Princellaine Alibangbang

“There’s no losing to writing. As you write, you do two things-learning and influencing.”

Perhaps you’ll agree when I say that facing change can be life’s most challenging part. There comes doubt (Will I make it?), uncertainties (What’s waiting for me?), and hesitation (Should I really go for it?). All because we don’t know what will happen and we will never know unless already situated.

At fresh 20, I graduated from college. I applied for content creation jobs since I really love generating details and concepts. I’m also fond of writing. Who would not love the idea of touching people’s lives? Writing not only enables us to learn; it also allows us to reach and influence people.

It didn’t take long before I got my first full-time job as a writer for a startup company. Though excited, I was nervous as well. Nearing my first two weeks, I already got an article approved. It was followed by four more before I had my first rejected piece. I literally cried, not for the reason that it was denied but for the fact that I wasn’t able to meet my own expectation. Good thing, my previous colleagues and employer kept reminding me that it’s completely normal.

Just in time after New Year 2018 celebration and just when I thought everything is going smoothly, our employer suddenly announced a company shutdown. I’m gonna lie if I say it didn’t break me. I wondered then: Of all the reasons to lose a job, why does it have to be like that? And why with my first full-time job? However, I came to thinking: If the event frustrated me, how much more could be the frustration of my employer? Whereas we lose our jobs, he lost the whole company. Apart from that, I was also worried about my co-workers, especially to those who only depended on that job. They already and will always hold dear to my heart.

Right away, I focused on the part-time job I had since I was studying. While looking for my next full-time job, I also accepted a few freelance gigs from the people I’ve known in the industry. Throughout the process, I was ecstatic to recognize the people who believed in my little experience. I was also thankful to have my family, relatives, and friends supporting me along the way.

Though I’m becoming comfortable with the situation, I missed an office setup and having people to call ‘workmates.’ And so, I decided to try working full time again when an offer came, followed by another one from Carl Ocab. I chose the latter since I can sense further learning from the company. Way back during my application, I was told that in order to qualify for the position, I needed to have knowledge in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Through researches and some help from my friends (thanks to them), I’ve learned the basics of SEO, aside from the On-Page which I’m practicing for months now.

I still can’t say that I’m well-versed with this type of job. However, I know there’s so much more I can learn from time to time. If the idea of learning something already excites me, how happier could I be on getting good at it?

Princellaine Alibangbang
SEO Manager – Carl Ocab Digital Marketing