favors and promoted to juicy positions were the same people who signed a petition against him. His corrupt practices boomeranged and brought about his downfall and shame.

Dealing With A Family Crisis

Crises come into everyone’s life anytime of the day. A raging typhoon, tornado or hurricanes are much better because of warnings from weather forecasters. But when catastrophes fall into lives e.g; sudden closure of business, loss of loved ones, loss of a beautiful home etc. numb and paralyze the mind.

My family had fallen on a hard time. This was the year of the September 11 incident in the United States. Prior to this event, our export business (native products) was booming. There were already buyers coming in from abroad and contract for our first delivery to Australia was in process. It was the second year for our business and high hopes were brimming.

The ghastly deeds of perpetrators shook the world. It had a domino effect. Anywhere and everywhere businesses tumbled and one of those was our export business. Our orders were cancelled; the contract from Australia did not push thru. We were unprepared and above all, everything went down the drain. Our hard earned money was put into that entrepreneurship, not a single centavo left in our savings account.

My three children were all taking medical courses (in one of the best schools in our place) but they have to stop studying. There was no money for education. Due to cancellation of orders, there were debts unpaid. It was a nightmare. I was at the edge of despair; the shortage of currency was hard to tackle and yet the tears of my children were harder still.

Nevertheless we realized we were luckier. We were intact as a family and despairing over lost things won’t help us or any family facing a crisis. These are the things though our family did during those crucial days.

• A family council was called weekly. Everybody contributed his/her ideas; what to do and what not to do.

• Measures were taken and implemented. Austerity was foremost and no exemptions except for the most basic needs.

• As parents, we stayed focus and calm. Faith in God was our pillar and we never lost hope, inspiration and courage.

On the brighter side, we counted other blessings sometimes overlooked by most; good health, knowledge and wisdom, food on the table, roof over heads, children, jobs (though income is meager) etc. Although my children grew up in a comfortable home, they did not balk with the austerity measures.

When this crisis came into our lives, no one faltered. Everybody threw in whatever he/she could help the family. A line from the movie Batman: the Dark Knight, “the night is darkest before dawn” was how I described those trying times. Nonetheless our family rallied on and after six months of extreme hardships, dawn came to our household.

The maxim “saving for the rainy days” is fitting and the best lesson learned.

Patterns Of A Shopper

Shoppers are divided into different categories. Knowing your category may leave a pungent taste nevertheless these are observations I gathered at shopping malls and day markets. No pun intended.

Shopping for basic needs is considered by the working class as fun and excuse for an outing in the malls, especially in the supermarket area. During paydays, husbands and wives go together hand in hand, choosing and picking up groceries. With a list in the wife’s hand, they go around buying the most basic, scrimping for the most needed; milk, toothpaste, laundry soap, meat, rice, etc. They live “within their means” and making both ends meet. No credit cards, only debit cards to pay for the goods purchased.

The second group of shoppers are those whose funding are very generous. I found out it was their way to “ease boredom” or as “palliatives from guilty husbands, or lovers” (?) At department stores, boutiques or elsewhere this kind of shopper exists; buying things without looking at price tags. Like a fairy brandishing her wand for things to materialize, she also brandishes credit cards to pay for her goods. No questions asked.

Included in this category are the “impulsive shoppers.” These buyers are credit card holders too but do not have sufficient funds. To attain things which can’t wait until payday, these shoppers use credit cards to splurge on the “wanted things” they can not afford. And before payday comes, hard earned money is already gone.

The third group are those that can barely afford. They can be seen at day markets, unmindful of rain and heat, of the foul odor emanating from scraps. They opt to shop in these places because one can haggle with the prices and could buy cheapest.

How my heart goes to them, to witness parents bargaining, pleading to vendors for the basic needs of their children. And sadly, there was a disheartening scene I witnessed. Due to lack of funds, one shopper resorted to shoplifting and it really caused chaos. All I could mutter was, “if only I have the means”

Among this group of shoppers, I enjoyed watching the supermarket shoppers. It’s like viewing the movie “Ant Bully”; of industrious ants saving food for the rainy days. I belong to this group; yes scrimping, counting the last centavo to have ends meet. Yet, I am proud of it because these are the patterns of a wise shopper.

