“Throw kindness around like confetti”
Before joining Uvocorp, I had worked as a Network Support Engineer. The job was fun since I loved learning the various aspects of telecommunications. The pay was not the best, but the learning experience was definitely worth it. Before that, I was doing sales and marketing for another company, which I realized was not my passion.
I use a combination of methods to help reduce my burnout. Each morning I check the amount of work I have and allocate timelines to complete it. If new work comes in during the day, I move things around my daily planner to accommodate the new task. I take breaks during the day to distract myself and get off my devices. I cycle every evening for a 22 km stretch. Working out helps clear my mind.
I engage in my hobbies as often as possible, especially over the weekends or late nights. Most late nights I bake or cook something extra nice, like lasagna. Over the weekends I improve my photography skills as I explore new creative processes of creating better photos.
I love trying different cake and pastry recipes from cinnamon rolls, bread, cake, muffins, etc. My favorite dish is fish, which I have thrice a week. For my other meals, I usually have minced meat, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower paired with a small starch portion. I also try making foods from different parts of the world; like recently, I tried Seafood paella. I mostly use CookPad and Tasty, they are applications available on PlayStore. I rarely use YouTube tutorials to cook.
I have always been passionate about writing, I used to write a blog, but I was not aware of the possibility of delving into academic writing until a few years ago when someone made a suggestion that I try it after reading some of my work.
In my bucket list of things to achieve, I have “write a book or two” in bold and pending to be done. I think at some point I was meant to be a writer. I was not aware that someone could get paid really well for research, and I feel that this workplace has helped me grow and is driving me closer towards writing my first book.
My ideal work environment is where I am flexible, working with minimal supervision, and pays well for the amount of work put in. Working from home is ideal for me since I do not have to commute. My ideal job is the one which gives me the flexibility to choose to work within deadlines that are suitable for me, that I am not forced to work on weekends or public holidays, and that I can make a sandwich in between work and not have anyone shout at me for not being on my desk 🙂
My very first order was about network operations reporting, a field that I was experienced in and had been working in previously. I remember the order was so easy to do but I re-checked it almost six times just to make sure it was perfect. Having that one approved was such a sigh of relief, and over time the tension subsided because I felt that I was doing well on the job. The feedback from the mentor as I progressed was uplifting and I felt very motivated with work.
I know I have done a good job because I am confident that in all my work, I always give it my best. Secondly, customer feedback and appreciation. Third, feedback from my mentor and support about the task. I track my progress by checking on my rating for each month, checking the customer feedback on orders, and a self-reflection of how I feel about myself with the work done.
My #1 piece of advice for people who want to start working in academic writing? I would say…learn to be open to new opportunities outside your comfort zone, learn how to manage the time, and take breaks from work since academic writing can be very involving.
From all the places in the world, I’d love to visit France and Italy (for the food and the arts) and Germany (for the Autobahn Highway). I love speed. Did you know there is no speed limit on the Autobahn?
I think a really important issue right now that is not being talked about as much as it should be is global warming and pollution. I think people need to take better care of the environment they live in. There’s so much waste by companies being dumped into rivers and the air, and it affects animal life and other people.
One of my greatest contributions has been being affiliated with a Children’s home where with the group that I’m with, we make contributions to teach the kids on weekends and we also purchase supplies for their sustenance. Additionally, I’ve helped in a tree planting event where a local member of Parliament gave 10,000 trees to be planted, and I bought 500 extra seedlings for the project.
