I'm Michelle, a Loan Manager and Executive Assistant, and a first-time mom to a charming little boy — learning to balance career, motherhood, and personal growth all at once. Outside of work, I'm someone who values quiet moments, meaningful time with family, and creating a life that feels both stable and fulfilling.
Before joining NightOwl, I spent 16 years in a large corporation, working my way up to an Underwriting Supervisor role. For eight of those years, I led teams — supporting people, mentoring them, and making sure we maintained a positive and inclusive work environment, especially for persons with disabilities, which is something I've always been passionate about. I truly loved what I did, but my career also meant long hours, constant pressure, and a routine that revolved around work.
At that time, I was living in Pampanga while my job was based in Manila, which meant spending 2–3 hours traveling each way, every day. When I got pregnant, everything shifted. I knew I wanted — and needed — to be a present mom. The long commute and demanding schedule were no longer things I could just push through. That was when I started searching and praying for a work-from-home opportunity that would allow me to still grow professionally while being there for my child.
Then NightOwl came into my life. Honestly, it felt less like I found it, and more like it found me. I still remember when I first talked to Cyndi about the available position, how the client was so eager to have me on board, and how I got butterflies just talking about it. Something about the opportunity felt aligned, and despite the usual fears that come with starting something new, I decided to say yes.
Today, my role as a Loan Manager and Executive Assistant allows me to stay organized, support operations, and help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. It's work I enjoy because it still taps into my strengths — being detail-oriented, proactive, and dependable — while giving me the flexibility I didn't have before.
"Joining NightOwl helped me finally create a life where I don't have to choose between being a good mom and having a meaningful career."
Since joining NightOwl, the biggest change has been in my daily life. I now get to spend meaningful time with my son, which is something I didn't think would be possible before. I have a boss who is supportive, a work environment that's calm and positive, and the space to focus not just on work, but also on myself.
Of course, the transition wasn't without challenges. Shifting from a structured corporate setting to a work-from-home setup required adjustment — learning new systems, managing time differently, and trusting myself more. But those challenges also helped me grow.
Success for me now looks very different. Before, it was about titles, long hours, and career milestones. Now, success means having balance, being present for my family, and building a life that feels sustainable and aligned with my priorities. What I'm most proud of is becoming someone who chooses both career and motherhood without sacrificing one for the other.
And I'm still growing — but this time, I'm growing in a way that truly feels right for me.
