Category: Uncategorized

The Practice Interview

One of my favourite interviews was for a job I didn’t even want.

I knew Company A from my childhood- they were a BPO that my mother worked at when I was a kid. I used to visit their offices every Saturday and my aunt- who also worked there- would leave snacks for me. My mother warned me against interviewing- being a former employee she was very aware of what their workloads were like- but I was curious about the role since it combined two Marketing roles (Red flag).

From the second I walked in, I knew I had no intention of taking the job but it made me so happy to be back in a BPO discussing the industry. I FELT SEEN!

About half an hour into the interview, we realised that the job wasn’t a fit but we still spent another half an hour chatting. I had forgotten how familiar and comfortable the BPO environment was to me. I may not have had snacks or a desk to myself (though they did offer me tea, coffee or something stronger) but it made me happy.

Ironically, I had left a BPO about 6 months prior because I wanted to experience another industry but being back in that environment was strangely comforting.

Leaving that interview, I couldn’t help but smile. While the job wasn’t a fit, the experience reminded me of how much I value environments where I feel seen and connected. Sometimes, revisiting old chapters of our lives can offer clarity about what truly matters to us.

Though I left the BPO world for a reason, this encounter reignited my appreciation for the industry and the sense of belonging it once gave me. It’s funny how life works—sometimes, the moments that don’t lead to a “yes” are the ones that remind us of who we are and where we’ve been.

Here’s to staying curious and open to the unexpected paths that shape our journeys.

How to Use a Starter Job to Your Advantage

There you are all bright and shiny and ready to make your mark on the working world! But then you land your first job and it’s nothing like you imagined. Or maybe you had to settle for the first opportunity that came you way (I’ve been there). No matter how awful your first job may seem to you. Here are a few tips on making the most of it:

1. Be Open to Learning Everything

You might not be interested in your first role but you’d be surprised by what you can learn from a starter job. I started off as a data capturer which helped me build speed on the PC for my first corporate role.

2. What are the Benefits?

Company culture? Office snacks? Learning opportunities? Figure out what the positives are and use them to your advantage. A starter job might not be what you want or in the field you want but this is a great opportunity to start to build your network.

3. Try Out a Side Project in Your Field

For me this was running a blog. Try to get experience in your field by either doing volunteer work (if and when you can) or ask if your job has something extra that you can assist with. My first steps into Marketing was assisting with Customer queries on Social Media. It was an interesting way to use my fast typing skills but it was such an advantage when I moved over to Marketing.

4. Take Advantage of any Training Opportunities

If there are any opportunities for further training, go for it! Developing your skills is a great way to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. In my starter job, Business Admin courses were offered to a few employees who later moved from Data Capturing to Client Services. If your company offers to pay for training- even if it’s a small portion- consider giving it a go.

5. Note what your transferrable skills are

Hard-worker. Fast learner. Able to work well under pressure. These are skills you pick up in almost any job. What specific skill in your starter job are you able to use in another role? Identity these and add them to your CV.

A starter job might not be the job you initially wanted but making the most of it will serve your career well in the long-run.

Sunrise to Sunset: A Perfect Day in Umhlanga for Food Lovers

Umhlanga is one of my favourite spots to unwind. From the seaviews to the seafood, no matter your mood, Umhlanga has something for you. Here’s my itinerary for a perfect day in Umhlanga:

Kick Off Your Morning with Breakfast at Mary & Joe

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at Mary & Joe, a local favourite known for its fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options. Whether you prefer a classic eggs benedict or a stack of fluffy pancakes, this spot will fuel you for the day ahead.

Mid-Morning Beach Stroll with an Iced Drink

Take a scenic walk along the Umhlanga Promenade, breathing in the fresh ocean air. Stop by a beachfront café to grab an iced drink- think iced lattes or tropical smoothies- and enjoy the views. This is also the perfect time to take a quick dip if the waves are calling!

There’s just something about the Umhlanga beach that melts away worries of the world.

