Musings and Memories: Work and Life at EMI

Introduction:

I applied for this job way back in 1988. My grandmother accompanied me because I wasn't familiar with commuting or traveling alone. However, once Lola Mildred was assured that there were other applicants from our hometown of Noveleta, she allowed me to go with them. 

There was a massive hiring opportunity for high school and college graduates at a new factory being built by a Japanese-owned company in Imus, Cavite. The application process took almost three months because we had to return after passing our resumes, have a physical examination, apply for our passports at the DFA, and wait for the scheduled interview. Luckily, I passed the interview and will wait for our training schedule before we start working in the company. 

3 Months of  Training in Japan

Japan Training 1989

I was included in Batch 29 to be trained in Gotemba, Japan, from February to May 1989. A training-to-hiring plan of the company for trainees to develop skills in automotive wiring harness assembly and manufacturing, so we can become production operators when we return to the Philippines. During the three months, Gotemba, Susono, and Fuji gyms will serve as our Training centers. 

The complete personal blog is titled "Japan 1989."

First and Only Work: 

EDS Manufacturing Inc. (Yazaki - EMI)

After completing three months of training in Japan, we entered a six-month probationary period and became regular employees at the local factory. I was the layout operator for a year. I had to assemble the wires using a guide, laying out the wires on a moving jig board attached to a conveyor. As sub/layout operators, we must do the work precisely and accurately to avoid defects.

Then, after a year as a production operator, our Line Leader transferred me to the Inspection process. I have four years of experience as a Parts Checker, Finishing, Appearance, and Delivery Inspector. The inspection process requires us to find abnormalities in the finished product and ensure high-quality standards are met.

Production Line Quality Controller

I was promoted to Line Quality Controller, and my hard work was rewarded. I am grateful for leaders and immediate superiors who trust my abilities. It was difficult being LQC because our job assignment is to prevent defect flowouts of our product. We must possess leadership qualities, but still know how to collaborate with all the operators and inspectors. Every job has its challenges, and we must persevere and overcome them. 19 years in the production department, I almost had to quit my job due to ups and downs, but I managed to persevere. 

Aside from the fact that upon arriving home, I don’t do any household chores. I was like a boarder in my own home. Most of my time was spent at work rather than at home. As a Production employee, my energy is for work, because when I get home, I am exhausted. My mother prepares my meal, and I rest for a while before eating. I appreciate my "Nanay Mely" for her support; I am truly fortunate that my mother has taken good care of me while I was working. Thankful for God’s grace, guidance, and the help of supportive family and good friends.

New Work Challenges: 

Transferred to the Training Department

I was one of the employees from the Production Department who were picked to be transferred to the Training Department in 2008. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Some say it is fate because only a few employees can be transferred to another job or department. One needs to apply for it or take examinations and interviews. I am grateful for the trust of our Production Manager, Ms. Ever Mojica. Her recommendation boosted my confidence in taking this job opportunity.

Then began my challenge to teach, train, and mentor new operators. I have no background in teaching. I was not able to continue my college studies due to financial problems. I only had my acquired skills and actual work experience as an operator, inspector, and then LQC in the production area. 

Training or mentoring others is more stressful than doing that work yourself. Teaching requires patience, which is a challenge for anyone. Some trainees are scared of me because I don't smile or tell jokes, not like the other trainers. So, I explain to the trainees that I am more focused on teaching them. 

Luckily, I became a 2^nd-grade instructor to newly hired employees.

Second Grade Instructor Training

TQM Department

What's Next in My Journey?

In my opinion, being with the same company for 33 years was an achievement. I never thought of resigning or applying to another company, and I was a loyal employee. Since I was the breadwinner of our family, having a stable job put food on the table. I can truly say that I enjoyed my work, and I have also made good friends to share my work experiences with, and I count myself extremely blessed to have good friends at work.

But now, after 14 years as a Technical Specialist, I have decided to retire from on-site work as an employee. Well, 'resigned' was the correct term; management and the union offer this benefit for older employees who wish to retire from the company on an optional basis. I needed to relax for a bit, take a career break, and enjoy the fruits of my labor while I still could.

Another reason I wanted to resign is to receive the plaque of appreciation for employees who have rendered 20 or more years of service to the company. It's trivial, but you could only receive a plaque once an employee retires or resigns, isn't it ironic?

Loyalty awardee
33 years in service

Dare to Dream: Journey as a Virtual Assistant

Nowadays, remote work is the new trend in employment. Due to the pandemic in 2020, office workers were not allowed to work on-site because of the risk of exposure to the disease. Being a Virtual Office Assistant is different from my previous work experiences because a VA is an individual who works remotely and earns money on a per-job basis, doing tasks for business owners, usually for short-term work as an independent contractor. It isn't a stable job. 

The new challenge is to become tech-savvy, particularly with computers, laptops, and desktops. The first priority is to familiarize myself with basic data entry, free online tools, and how I can start working from home. My sister, Mylene, a seasoned and experienced Virtual Assistant, guided me on how to set up my freelancing profiles on Upwork, Online Jobs, and LinkedIn. She mentored me in starting a blog post website on Blogger and advised me to apply for these work-from-home opportunities.

God-willing, I can be given a chance to work again.🙏