250k (Gross) after taking a big pay cut 2 years ago
Hi All,
Just want to share my journey for those who are still starting their careers, especially in the BPO industry. I have graduated from a Big 4 University year 2015 - this has been my journey:
2015 to 2017 - BPO agent in Convergys, eventually acquired by a different company during my long stay. A lot of family and friends raised their eyebrows, I was just doing it to get skills that I needed. Also, I am privileged in a way that I don’t have to give money to my family. (Salary package 20k, up to 60k with incentives)
2018 - Got promoted as a seasonal trainer with same salary and lost possible incentives
2018 - Got promoted as an associate trainer on the same year (Basic Salary 30k + 12k in allowances)
2019 - Got promoted as a Senior Trainer (Basic Salary 45k + 12k in allowances)
2020 - Got promoted as a Sr. Supervisor of Training (Basic Salary 65k + 8k in allowances)
2022 - Got promoted as Training Manager (Basic Salary 80k + 8k in allowances)
2023 - Got promoted as Sr. Training Manager handling multiple sites (Basic Salary 120k + 8k in allowances, plus over 50k in quarterly incentives)
I was handling different segments of the Telecommunications LOB across multiple sites and programs. I kept on saying yes and my peers kept on leaving due to the cutthroat environment. Unfortunately, I too, was burned out and left after I got my 13th month pay in that same year, 2023. During my career climb, I was handling small businesses on the side and the pandemic was brutal to kill some of it, that also took a toll on my mental health.
After 4 months of break, a local Telecommunications company hired me for the same title but with less money. Had to say yes because my bills are piling up and I have very expensive hobbies (Video Games).
2024 - Sr. Training Manager at a local company (90k gross income as a package).
2025 - Director role, not in the training area anymore. (170k gross income as package)
2026 - Got head-hunted by the competitor for a Sr. Director role, (250k gross income as package)
Right now I am at a comfortable spot where I don’t want to aim for promotions. I don’t want to make the same mistake as last time. I have peace of mind and I have enough free time for my family, my small businesses, and myself.
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How I got here:
Educate yourself. In this digital age, ignorance is a choice. Certifications can happen virtually. I have invested a lot of time and money in getting new skills. Learn something new every day, even if it’s not applicable in your line of work at the moment. Learn skills that are not replaceable by AI yet. Every time I got promoted, I studied and practiced the next role already. This is how I got promoted fast.
Accept that politics will always be a thing. I am very introverted. Applying as a trainer almost 10 years ago scared the shit out of me. Get good mentors and mentor other people - that’s the easiest way to build a network. Manage perception not just for yourself but for your whole team, whether you’re a manager or a team member. This landed me the job offer when I was unemployed.
Do not overreact. People will disagree with you and correct you - sometimes it’s not done in a nice way. There will always be conflict and friction, especially if you are the youngest in the boardroom. Being calm under pressure is a skill, address the matters like a pro. Learn the art of de-escalation. Accept the feedback if the point is valid, get other opinions politely if needed. Learn to communicate better across different ages and backgrounds. This is how I got respect.
Get a life outside work and don’t burn yourself out. This is how I failed.
Solve problems. I barely raise problems without solutions or recommendations. Explore options, be fast and be creative. I’m the one that they call when something is on fire. This is how I got experience.
Have a little bit of arrogance. Be humble enough to know you are replaceable but confident enough to know you are one of a kind. This is how I pushed through.
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What I would have done differently:
- I would have slowed down on the promotions in my earlier years
OR
- I would have hopped companies earlier. Honestly - there’s no point in staying in a company for decades anymore. It’s not as rewarding as it used to be (compared to the experiences of previous generations).
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What I will be doing:
Still learn more skills
Still network with a lot of people
Despite not wanting a promotion, I am still open to having one whether in the same company or another. I will always be passively looking for another job from now on.
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This post was longer than I expected it to be. Thanks if you’ve read all the way through.