Dear Nanay,
I’m a fan of your column in STAR. I must say that your answers are full of wisdom and you are really helpful to people asking those questions and also to the ones experiencing the same dilemma.
I myself need help. I am hearing-impaired. It’s a mystery how I even reached senior year in a university for normal students. I don’t know sign language. Usually, I just read lips and when I really don’t understand them and they’re patient with me, they write on paper what they need to say. I want to work. I already tried working online years ago, where I was a writer for some websites. Now, I want real work in which I can use my BS Accountancy degree. I have submitted my resume to some companies looking for encoders as a start because I do type fast and I just want experience. In the cover letter, I talked about my hearing problem. I didn’t receive any reply. Some of my classmates now are already working part-time. Aside from the need of money and experience, I want to prove to myself that I can do it too. I have to be honest that I’m anxious of the prospect of getting an interview for the job. How can I make this happen? Many normal people are not patient with the likes of me.
What should I do? Or maybe the better question is, do you know any company that accepts hearing-impaired people? Thank you so much. — Quinn
Dear Quinn,
First of all, congratulations on everything you have been able to accomplish. Finishing college is already an accomplishment by itself. Being able to do so with a handicap is an even bigger accomplishment. Again, congratulations.
Just like finishing college, unfortunately, finding a job these days seems to be getting harder. And getting one for a person with a handicap will likely prove to be more difficult.
My advice to you is the same I give to everyone looking for a job. First of all, do not be too picky. For example, in your case, if you have an online job already, keep it! Trabaho pa rin iyan! (It’s still work!) I know that it may not be the ideal job for you. But it is a job and it will look good on your resume.
Second, do not give up. Keep applying and keep trying. So many people send out maybe five or 10 letters and get discouraged when they do not get a positive response. Then they give up. How will you find a job if you give up after just a few tries? You have to stay with it and keep trying. Follow up on every lead you can find from friends, families or other associates. Don’t give up!
And lastly, someone who was in a similar situation as you asked me before if he should put his handicap in his application or if he should keep it and just let them know during the interview. I have always believed that when you apply for a job, you should be truthful and upfront about everything — good or bad. It not only shows your potential employer that you have integrity and honesty, pero sa totoo lang, magkakaalaman din naman. So why keep it a secret and postpone the inevitable?
Good luck and don’t give up!
Sincerely,
Nanay
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Choosing between Mr. Nice and Mr. Right
Dear Nanay,
I want to reply to your letter sender who wants to choose between Mr. Nice and Mr. Right. Take it from my personal experience. It is not an easy to choice to make. There is not easy way to do it, but you have to do it! Otherwise, you will just end up confused and not get anywhere. So just choose one and forget the other guy. You cannot have your cake and eat it too forever!
The problem, of course, is how to choose. Everyone will have their own way of choosing. When I had the problem, honestly I could not decide so basically I flipped a coin. Good thing at least it worked for me and I have been happily married for seven years. I think the key is for you to not look back at what you are missing and instead you have to look forward to what you have. The glass is half full and not half empty. — Marie
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If you have a question, email us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.