TIPS ON - SAVING MONEY AS AN AGENT

TIPS ON - SAVING MONEY AS AN AGENT

75% of call center employees spend their salaries within five days upon receiving it. Then they end up counting the days till their next paycheck.

This is a study that was done by me (so technically imbento lang yon). But based on my humble observation, call center agents have poor discipline when it comes to money. They end up splurging on Taxi's, Starbucks, cellphones, designer clothes, pokpok's and whatever -- simply because of the "malaki naman sahod ko mentality" and the "mag-iipon ako next sweldo" mindset. And in the end years pass and nothing financially solid is gained.

So what are the money saving tips I applied?

1) Realize that the call center is an unstable working environment.

The call center is a very unstable environment. Your salary, account, status, titles, training, office romance, depend solely on the next “end of life” of your account. I have seen Managers, TL's, and whoever lose their jobs in an instant due to the US clients closing/transferring to other Business units.

Some call centers promise to give their agents a stable future -- this is crap! Learn to be prudent and save.

2) He who gathers little by little makes it grow.

This is somewhere in the bible.

Every payday start setting aside a small amount of money, 500 pesos or 250 pesos will do. Put this is a small piggy bank. After a while you'll be surprised that you actually saved something -- as opposed to trying to put a big amount in the bank that you end up withdrawing anyway.

3) Have two bank accounts.

One is for your pay check, one is for your savings. If you just put all your money in one account, chances are you'll spend it all (been there, done that). Try to enroll in BPI's direct save up. The bank takes money off your paycheck every payday and put this into your savings.

link: http://www.bpidirect.com/page/view/save-up-automatic-savings-insurance

I am not endorsing this, I am sharing this because it worked for me.

It would also help if your saving account has a passbook. Atm's are so convenient to use, so it's so convenient to spend your savings as well. By holding a passbook, you will be subjected to the banks "time-space-warp dimension" where you have to be horribly hassled to withdraw.

4) You will survive with what you have.

I noticed that we survive with the money we actually have on hand -- call it our survival instinct kicking in.

Try to save the money first, and try to live by the money that was left -- you will survive.

Wag ka lang mang-utang ng mang-utang!

5) Try to be thrifty

A priest once said, "you have no right to luxuries till you have your own house and car."

In tagalong "WALA KANG KARAPATAN SA LUHO HANGANG DI KA PA NAGKAKABAHAY AT KOTSE!”

Practice thriftiness -- bring packed lunches, do not go to GIMIKS every other night, and be content with your current cellphone.

Think about this, going to lunch outs a day amounts to 50 pesos. One kilo of hotdogs cost 150 pesos -- good for the whole week. I'm not saying that you eat hotdogs everyday because that would be a certain cause of umay, but you see the point. Find ways to save money and be happy and content with what you have.

I know a guy who had every latest cellphone and his lack of discipline led him to a life of poverty.

*side note: Some agents must always have the latest cellphone or gadget. Wala naman kotse -- na hoholdap tuloy.*

6) Make a Budget plan

Sounds redundant, but you really need to do this.

As soon as I get my paycheck I do the following.

1) I set aside a small amount for my savings.
2) I then proceed to list all the bills I have to pay (Water, Electricity, Bahay, Girlfriend1, Girlfriend2.)
3) I then compute my everyday allowance (transpo, food, packed lunch.)
4) I then allocate a Gimik fund (We need to have some fun!)
5) I add and subtract the figures.
6) Tapos sasakit ang ulo ko kakaisip pano ko pagkakasyahin ang pera ko.

Just remember, you will not be young forever so get more discipline in your life. See to it that you don’t wake up one day, be 30 years old, and still have nothing.

The sacrifices you do now determine how easy life will be in the future.

Source: callcentersurvivalph.com

7-eleven's Sloppy Joe Sandwich

So it was my lunchbreak, and I can't decide what to eat.. I really don't want to eat rice as I was full from eating a 2-piece chicken meal from KFC.. So I went down to 7-eleven, and I remembered a workmate recommending their Sloppy Joe sandwich..

Compared to the other sandwiches 7-eleven offers, this one can be considered a treat.. It actually has a lot of filling, so careful when you open it..