Experience the Variety at The Village for Lunch

Have your pick with lunch at the village. You could choose to walk around and see what grabs your attention but some of my favourites are:

  • Ocean Basket: Like the name says, Ocean Basket has everything from fish and chips to sushi platters.
  • Steak & Ale: If you’re in the mood for a juicy burger or a hearty steak, this pub-style eatery won’t disappoint. They also have amazing customer service which really won me over.
  • El Patron: El Patron offers a variety of meals at great prices. They have pizza, burgers and even pastas.

Treat Yo Self at Ocean Mall

Ocean Mall is a huge mall that you could explore or simply just treat yourself to something sweet. Some great options for those who love sugary treats are Romano’s Ice Cream which offers gelato in a variety of flavours. You could also visit Hey Sweetie and indulge in both local and imported snacks.

Unwind with Cocktails and a View

You could head to the Pearls Mall (which has a fantastic view of the beach) for drinks or if you’re okay with a bit of a splurge, visit the Oyster Box hotel and go to the Lighthouse Bar. This classy setting is perfect for cocktails while you watch the sun set.

Dine Like a King

To wrap up your day, you can have dinner at any of the many options in the village but my recommendations are:

  • Butcher Block: While Butcher Block is known for expertly grilled steaks, I’ve tried their hake and chicken schnitzel and am a fan of both. Basically, it doesn’t look like Butcher Block goes wrong with anything.
  • Little Havana: A stylish bistro offering Cuban-inspired dishes with a South African twist. Their chimichurri steak or peri-peri prawns will leave you wanting more.

Whether you prefer casual cafés, fine dining, or beachfront treats, Umhlanga offers a foodie adventure at every turn. This is the kind of place where every bite becomes a memory and every meal feels like a celebration.

Looking Back at Being the Oddball

Most days I cannot believe my job. I cannot believe I work in Marketing. I cannot believe writing is considered something you can do as a job. I cannot believe that I am listened to because I have a “voice” and “a story to tell”. It amazes me that I work in an environment where some days I am setting up goodie bags for staff and other days I am drinking vodka at a fancy bar. It is just bizarre. It also amazes me that I didn’t have to change myself for my lifestyle. I was just me and I fell into this amazing life. I found this post that I wrote many years ago, complaining about people judging other people’s life decisions.

I haven’t forgot how I had to fight for my job for years. I had to fight to write. It was considered a waste of time. I had to fight with family who thought I was wasting my life by taking a call center job (i.e the first place to hire me) and then staying there for years (something I did because no one else would hire me). I had to fight to study- the Marketing courses I wanted to try out were incredibly expensive but my dad was kind enough to lend me the money. I paid him back as soon as I could.

But even with all out that, I took my oddball ways and made it a part of a career I love. And that is something that I do not take for granted.

7 Red Flags to Watch For in a Manager

Just as there are many different types of managers and management styles, there are also so many different signs of a toxic manager. It can be tough because while micromanagement is talked about most often, bad management exists beyond that. Here are 7 red flags that might have you reconsidering your manager.

1. Talks about Others Behind Their Back:

No decent manager should be discussing their staff with other staff members. EVER! It’s unprofessional. Whenever a manager has an issue with an employee, it should be discussed with that specific employee only and not a third party.

2. Refuses to listen to feedback

Not matter how minor the feedback is, if your manager refuses to listen to anything besides their own opinion, that’s a sign to be cautious. I worked for someone who wanted to have a say in every little thing. I didn’t think of it as an issue until I reminded them once of something they said once and changed their mind on last-minute and they refused to accept responsibility for it.

3. Favouritism

If you notice that your manager is the type to play favourites, watch out. This can work out badly for employees whether or not they’re the favourite. The favourite is a difficult position to be in and so is the extreme opposite- the one who the manager absolutely cannot stand.

4. Poor Communication Skills

Does your manager speak exclusively in buzzwords? Is your manager able to explain things in a clear and concise manner? Smart people speak simply. Incompetent people tend to prefer to use buzzwords or big words to make themselves sound smarter than they really are.

