For several years, I was part of the dynamic and oftentimes stressful (LOL!) world of BPO. Most of my working years were spent in the call center industry and over these years, I worked my way up from being a carefree agent to a team leader. I was definitely happy about my professional life: financial rewards, perks of being a leader, friends at work, and all that jazz.
However, I came to a turning point where I had to leave them all behind. My daughter's nanny left and I just couldn't ask my oldies or my in-laws to take care of her, as they have already done that in the last three years. Plus, of course, they're too old to be taking care of a ball of energy and a chatterbox rolled into one.
It was a realization, too, that over the past five years, I haven't really been a MOM to my child. Yes, I could buy her stuff she'd need and even her whims. But, have I really been a MOTHER to her? Have I been there when and where she needed me? In this day and age that most parents work and leave their kids to nannies or grandparents, my daughter was not an exception. My heart sank, and I burst into tears while I was on my way to work.
That was when I had to make a tough (if not the toughest I've made in years) decision of quitting my job. Yup. I sure did. I told my Operations Manager and our Director knew about it too. I was so sad to leave, but I knew it was a decision that I would never ever regret.
The Emancipation of Mellanie
Oh, yeah. So, I took a terminal leave (Gotta use up those unused VL credits, you know!) before my resignation's effectivity date. And God, those days were definitely the best! I had a lot of time for myself, my daughter, my husband, of course (love, love, love!), other family members and friends. We had a whale of a time! I so felt like a normal human--- stress at bay!
Reality kicks in. . .
It can't be a holiday everyday. After those seemingly endless days of domestic bliss, I had to face reality: I had to start looking for a source of income. The fact that we don't have a nanny anymore, I needed a job that would allow me to earn while still doing my mom and wife duties. Sounds challenging, doesn't it? Well, as a matter of fact, IT IS.
That's when I began researching ( OK, I know I should have done more of this earlier on.). I came across online ESL teaching. Then, I saw a number of companies offering such jobs: teaching English as a second language. We, Filipinos, are not native speakers of the language, either. But we surely can write and speak the language. It's because we easily learn it in school and our daily encounters. To teach it though? I wasn't sure. I wasn't certain if it's something I could pull off, especially that these online ESL teaching companies cater to Japanese, Chinese and Korean (just to name the most common) clients.
I gathered the most information I could about this field, and happened to read a helpful blog about it. The guy (I'm not yet sure if I can mention his name.) narrated how he got into Bizmates, some of the pros and cons and a lot of information about the hiring process.
He was so accommodating, and after getting more information from him and Bizmates' website, I was sold! So, how did I start my journey?
As soon as I have decided to give it a shot, I checked out the FAQs on their website: https://www.bizmates.ph/.
I got just about what I needed to know! I hit that apply button and I am now on my road to online ESL teaching at Bizmates.
At this point, I must admit that it still can't give me my salary at my previous job (not just yet, but I'm optimistic!). I'm a work in progress, give me a break! But the free time for my family, being always there for them and simply the happiness that being at home brings--- all of these are PRICELESS. I won't trade them with anything in this world, I tell you.
Not because it works for someone means it'll work for you too. That's true. Let me just help you decide though and who knows? You might be a Bizmates trainer soon! :)
Before taking the leap, let me share some information that might help you decide if this is for you:
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
As it says on their website: Open when you can work. Close when you can't. I only have to be available for 10 hours a week. This is convenient for moms like me who have to still look after their children.
GREAT PAY
Like I said, I still cannot rely on it as a primary source of income yet. But P140/hour rate is definitely awesome. You won't find an ESL company offering a rate higher than that! Besides, that's only the starting rate. Bizmates provide increases depending on your performance and number of lessons taught. And of course, your payout will depend on the number of your teaching hours.
PROFESSIONAL HIRING PROCESS
Teaching Business English is not to be taken lightly. Understandably, Bizmates has a meticulous screening process for trainers. My experience was both challenging and stimulating, but not intimidating.
First thing you have to do is to accomplish the online application form. After submitting the form, you just have to wait for their email confirmation within 24-72 hours.
Then you'll have to take a short, written grammar test. The instructions will be provided in an email too.
Upon passing the test, you'll be starting a round of interview and demos (which may include training). Trust me, take in everything you can from your mentors (they will be assigned upon passing the interview phase). Based on my experience, they are very helpful. :)
And... (drum roll) You can now teach after passing the final demo! Yey!
If you think this is for you, DO IT. For crying out loud, DO IT! And if you feel this blog helped or inspired you to apply in Bizmates, just kindly mention my name in the referral field. :)
Personally, I have no regrets. I can be happier, yes, but not without my family by my side.
Personally, I have no regrets. I can be happier, yes, but not without my family by my side.
Whoa. Someone's cutting onions again! LOL. Seriously, enough for today. I'll post an update in the next days so I can somehow share bits of encouragement to other moms out there.
Ciao! See you soon.
Love,
Mellanie
