6 years ago, during the height of COVID, I was alone in a tiny room, working on a desktop placed on a mega box because I couldn't afford a table yet. I remember the silence, the uncertainty, and the pressure of trying to hold everything together — but I kept going.
Even before that, around 10 years ago, life was already tough. It wasn't easy, but it shaped me into a stronger, more independent person.
My journey wasn't easy either. I started as an ESL teacher for 5 months, then worked as a customer service representative in a call center for 2 years and 6 months. After that, I was given an opportunity to enter the mortgage industry, where I worked with my previous loan officers for more than 3 years.
Six months after I got hired in the mortgage industry, I was finally able to move into a small apartment. That moment meant so much to me. It was one of the first signs that things were slowly getting better. Working in this industry truly made a huge impact on my life financially.
From there, I continued building my life. I started buying things for my apartment — just the basics, slowly. Most of them are still with me today. I'm very sentimental. Every item reminds me of where I started and how hard I fought to keep going. I was able to go shopping, eat at fancy restaurants, travel, spoil my family, and give back to the people who helped me when I was struggling.
Unfortunately, the market slowed down, and they had to cut my pay. That was a difficult time, and I found myself job hunting again, trying to figure things out.
Thankfully, a previous colleague told me about an opening at NightOwl Consulting Philippines Inc. I decided to try my luck, and I'm truly grateful that I did. I got hired in June 2023 and was matched with a client right away.
"Progress may be slow, but it's still progress. What matters is showing up every day, even when it's hard."
Life wasn't easy before I landed in the mortgage industry, but every step prepared me for where I am now.
Today, I have my own house, a comfortable workstation, and a space where I can truly grow and create. I'm deeply grateful for all the blessings God has given me.
We all have different definitions of success. And for me, what I have right now, I can already call it success. I never thought I would be where I am today.
As the famous Tagalog quote says, "malayo pa, pero malayo na."
It didn't happen overnight. It took years of effort, patience, sacrifices, and faith. Success doesn't come instantly. Progress may be slow, but it's still progress. What matters is showing up every day, even when it's hard.
So if you're in that small room right now — keep going. Great things truly await.