The filling is like a meaty spaghetti sauce, has some cheese also, and compared to other filled sandwiches from convenience stores, it actually tastes good!!! The bun is quite light, ok to fill your stomach for a quick break, so for those who usually eat a lot and cannot be satisfied with just one, well.. Eat a lot.. Though one is already enough for me..

So for those who are in a tight budget but would like a good filling quick food.. Try this.. And let me know what you think..

As My Birthmonth Comes Near..

I pray for..

Happiness
Peace of Mind
Guidance
Prosperity
Longevity
Love
Health
Wealth in all aspects
Success
Freedom from Negativity
Courage
Wisdom

On being all by myself..

♫♫ All by myself.. I want to be.. All by myself.. ♫♫

Yeah I'm having a hard time being alone and independent.. But I'm getting used to it.. I've learned a couple of things like cooking rice without the use of a rice cooker.. I learned how to measure it using the lines on my fingers.. Yehmen! :)

I'm beginning to hone my cooking skills again.. I have been elected to be the cook of the house and I'm loving it!

There are times though, that I think about my family at home.. But then again.. I need to move on.. I won't be able to accelerate if I keep the baggages that weighs me.. I need to have a heart of stone at this point..

Contemplating.. I realized that you will come to a point that you will need to decide which one to choose.. And when you choose a path, some things.. Some people will have to be left behind.. It's hard.. But it's the reality.. You have to leave the people who are pulling you down no matter how much you love them..And keep the people who will help you move up..

Moving Out and Being Independent..

After a long time of being an effin' dependent baby, yes, I'm moving out..
 

Well.. I got kicked out..

It was unfortunate that it had to happen this way, and I regret that I just did it now.. This should have been something that I should have done a long time ago.. And even now I'm starting with scratch.. I have almost nothing.. I AM almost nothing..

I am grateful that I have friends that have offered help in moving on with my life.. I definitely owe them bigtime..

So how does it feel?

I feel free.. Even if at times I can't help thinking about the people that I have left behind.. My sister most of all.. I know that with what I have done I have passed the burden to her..
 

But then again.. I will end up with nothing if I did not decide to do this.. Believe me.. I had to shut my eyes making this decision.. I just have to think that once I decide, there's no turning back.. Some may not understand, but for the people that do, thank you..

I need to live on my own now, I know I can make it.. And with this, I am starting a new chapter of my life.. I will make things happen..

Social Climber..

I will have to admit that at some point of my life I have been one.. Or maybe I still am a social climber.. I have realized that in a world that we call "survival of the fittest", you should know how to choose the people that will help you get on in this jungle-esque life.
Not that I tried to spend extravagantly, or totally try to pretend I am rich.. what I mean is, I tried to 'tweak' some of what I am to be able to adapt to people around me..

It can be hard, to be honest, and at the end of the day I realize.. what do I get from this? I lose myself and I can't go back to what I used to be..

And it gets even harder, and more depressing, when you look at yourself and you don't realize who you're looking at in the mirror..

It's hard.. But it's harder when you feel alone not being able to fit in anyone's world..

Music..

Music..

Music has played a big part in my everyday life.. In almost every waking hour I can't survive without hearing music.. 

When I wake up, I go straight to the shower and take a bath while playing my favorite music.. Upon leaving home I pop my earphones and listen to the radio.. When I'm reading I can't stand silence, so I turn the music on..

It also affects my mood.. I listen to upbeat songs in the morning to jumpstart my day.. Old love songs to relax.. SUUUUUPER oldies or classicals when I need to sleep.. When I feel sad regarding matters of the heart I listen to emo songs..

At work when I get bored I hum random tunes..

When I drink with friends we sing crazy songs and laugh at each other for it..
When I get bored I listen to music..

If music were a real person.. He would have been my bestfriend..

As ABBA's song goes..

Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me..

Really Now?!

Whaddya think?

I've been to relationships here and there.. But I never kept this list the whole time.. Sometimes when I am in deep shit that's when online posts like this would appear.. That's when I remember and realize I had forgotten how relationships work..

