Happy Scents

My brother was my inspiration about reading books related to investments or business principles. He sent me pdf format of the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I have a hard copy now and bought them as a gift. The book I highly recommend because its an easy read with practical applications. He gave me investment books from my recent vacation which I need to read by the way.

He had computer shop before and suffer loss instead of gains but he learned from it. The computer shop had a good run. He was renting out apartments in Laguna now, an assistant manager of Pru-Life UK and co-owner of small (sari-sari) store together with his wife. He was recently hired as Quality Assurance Analyst because his previous project (job) has been dissolved. Talk about career and side hustles, he has it all.

He is my role model. His tenacity, grit and determination are my drive to keep going. Everything he learns through reading and experiences, he shared it with me. One of the important things my brother told me, “You have to learn that failures and rejections are temporary and fight your way out in order to succeed.”

Ways on handling Failures and Rejections (professionally and personally)

• School applications and reentry to the program. I applied in different schools for nursing program when I finished Associate in Arts in Wilbur Wright College. I wasn’t accepted in different nursing schools, but I waited. I was very ecstatic when finally I got accepted in BSN-RN (Bachelor’s Science in Nursing-Registered Nurse) program in West Suburban College now Resurrection University in Chicago, IL. I finished two semesters and OB (last clinical) but without group studies I was having so much difficulties making it on my own (exams). I failed two courses (strict standards) which prompted them to take me out of the program. My first taste of failure and damn it hurts. Years later, I moved on and got accepted in COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant). The community college only accepted 25 students because of limited faculties and low tuition fees than universities. They have to maintain the accreditation by having high standards. One semester into finishing the program (school and work full-time), my personal life intervened (my former boyfriend left me). I took a leave because I was getting sick due to extreme stress. However only one spot left when I came back next semester, but two of us applied back into the program. It wasn’t given to me but to my colleague because she applied first. I fought for my dream by talking to my professors, but their decision were final. The second most heartbreaking failure because I worked hard for my grades. It was mostly A’s and B’s. I stopped going to school after that because it was very depressing that all the hard work resulted to nothing. I continue to be a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)/ Caregiver to the elderly. I applied what I learned in nursing school and COTA as I take care of Memory Care residents (Dementia and different physical ailments). I was given a chance to do private duties to different clients because of experience and earn savings. I decided to be good at what I do, grab opportunities and see things in different perspective. School and work stress can be overwhelming triggering episodes so I decided to take on a different path.

• Job applications and interviews. I have my fair share of rejection e-mails throughout my adult life. I learned from my siblings to finish applications with resume and cover letters in a day. When you finished, rinse and repeat. Classes are offered in school and jobs to improve resume writing and interviewing skills so take advantage. Show up in business casual and present yourself professionally. Answer interview questions in the best of your ability. If you receive e-mails stating, there are so many applications and couldn’t process your application at this time. It is a “no” which means on to the next one. Overcome anxiety and nerves (very hard for me). Know that there is a job that will need your skills even if it needs a hundred applications. I got hired August of last year. I am working in the EOL (End of the Line) sorting/palletizing boxes and as a problem solver of totes, pallets and boxes (no destinations) in Amazon FC (Fullfillment Center) in Joliet, IL. I pursue my small business as well reading and acquiring knowledge through books and mentors.

• Termination of employment. I always give my two weeks’ notice and never leave the job abruptly. I am professional and its just right to let your employers and co-workers know you are leaving. You became friends with your managers and co-workers. Some co-workers are friends until now from my first job at O’Hare International Airport. There are jobs that I was forced to quit because of work related stress brought by supervisor who uses too much authority and questions every intervention you do in order to fire you. I was never fired. Conflict management, be calm and speak up when needed but decided to leave because I was being pushed to the edge. Another case was when I was a private caregiver and we (my co-workers) were accused of manipulating our clients, however; the power of attorney for health and estate couldn’t prove the allegations. I gave my resignation letter for some growth, for trying another job, for bosses that were “too much”. Learn from all the jobs you have been, good or bad. It gives you the ins and out of a business, people’s skills, the hard work it entails and the experiences to improve yourself.
  • Cashier/Barista in Starbucks
  • Home Health Aide/ Private Caregiver
  • CNA/Caregiver at Silverado Assisted Living
  • Lyft Driver
  • Cashier in RCJM Oriental Store (Food Industry)
  • Evolve Office Assistant (Therapist Staffing)

• Failed Relationships. I have two failed relationship one from betrayal and immaturity but the hardest was the second because he took my dream (COTA) with him when he left. We patched things up with my first boyfriend we understood what happened. However the second relationship was the most painful one. It was our fault that our relationship fell apart because it took two person to ruin it not just one. It was a grueling process because I became too dependent on him and revolve my world around him throughout our 5-year relationship. After the break up, it took me years to finally stand on my own and be independent. I was single for years because I want to be happy on my own not relying on someone else. I moved out into my own apartment. I party, go to clubs but with someone who knew the escape plan (lol) because I didn’t want to be in danger just for having fun. I try different jobs as well. Years later, I went into dating again and now I have a boyfriend. Hopefully things work out this time. I learned to be happy on my own anyway and no one can destroy my inner peace not even the man I choose to love.

Reminiscing was hard because it makes me vulnerable admitting I have too many mistakes, failures and rejections. I am just glad it brings me to where I am now with the help of God and family. I am work on progress working as a full-time Amazonian my 9-5 job (steady income) and side hustles as a wellness blogger and involve in health and wellness (small business). I can formulate new dreams and work on it no matter what people says. Learning from all successful businessmen, they were tested with rejections/failures but nothing stopped them to reach their dreams and they keep going. I will not change anything from my past too because it brings out the inner strength, I never knew I had. It makes me more hopeful for future because there is always rainbow after the rain.

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.- Napoleon Hill