How to Live with a Casanova

Why do men cheat? A perennial question posed by women who are married to highly sexual men. The maxim “men are polygamous” is a debatable issue. They say, men play around because “the wife is not attractive anymore” (?) Neither this is true, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

The men I know stay true to their plain looking wives even up to their last breath. Most of them reach the age of 90 and yet not an iota of stain for infidelity. The other set of men I know, married to smart and beautiful women are the Casanovas. They maintain paramours as a “status quo” in society. To fall in love with the latter could be a real misfortune considering the pain, heartaches and mental anguish one suffers.

After all these years of locking anger and turbulent emotions, I couldn’t believe I put this in writing. This is a case of skeleton in the closet but it really doesn’t matter anymore. I have to share this with other women who one way or another had undergone “a scorned love” from their men. This is a story that was a dream come true but became a never ending nightmare.

I fell in love with the man I married at age 18 and despite pleas from my family nothing could stop me. I was in love with love but the euphoria of that marriage was short-lived. I found out I was not alone in his life neither would ever be alone. There was a parade of women. The shamelessness of the act pushed me almost to oblivion. The humiliations were unbearable. People looked at me with pity and smirks in their eyes.

Anyhow, am I the only woman scorned?

Pride prevailed. I didn’t want to be called a failure and for this reason, annulment was never considered. I wouldn’t deprive the comfortable life from my kids neither tag them as products from a broken home. Like a lioness over her cubs, I was vigilant in the growing up of my offspring. The irresponsible actions? I let those passed and suffered in dignity. Definitely I became a doormat. People who empathized with my pains, especially my parents and siblings urged me to end the charade.

I opted to stay, finished a bachelor’s degree and went to work. Things which gave strength were the things I sought. No idle moments for me or dwell on the misfortune I got entrapped. I have reconciled to the sexuality of the man I married. One line I learned from a movie was; “sometimes in life there is no better way for things to be done except to let go.”

Why I persisted? There are justifications:

*my kids did not become dysfunctional; despite the struggle they witnessed at home, they were recipients of deep love and ultimate sacrifice

*they are successful in their respective careers- presently

*they have families of their own now (happily married)

*being good parents to their offspring

Sexuality is man’s gift from God but when it does not conform to the norms of society, it becomes a bane. At this point of my life, there are no more excuses to undergo humiliations. I gave myself a reprieve; I live currently in a separate house, in another city, and in a wholly different environment.

 

Becoming an Online Tutor

The inspiration to become an online tutor germinated among my peers in the graduate school. They were talking about an online tutorial company and excitedly cited their extra earnings. I was intrigued because it was a new idea to me. I never thought tutorials could be done via the internet. I surfed and searched the internet and yes, what they said was true.

A tutor maybe credentialed or may not be credentialed. Anyone can tutor as long as he/she is knowledgeable in a certain subject area and understands how to work with students (usually kids). Especially in the internet, anybody can apply. There are several tutorial companies advertising for online tutors and most of those who responded to advertisements are college students trying to earn money to support their education. Thoughts came across my mind that to become an online tutor great responsibilities ensue and thus one should have expertise even in one subject only.

There are criteria set by the tutorial companies to applicants though. A few things a prospective tutor should be aware of:

1.  Know what subjects to teach. Remember that an online tutor teaches via the internet, as such there is no eye contact. One must be perceptive whether the student on the other side of the world is paying attention to what is being taught. The standard here is skill and proficiency.

2.  A thorough research on the integrity of a tutorial company must be done. An applicant is not privy to the credentials of these tutorial companies therefore one must be alert and cognizant.

3.  Registration comes next after discerning that the company is good.

4.  Acquiring students is catchy and perhaps the hardest part of all.

As mentioned above, the hardest part of all is getting clients (students). A prospective tutor can be set in motion right away if the tutorial company helps and guides. On the other hand, should the company choose to ignore and refuse to lend a hand, a tutor’s career is kaput. So to those who want to become an online tutor, choose a good tutorial company which offers the best service.

Most of all examine and ask yourself. “Am I capable to teach?” This is neither a fad nor a passing fancy. Tutors are part of children lives and to be irresponsible in giving out these duties would be committing disgraceful acts. Remember that on your shoulders lie the futures of young minds.

To become an online tutor does not need much credentials but one should be responsible and caring.

The Blight of E-Loads

My country is considered as the Text Capital of the world. The disparity of wealth distribution according to surveys is wide that only 1/3 of its people is enjoying affluence. Out of the remaining 2/3, perhaps only a few can afford to place a call through cell phones. The rates of calls are high thus the remainder is texters including me. But what a blight it is, to use e-loads. The experiences of my family and friends who use the product of this particular telecommunication company are so frustrating and annoying.