It's hard to think of these things.. Let alone practice it.. Especially when you are at a moment when your judgment is clouded with anger, mistrust, etc. And when shit happens, it happens at a moment you wouldn't really anticipate.. And.. Like a broken mirror, crumpled paper, <insert any item than gets broken but can still be fixed>, you can fix it, but it will never be the same.. It's up to you if you will still use it, or decide to create a better one..

I can give good advice, but when I am caught in a situation.. Hell I'm the dumbest and most vulnerable person in love that you'll meet.. Pffttt... I'd definitely need friends to keep me sane..

I've never been lucky when it comes to relationships.. Never been able to handle one properly.. I dunno.. I guess I'm too preoccupied with things.. That I never learned how this should go.. When they say everyone becomes the dumbest person alive when it comes to love, I'd have a hard time believing it.. I have friends that have stayed together since the beginning of time.. And I wonder how they make it work..

How do they make it work? Tell me..

Occurences..

Hello..

It's been a very, very, VERY long time since I last posted here.. A lot had happened.. A lot has changed..


I left the company I was working with when I started this blog.. You guys know that I live in a rural place (LOL) and never did I anticipated the risks when leaving home at so late a time.. I almost got robbed, mugged, harassed.. Name it.. I ALMOST went through it..


So..


I transferred to a company that offers dayshift schedules.. Not so fun of a pay but hey.. At least I'm still alive.. I don't have to worry getting to work alive.. I feel the sun on my skin.. I smell the same with the people I get to ride with (before I used to smell fresh.. and the other people riding aren't.. aah the joys of nightshift!)


I'm having fun working.. Workload's very light.. But I'm afraid it gets a bit boring.. We don't get much calls.. But I'm aiming for something bigger.. I promise.. And this time I will make it happen.. 

Living in the Province..

Oryt.. So I have been living here in Montalban for about 3 months now.. And I am still adjusting.. Trying to appreciate life that's a bit distant from the city.. Considering that is where I work..


Well it's not the stereotypical scene where you see cows grazing in the field, roosters tied on one leg scratching the ground, pigs in the pen.. No, not like that.. It's like the city.. Just a bit different..


Like when you need to go out just to buy something.. The nearest store or market will be far that it will have cost you more travelling than the cost of the item itself.. Lols..


I wanted to take a walk one of these days.. And take photos.. Here's one that I took using my phone

Yes sir!!! I pass by this everyday!!! That's why I prefer walking home from our subdivision's entrance rather than taking a tricycle ride because I love looking at the small river and the mountains.. I'll prolly try to get a clearer picture..


For some reason I also have been trying to eat more veggies and root crops.. Not trying to change totaly into a local but.. I just don't know.. Maybe unconsciously my body has decided to eat healthy food.. Before I decided to reinvent myself.. I still eat pork and chicken a lot though..


I'll try to go around the area and see what I can do on my days off.. I have been staying inside my room for the past restdays.. Not planning to do anything.. I forgot I have to reset my goals.. I'll take notes later.. Wish me luck

Darn..

Gahd.. Antagal kong hindi nakapag-blog.. Andami nang nangyare.. Andami kong hindi nai-blog.. Hindi na nasundan yung 30 Day Blog Challenge.. Kainis.. Di bale.. Simulan ko ulet sa March..


So..


Hindi ko tuloy alam kung tungkol saan o para saan tong blog na toh.. Di ko alam kung maglalagay na lang ako ng updates about my life.. The almost 2 months that I have missed to write about.. Things that I have been through.. 


Well for one I am now officially a RURAL PERSON.. I have been denying the fact that I now live in the province.. Even if I am looking at mountains everyday since we moved (Hah!!! I think I can have it as a topic on my next post).. And I'm seeing plants that I have never seen since I started highschool.. I am starting to crave for native sweets like ricecakes.. And the smell of the morning dew.. Iba.. Ibang iba sa amoy ng hangin sa madaling araw di katulad sa kabihasnan.. Lols..


I'm loving my job now.. Not as heavy and as stressful as my previous companies.. As a matter of fact nakakalimutan kong delikado yung byahe ko.. I am preoccupied with that feeling na you always look forward coming in to work.. Kasi masaya ka.. Sa mga kasama mo, sa trabaho mismo.. Sa lahat.. There are some issues every now and then.. Pero minimal lang.. Either madaling ayusin o madaling kalimutan.. Ayun..