5. Allergic to Growth of Any Kind

One of the ways I like to assess a manager is their reaction when I say that I am learning something new. Some managers are perplexed when I study something that isn’t related to my work. Some are excited and some are just against it (even if this studying doesn’t happen during working hours). It’s those who are against any kind of learning that worry me. (And so far this little test hasn’t steered me wrong).

6. Micromanagement

This is one that we all know about. If your manager has trouble giving up control and needs to know every little detail of every task you’re working on, this is a red flag. Some micromanagers can be managed by you keeping them in the loop and eventually earning their trust. Some micromanagers just get worse with time.

7. Not Managing at All

This is a type of red flag that I don’t see discussed often enough. While macromanagement (hands off management) is a management technique, when taken too far, this has negative consequences such as deadlines not being met, lack of clarity on goals and just general disorganisation and chaos.

What other red flags have you encountered? How do you track if a manager might be a problem? Let me know below.

5 Hobbies that Heal My Inner Child

I saw something online that said as an adult you’re responsible for taking care of both the adult version of yourself and the child version. I absolutely agree. Childhood trauma tends to have lasting impact and as an adult, it then falls to you to heal it.

Here are 5 very random hobbies that I indulge in to heal my inner child.

1. Visiting the toy store

This was a result of the Barbie movie. I visited a toy store and realised that as an adult, I could buy anything I wanted. Sure most of the things I didn’t buy because the prices were ridiculous. But it felt kinda empowering to be walking around a toy store with my overpriced iced coffee knowing that I could buy myself anything I wanted. Except for those R1 000 dolls. I could never.

2. Going out for ice cream

Something about ice cream makes me so happy. It’s something so small and so simple but it brings me so much joy. My favourite ice cream spot is near the beach so I can buy a cone and watch the ocean. What could be better?

3. Playing videogames

This is something that I very recently discovered I enjoy. I bought myself a Nintendo Switch last year and it’s one of my favourite tech items. It’s so fun to disconnect from work with a cute little no pressure game.

4. Colouring

I’ve always loved colouring and it’s always been my way to destress from work. However I recently found a pack of markers from Typo and it’s upped the fun so much more. I can’t explain it. Get some markers and a colouring book (make sure the colour won’t seep through the pages) and try it out yourself.

5. Going to the movies

Another classic for me but I recently fell back into this habit because of my former workplace giving movie tickets whenever we donated blood. (I still think that’s how I got anemic but anyway, I loved the idea of “free movies”). Going to the movies was a big deal for me as a kid and even as an adult, the movies evoke the same excitement in me.

What are some hobbies that heal YOUR inner child? I’d love to know below.

Things to Know Before Making a Transition to Start-Up

So you got an amazing job offer. At a start-up. No biggie. After all, a start-up is just a company that is just beginning to grow, right? Here are a few things to consider before transitioning to that start-up.

Job Security

Firstly, what is the job security like? Start-ups are noted for randomly closing. However this isn’t always the case. Of course if you’re leaving a stable job or if you’re a new graduate you want that assurance that your job is safe. Do your research on the company and the industry beforehand to get an idea of how secure your job is.

Are Your Values Aligned?

As someone who had grown distant from my former company because of misaligned values, this one was a biggie for me. Start-ups are full of chaos. This is made up for when you and the company have the same or similiar values. This also helps get you through the 3AM work (see below).

Little to No Structure

Start-ups lack the formal processes that an established company has. You might hate or love this depending on the type of person you are. Of course you can be the person to bring in the structure and processes but that depends on how willing everyone else around you is to change.

Weird Work Hours

Start-ups can sometimes be go-go-go ALL THE TIME. This is my favourite part because I tend to be widely awake in the middle of the night so I’m fine to work then but this does take its toll on you if you have a family.

