Life and Everything in Between ..: 2022

Being able to fulfill your full-time job as a mum is one thing, what more could it be to do it while doing a full-time regular office job? I used to enjoy my regular job before, I do a lot of things within the day - wake up, get ready, commute, socialize with colleagues, do my actual work, commute again going home, take care of my little one when I got home, clean the house, cook, play with the little one, get ready to sleep - and repeat! It is a routine I got used to for 4 years. Not until the pandemic hit, it is having an extra burden to think of before you actually do the things you normally do before and it is tiring -
The company I used to work for allowed us to work at home for 2 months when pandemic started here in the country - that was March 2020. I know working from home is not for everyone - I've had colleagues who had technical difficulties while working from home and it is pretty annoying not being able to do work efficiently because of that - but, for me, it is just something that can't be avoided, I was happy working from home mainly because I get to spend more time with my daughter and that was really my sole reason then. Until we were asked to work onsite again and it's me thinking "no way!". I realized, I can be a mum, save more money, time, effort and energy going to the office but at the same time be an efficient and effective employee, then why the hell do I need to go back? I became so unmotivated to work onsite after that. I still stayed at the company for more than a year but feeling stressed all the way through knowing I can do the same work at the convenience of my own home. I decided to take a leap - resign and apply for a permanent work from home job.
Now, I'm here. Still working full time but permanently home-based. There are pros and cons but definitely a lot more PROS than cons. I've never been so relaxed and chill in my entire career experience. I get to save a whole lot more, earn a whole lot more, manage my time even more, spend more time with my family while I upgrade my career. The only con I can think of is the job security, I am lucky with the company I am now because even though they are an outsourcing company, they also "regularised" contract employees and provide benefits after 6 months. I am aware that many freelancers/ virtual workers out there are earning a lot more than I am because they work for direct clients overseas but is forever under a contract and there's nothing wrong with that, it is absolutely up to their perspective over things.
Actually, I just want to dump some photos here from my first get-together dinner party attendance with my current company. Company CEO's just visited the country from Australia 🦘🐨

That's me wearing maroon long sleeves.

I suddenly felt the urge to write as I feel like I’m all alone in this journey - being a parent. I have a 3 year old daughter and I’m not a single mom but I feel like I only have myself to lean on in times like this. Aside from being a full time mom, I also have a full time home-based job. I have a lot of things to do ALL THE TIME and I’m not even complaining because I do it for myself and my family - especially my daughter. All I want is a little appreciation from anyone - that I’m doing great in keeping our home neat - in doing my job - in taking care of my baby - in taking care of myself - in paying the bills on time - for being so selfless.

hmmmm enough with the drama. I'd like to share some highlights in my life since 2017 up to date and kind of reminisce everything since I have time right now which is a rare opportunity lol.

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2017

June 2017 - I resigned from my company in Makati and decided to go back home in my hometown, Olongapo. Contemplated if I should study abroad (Canada) as I got admission from a school there but it'll be for Winter 2018 term (Feb. 2018).

This is a photo I took from the rooftop of our apartment building. I love that this photo actually reminds me of the memories I had there with my friends. Working until 7pm, sleeping all day long every weekends, commuting hassles, all the laughter and dramas in that small room.

August 2017 - Got a new job at an Australian-owned company.

November 2017 - Found out I'm pregnant. BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT! 💝

December 2017 - Travelled to Japan with my family, spent Christmas and New Year there. It was exciting and all until we all got sick because we're just not used to the very cold winter season. Not to mention that I am quite sensitive at the time too because I was 3 months pregnant. We went to Universal Studios but I was afraid to go ahead with the rides so I mainly just did *sigh*seeing (lol sightseeing), enjoyed it for the most part but I wanted to go back so I can get the full experience.

Path to Osaka Castle

📍Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan

📍Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan

Our first time experiencing snow. ❄❄❄

📍Tottori, Japan

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2018

March 2018 - Boracay escapade! Me and my partner went to Boracay for the first time. I think I was about to be 6 months pregnant but still enjoyed the trip even though I can remember that I'm all paranoid the whole time that something will go wrong while we're out of town. 😆

You can clearly see my baby bump here.
📍Puka Beach in Boracay

Sunset in Boracay

June 2018 - And... here she comes! I was only 36 weeks when I gave birth to my baby girl, Rory. A day before that, I was only supposed to have my weekly checkup with my OB but when she checked me internally, my cervix was already 4cm dilated. She said I'm giving birth soon! Went last minute shopping immediately after that to buy things we need in the lying-in clinic.

I was feeling nervous, scared and excited all at ones but when I'm in pain of contractions and it's time for me to push, I just did ALL I can to let her out. I remember thinking - "just be out already" - and after long minutes of pushing and we're still there, I thought, "what if I can't do this naturally?" "what if they will need to rush me to the hospital for a C-section?" then, I got distracted because I can clearly hear my doctor and the midwives talking about how hassle it is to find a parking spot in the area because of the rain lol. I find it really funny looking back. I think after they incise me, my baby rocketed out my womb it feels like someone threw a newborn baby at my tummy lol. Thank you, Lord!

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