I am planning to reinvent.. I need change.. I am creating an atmosphere that will make the most out of me.. An environment that will bring the best in me.. 


I need to read again.. But I don't wanna go E-booking.. I want an actual book.. 


But I need to save up first.. 


I want to cook again..


And this post is starting to become a random thought thingie..


Sayang.. Andami kasi ng nangyari.. Sayang di ko naipost.. Haist..


O basta sa susunod a lang..

Day 09: Of Emotions and Lessons Learned

I cried.. After so long a time I cried.. It was something I never expected to happen.. I was talking.. Then I choked with tears.. I was sobbing.. Trying to speak as clearly as I can..

It did not end up the way we want it to be.. It was not clarified.. We just accepted that it will never be answered.. That everything will only be an enigma.. That piece of puzzle that will never be found.. So many questions..

I have never felt so much for the people that have been close to me.. Not as much as this.. I was.. Oh.. I get it.. I felt so happy with them that I feared losing them.. That's what I felt at that time.. I was so afraid everything will fall into pieces.. That all this will shatter.. So I cried..

I also cried because it was hard to admit that one weakness I was having.. That people will look at me differently once all is revealed.. That they would turn away.. Avoid me from that point on.. Treat me as a stranger.. Someone they never knew.. Or regret ever knowing.. Pretend we never crossed roads..

I don't know what will happen next.. I prolly won't be like what I was when I started.. I don't know.. Those unanswered questions.. What happened earlier.. Will remain in me.. I thought I was just being friendly.. I thought I was helping.. But people thought I was just trying to get attention.. I was named something not so nice.. Although I would have wished some of them courage to stand up.. Not because they wanted to vindicate someone.. But because they knew that a wrong has been done..

I was a bit disappointed.. But the good thing is that I was able to get a glimpse of truth.. They showed who they are.. I was able to know who amongst them can be a true friend.. That no matter what issues we have, we are able to accept each other fully..

I have to go.. I have a lot I wanted to say but I can't find the words.. Today was a bit heavy.. It hit me bigtime..

Day 08: Sunday

So with the 30 Day Blog Challenge that I was able to get online, there was a 3 day vacation hiatus.. The creator was to go on a trip for those 3 days.. So for 3 days I have to make my own ectry.. And I decided to just talk (err... write) about these 3 days.. I actually started yesterday Day 07: My Saturday

I am looking up tutorials on how to do the 1920's makeup.. I was assigned to do makeup and costume for our performers this coming Sunday.. It's the company's Christmas Party and a contest was made, with the theme of broadway musical.. We decided to perform Cabaret, and since I was asked to do the makeup, I had to get inspiration..

It's my first time to do makeup.. And I have never done it before.. So I hope that they will still end up being my friends after the performance.. Teehee..

I was also told yesterday during my former team's christmas party that I will be singing at the wedding.. Not sure which part of the wedding though.. So I am cramming for songs that I can sing.. I even asked a friend (another former teammate who also left the comapny) if we can sing a duet, which she actually agreed.. Way back we used to sing songs together on freetime.. If there's nothing to do at the office.. We had a collection of lyrics and we sometimes sing with blending voices..

I'm also thinking of what to wear on our christmas party.. Prolly the one I wore last year, I've only worn it once.. And it's a waste if I can't wear it again considering I spent a lot for it..

I already have an idea what to wear for my friend's wedding.. I got an inspiration from one of the websites I often visit.. They have cool designs, unfortunately they don't have bigger sizes so I have to recreate it and have it custom made..

Looking forward to tomorrow.. We will be having some discussions to settle some issues.. Something happened last Friday and it affected some of us bigtime.. I am hoping this gets resolved.. Wish us luck...

Day 07: My Saturday

My weekend was great!! I got to be with my former teammates.. I really missed them so much.. Too bad I was not able to take photos of them..

It was the perfect timing.. I was having some 'stress time' with training, and being with was enough for me to get back and smile on my way back to the battlefield..