Anything Under the Sun is Possible

Whereas a corporate role would have red tape or you’re limited in your specific department, in a start-up you could do anything and most likely will be doing more than a few things. In my role as a Content Writer in a start-up, I wrote content, edited content, wrote copy and even weighed in on a few internal branding and Customer Care scenarios because of my corporate background.

Would you ever consider working for a start-up? Have you ever worked for a start-up? What are your thoughts? Let me know below.

On Rage-Applying for All the Jobs

Ah yes, rage-applying. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the year 20xy (I am not specifying the year because I am very public with my life and you can easily investigate where I worked) and I had an absolutely horrible team leader.

She was incompetent. She was rude. She shouted at the staff and made them cry. But the head of the department had chosen her for the role of team leader (despite her lack of experience) and now she was my problem.

My former manager- the team leader’s direct manager- noticed a change in me and asked me about it. I explained to her what was going on. She was sympathetic…to a point. And then she told me that my team leader was my team leader and my options were either to support her or leave.

I was still relatively young in my career so the first thing I did was cry. I couldn’t believe that it was okay that our team leader was an awful human simply because she had the right connections. EVERYONE could see her making the staff cry and no one cared? She wasn’t even good at her job!

But nonetheless, I knew what I had to do. I had to get out. There was clearly no place for me in this department.

Desperate and full of hurt and anger, I started applying to every job that came my way. And that was when my life changed.

I was called for Marketing roles, Copywriter roles, Recruitment roles and even a really memorable Teaching Administrator role (it was clear that the guy had no intention of hiring me but their campus looked amazing). It was a major confidence boost. Although I wasn’t getting the jobs, I loved that so many amazing companies considered me. It was then that I began to think about what I called “My Exit Plan”.

I had always loved the idea of working in Marketing. Marketing was the only subject that made me feel the same way I felt for writing.

So I decided to try a Marketing short course to see if that spark was still there. It was.

And that was how I found my way into Marketing. Kinda. Well it’s a bit more than that but rage-applying was the first step.

So if you feel like you need to rage-apply for all the jobs. Go for it. You never know where you might end up.

2023 Life Update: You Can’t Spell Iron Without I

Was it only 5 months ago that I did one of these posts and mentioned how burnt out I was? (Yes, yes it was). Well quick recap for the new year.

Eventually I got a new job that was better aligned to my long-term career goals (boy does that sentence sound stuffy. Nothing in my entire life prepared me for having to explain my new role as a content writer. Which is why I still haven’t explained it to many people. I just pretend like nothing has happened. If you know me personally and you’ve read this post, please keep it to yourself).

Anyway, I was two days into my new job when I realized that I might be part of the problem. I had trouble taking breaks and disconnecting from work. I had automatically assumed that with a new job I would have better balance. And I did. I just didn’t know how to handle it. The role was remote so why shouldn’t I be available 24/7?

About two weeks into the new job, I realized I didn’t feel too good. I was still tired all the time, my chest hurt and I had trouble breathing. I passed this off as anxiety. Eventually my dad caught a cold and by then I thought maybe I had covid.

Fast forward to 27th December-aka the public holiday our President so kindly granted us- and I had a weird pins and needle sensation in my feet that wouldn’t go away. I didn’t know how to describe it but I knew it felt wrong. Desperate for help, I begged my parents to take me to the emergency room. I say “begged” because I could tell my mother didn’t think this was a big enough issue (I mean 3 ear infections in one year and I get why she didn’t believe me but it still hurt).

We went to the ER and two hours later I had my answer. I was anemic. I cannot explain to you the level of disappointment I had (and still have) in my body.

It’s been two weeks and I finally feel a little more normal. My GP says my iron levels are not low enough for me to be suffering with light-headedness, fatigue and tingly feet. However today is my first normal day in a long while and I have been consuming tons of iron (far more than I should have).

All this is to say I am not so sure what burnout is anymore. The first time I thought I was burnt out, I had covid. The second time, I’m thinking was the anemia.

How am I actually going to know when burnout really hits?

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