At first I was baffled why my e-loads were gone the following morning or 12 -18 hours after my cell phone was e-loaded. I sent messages to the company claiming that they took back my e-loads and to please restore it. I was flabbergasted with the replies I received “you are currently subscribed to the following services TOPMMS TRUETOP, TOP TRUEPOP.” These are pop tunes of the week which I found noisy and not to my taste.

The first time it happened I let it pass but after several incidents, I demanded a refund to the loads they took back. I was very much disappointed when they gave me the same answers, hence discussions ensued. I persisted that I did not subscribe anything from them; music of this kind is not my type. I listened only to music that is relevant to me. But even so my protestations fell on deaf ears. They insisted that I was already subscribed; I was adamant that I did not.

To put things in its proper perspective; I sent a message to the top management, to no avail. And to properly document the incident, I filed their messages and decided to unsubscribe from this company. Having been lured by the sweet advertisements flashed on tv screens, I was their good client since 2005. The ads are dazzling with promises as all advertisements do.

In this case, the promises to cater to the needs of the middle income below are just empty talk. Frankly, it’s not only me who is short-change but all consumers who are using e-loads.

Frustrations anyone?

Creating a Happier Work Environment

There is one thing I just discovered. Something I missed when I was very busy augmenting my finances. This is one recipe for a happier life.

I am a hospital worker, working in shifts and have to wake up in the middle of the night to attend to emergencies. At the early stage of my job, I was excited and happy as I tended to sick people. However as I plodded on and my financial situation remained the same, I became irritable. I become morose and bad tempered. I reached the point where I was alienating everyone at home. I was a hard worker attending to the demands of my profession but I was poorly compensated. Aside from that, I have to put up with the tempers of medical practitioners especially the mediocre ones. So I decided to stop from the rat race and stopped working. I cannot work in an environment where I was not happy anymore. Furthermore I was burnt out.

I changed fields then. I went to graduate school and took up MA degree in Education. I was planning to work again, this time as a teacher. But as I pondered on this plan, I realized I will face the same hassles. I can’t go back to a milieu where somebody looks over shoulders and demerits performances. I am a hard worker and being bossed around is difficult to think of. For this reason, I contemplated options and one of those was to create my own enterprise. Self employment is the answer to the gripes of working in the corporate world.

I considered opening a home business: a small convenient store, a buy and sell business or a tutorial business. Any business will do as long as I am happy. This time I will be my own boss. I do not have to cater to the demands of grumpy medical practitioners, disagreeable workers and irate hospital administrator. I will work within the perimeters of my home.

Working from home however is not purely one recipe for a happier life. There are odds and evens. Nevertheless with the advent of modern technology, the evens are long, the odds are short. Being my own boss is surely hassling free. I can work in slippers and pajamas. I can save much because I don’t have to dine in hospital canteens or eat in fast food restaurants and above all the rent is gratis.

The prize is priceless, no matter how many hours are inputted to a work from home. Being unconfined from negative atmosphere gives peace of mind. Although the hassles here come from household chores, from tots and grown up children, the degree of annoyance is very minimal. A happier work environment indeed.

How to Find a Good Online Tutor

I am a novice blogger. This is my first blog yet. I am just helping parents how to find online tutors who are committed and really care. There are many advertisements for tutorial services in the internet however it is hard to discern which of these can serve best a parents need for her child. My experience in looking for a good tutorial company took me days, I surfed and surfed. It was an exhausting task. Google search engine has many answers to my questions until I stumbled upon http://www.TutorFi.com

A further research on the system of this tutorial company revealed that their tutors were trained to take the time to care and give parents a real go to solution. Each tutor works for herself/himself. Extensive training from Scott Palat and his dedicated team is part of the program. This team ran different online tutoring websites since 2003 and recently Scott created Tutorfi.com. He was convinced that tutors who owned their own online tutoring business would care more about the needs of students and the happiness of their parent clients.

“There is no comparison” Scott says. “Tutors who have underpaid online tutoring job do not give a care on the needs and progress of students. I don’t know also if there is another online tutoring company who allows its tutor to communicate with parents by phone. This is a mistake!  For the parent and student to get the most out of any tutoring program, the tutor must consult with the parents about the student’s needs and most importantly progress.”

I am truly impressed with this business model and frankly, this is a true win/win situation for the parent, the tutor and the student. This tutorial company offers a free report on How to Start an Online Tutoring Business and parents can sign up for a free demo along with a How to Motivate Your Child Report.