The moment I stepped in Jayson's house my friends jumped with joy, it was obvious how much we missed each other.. We shared laughs, talked about things, ate, drank.. It's one of the happiest days in my 2011 life!!! I actually imagined that everything is a dream.. That I didn't actually leave them.. That I'd wake up grunting about Monday, having a smoke before logging in, talking about stuff while processing documents.. But then again.. I don't want to go through the stress again.. Just like the last time we went out, they keep on telling me leaving the company was a good move..

They also told me I've lost weight and asked me if I have any secrets in losing weight.. I actually had none.. And I've been noticing for the past few days that some of my clothes have become loose.. I realized you tend to eat less when you're not stressed, which was proven when one of them came late, I said he looked like he gained weight and he said it was because of stress..

I actually plan to lose weight and I'll start by next year once my family have settled to our new home.. I have to buy gears fit for excercise.. Good thing my new company has a gym.. Wish me luck..

Day 06: Something that excites you and fills you with joy

Well.. Most of you guys will agree..

Payday!!!

I look forward to paydays.. I am happy when I see I have money on my account.. Then I get excited because I get to shop.. And I get happy when I get to buys things I like..

It's the day people look forward to.. Because we will get what we worked hard for.. The money we spent so much time and effort.. Stress and all.. It's the chance we can go out, relax, unwind, and let all the negativity go.. The time when we can treat ourselves, and sometimes those around us.. The time to be happy, time to recharge before we go back to the toxic environment called OFFICE..

I get excited whenever payday is coming because I get to buy foodstuff.. My friends know I cook, and I love to prepare food for them sometimes.. And I feel good if they love my food.. Food at the pantry can get a bit boring at times so it's a "breather" if people get to eat something different..

I also get to buy things for myself.. I get to buy clothes, accessories, beauty products (yes I tend to be vain sometimes), get a haircut, do foodtripping.. It is also the time when I am untouchable.. People can't just shout at me, boss me around and make me do things I don't want to..

This coming payday I plan to treat myself.. I'll go out by myself.. Eat out, prolly try a new resto, and have coffe or tea.. Sit on a comfortable spot.. Take notes and plan for the next days..

How 'bout you? What excites you and makes you happy?

Share your thoughts..

Day 05: Something in life that gives you balance.

What gives me balance?

I don't know.. I can think of a lot of things.. But I guess one of them are my friends.. They keep my from being insane.. Well they're crazy, but in a good way.. I come to work because I always look forward to those times where we laugh our hearts out for simple reasons (or maybe for no reason at all).. We share things, we help each other out.. We save each other from insanity by being crazy.. Weird but yeah.. That's how we are..

At time when I feel I am losing focus, they come to rescue.. I get back on the ground because my friends are my anchors in life.. When I drift away, they make sure that I will come back.. That I won't get carried by the waves of chaos.. I appreciate how they always come to the rescue.. How they always take care of me.. How we listen to each other.. How at times we get each other's thought by merely glancing at each other.. How all of a sudden we do crazy stuff.. They give me a 'temporary high' at times when gloom sets in.. Just enough for me to recharge and be able to fight back the demons of this dark reality..

I have always been a person that loves company.. I can't imagine being alone.. I always need to be around people.. Not necessarily be the center of attraction.. I just need to be there with them..

Day 04: Something that is part of your routine that you enjoy.

Honestly? I enjoy singing in the bathroom.. Who doesn't?

The acoustics are good, and you can sing your heart out! Well, except when Mom's around.. She'll prolly shout out with decibels greater than the sound of a plane launching..

But yeah, it's fun singing while taking a bath.. That's where most people are with the highest of confidence sing.. You become the master of your own show.. You can sing using the dipper, or a brush, whatever you can grab.. Sometimes it becomes a therapy, a stress-reliever, you can release that extra cup of adrenaline in your blood.. Belt it out, sing a Whitney Houston or a Mariah Carey..

Sometimes when I sing, I imagine myself in front of Simon Cowell or Mr. M and see them with both their hands on the sides of their heads watching in awe as I perform with all my might.. Sing my favorite songs.. That's my frustration really, I should try auditioning for a talent search.. But then again...

