I want to be independent at the age of 16. I stopped studying in college because of financial problems. During those times I just want to work. I want to earn money to help my parents.
Politicians are running for a position in our area. My cousin invited me to join them to earn some money. We went to different places in Pampanga for the campaign. We were doing some intermission dance before the candidate spoke in front of the people. We earn 350php per day with free food and transportation. We didn't stay in so we just went home.
One of my friends there or my sister called me to ask if I wanted to work in manila. I didn't hesitate and agreed immediately. She has a brother who is looking for a worker. They stay in free food, accommodation, and water. Only personal items will be bought.
I asked my parent's permission. I was allowed because they trusted me. I never thought about what chance I would get there and I'm not that familiar with manila yet. Just courage and determination because I want to be independent.
My friend's brother came to pick me up. We arrived in manila before sunrise. He first took me to the men's quarters to give me a locker and fix things. The HR department called me to report. A hotel and restaurant visor hires me as a waiter. The supervisor of the factory did not agree because I was supposed to be assigned as a delivery boy.
The next day I started my work. 5 days of my duty as a delivery boy. I couldn't stand it, because 2 am should be awake. Then you can go home at 8 PM. Lack of rest and I haven't been able to adjust much of that setup. So I talked to the visor factory to move me. Fortunately, the visor of the printing dept needed a helper at the printing machine and I was put there. I didn't know that the brother of my friend who came to me was also assigned there.
At first, I couldn’t stand the smell of the chemical inside the printing department. So I put on a mask. I was taught the basics of what a machine helper does. I learned easily because somehow I am a fast learner. I was introduced to a printing visor and I was assigned as a fountain solution monitor on each machine. I feel like a chemist there. It's also easy for me like that because somehow I studied even though I was just an undergraduate in college.
That's how I work every day. I'm not satisfied with just that. I want to increase my knowledge so I explore when I’m done with my work. I help with machine tasks. Arranges papers and piles in the feeder area. Cleaning plates cylinder, blanket cylinder, and impression cylinder.
When someone sets plates and blankets, I look at them so that I can somehow come up with an idea. I also ask how that is done and what buttons need to be pressed to operate a machine.
It's been almost a year since I was transferred to the machine to become a jr. operator. But before I was transferred, I first trained someone to replace me. I have been operating for the past few months. When they needed a storekeeper, they immediately put me in. I would have been promoted as an Offset Machine Operator not only because I was transferred as a storekeeper. But because I did not refuse their offer. I was still promoted.
That's it and that's how it became my daily routine. Check stock, release raw materials to be used in machines. Then I will operate the machine. The only thing that is rating and will call you just so they can request additional equipment for their machine. So sometimes when we don't have a visor, I just give them the key to get the materials they need. I will know what will be deducted from the stocks. My schedule is alternate. 1month knightship 1-month morning shift.
One day unexpectedly, there was a fire in the stock room. The fire was quickly extinguished. They found out where the fire came from. They found out on the livewire that it came from. I didn't know that there was a wire attached to where I put the flammable raw materials. I was called to the HR department for a 24hrs explanation.
But I know that even if I explain, there is nothing left. I ended my contract at that time so I just accepted what their decision would be. After 2 days, I was called again to file a finished contract. It's okay to me because someone is waiting for me to work near my landlord.
It's the same as my previous job in the printing press. So I'll just make a little adjustment.
That's all for now. Until the next article Thanks for reading.
Also thanks to the image that I used in this article.
Unplash.com
