The Heart Wants What It Wants: How JC Defied the Odds to Pursue a Career Shift

I always knew that Human Resources was my true calling. My initial plan after graduating was to pursue this industry. However, after countless rejections from my HR job applications and months of being unemployed, I decided to pursue a different field instead.  

For years, I was in the path of General Administration and Customer Support to stay afloat and employed. And in between those years, I still tried to apply in HR roles but somehow, I still couldn’t pass. It led to a point when I couldn’t maintain a role for more than 2 years. Fortunately, I did receive numerous achievements, and I did learn a lot from it. But despite excelling in my role, my heart wasn’t fully in it, and I wasn’t 100% driven.

Until I woke up one day on May 2023, I had a realization, “If not now, kailan? Sumugal ka hangga’t kaya mo pa. Tapangan mo lang ang sarili mo and break that shell!” So, I applied for a Talent Acquisition role of P&A Grant Thornton and that’s where my dreams finally turned into reality. I couldn’t forget the feeling when they told me I was hired! I’ve finally reached my passion after so many times that I tried again and failed.

I made sure to be thankful for this opportunity and I did my best in every task. With every encounter and engagement, I’m always truly fulfilled with my role as HR. What’s more fulfilling was that I was able to hire multiple topnotchers. I remember the time when this certain topnotcher onboarded, he said “Sa mga nag-interview po sa amin, kayo po yung kakaiba sa kanila. You’ve spoken to us like we’re friends and you’ve given us information with transparency. You’ve made me feel that your company is a really great place to work with. Dahil po sa inyo, naniwala po ako na maggo-grow po ako dito.”

What made me passionate and positive in my job lies within my heart.  I am proud to say that I love my job, and I care about our stakeholders. I am forever thankful to P&A Grant Thornton – People & Culture Group for trusting me and giving me this opportunity. Mahirap ang trabaho, at wala namang madaling trabaho. But at the end of the day, nagiging magaan ang trabaho kasi I know the value of my work. And from knowing my value comes my dedication, concern, and love for it. I owe it to P&A Grant Thornton for trusting and believing in me to be fit as HR personnel.

Considering a career shift could be scary. It takes a strong heart to brave the uncertainty. But once you’re there and you are 100% sure you can proudly say you’ve found the workplace you truly belong to, you will be forever grateful you took that one little step towards change. Reflecting back, I realized that my previous jobs taught me the necessary skills that I need to adapt and be ready for my new role.  What occurred as a rejection became a redirection and a chance for innovation.