NAAAHHHHH!!! I let the treasure be buried.. Rather than end up being on the list of worst auditions.. I mean, I know how to sing, but I am not REALLY good at it.. Videokes, yeah.. But sing in front of a huge crowd.. Nah-ah!!! People won't believe but I'm really shy when it comes to displaying "The talented side of me".. I get the jitters, I get out of tone, my knees get weak.. That's the confidence that I am actually working on..

How about you? What part of a routine do you enjoy?

Day 03: Something with which you struggle

Something with which I struggle.. Hmmnnn..

There are a lot of things I am having a struggle with, but I guess I'd say I am having most struggles in making decisions..I want to make sure that once I choose an option, there's no turning back, therefore, I want to make sure I've thought things well, that I get minimal damage if things go bad, that if I choose a path I will have no regrets..

I hate making wrong judgments, so I want o make sure I have a lot of time before I can decide.. Especially if there are people that will be involved in the process.. I don't want to get blamed.. I hate being blamed, I feel down whenever that happens, so as much as possible I want to make sure that I have assessed and anticipated the outcome for each decision that I make..

I am always awed and I look up to, the people who make such good decisions in life.. I mean, however good or bad it turns out, they still end up smiling, people still end up looking up at them.. I want to be that type of person..

Whenever I make decisions, I take my intuition as a sign.. Whenever I am at a point where I need to decide I rely on my intuition if what I will be doing will be a disadvantage or not.. And most of the time ituitions are correct.. I have learned not to doubt the power of intuition.. I have learned to trust my senses.. I have learned to be aware of my environment.. At some point I have learned to make the right decisions..

But for some reason, I still struggle in deciding on matters.. Maybe because at times I get blinded by the possible outcome.. That I decide without thinking things over.. Sometimes I tend to get pressured.. Sometime I just decide just because.. And whenever this happens, I close my eyes, breathe, and try to assess things, try to make the right decision before it's too late.. I go back in trusting my senses.. Call on my intuition.. Strategize.. Then choose...

Day 02: Something you regret not having done last year

Hmmnnn.. 2010 Has basically been all about work.. That's where my life revolved.. Anything that I regret not having done? I should have gone out more.. I wished I got drunk with my friends more.. I should have tried being honest about how I feel with what is happening around me.. I should have relaxed more.. Laughed more.. Smiled more..

I have a lot of things I regret not having done.. The list goes on and on.. Some I may have forgotten.. But I am moving on.. I will be better.. I feel, I know, that I have changed and I have changed bigtime.. I am stronger..

I have learned now not to have any regrets in life.. Whatever is in the present is a result of decisions that I have made in the past.. And I decided that whatever I choose, I choose at will, and I will not look back and regret it..

I rarely encounter this question.. So it's hard for me to think of an answer.. And as I have mentioned, I am living a life that I would not want to be full of regrets.. I would rather have a life that resulted from a lifetime's worth of learnings, a life lived with a lot of knowledge and inspiration, of happiness.. It may be hard to achieve, but heck, life ain't easy..

I still have a lot to prove, I am still young, I still have a lot of decisions to make, but whatever my choices are, I will hold on to it with no regrets.. Regret is such a feeling that weighs you down, consumes you, makes you blame circumstances and make excuses, and I am not the type to do that..

Day 01: Something you're looking forward to this year

On day 1 of my 30 Day Writing Challenge, it asks to discuss about something that you are looking forward to this year..

Basically it's almost year-end but to answer the question, I am excited about our Christmas Party.. My co-trainees decided that we have our Christmas Party this coming 23rd, and we will have an outing this 16th.. This means that I'll have more opportunities in getting to know them better.. I've had a lot of good times with them already.. But just like some things.. They can be addicting to be with.. And I love listening to their conversations.. Not because I love rumors.. Believe me.. They can be sensible at times.. And I learn from what comes out of their mouth..

I look forward to the end of this year.. Look back and contemplate.. Think of all that had happened to me for the year.. And learn from all the experiences.. Appreciate the good things that happened.. Thank all the people that had been part of my life.. And hope that they stay and be with me through the coming years..

Look forward to set new goals.. And I am determined to make them happen no matter what.. I no longer want to look for the circumstance that I want.. I WILL MAKE THEM!!!