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@rho86
Everything is temporary.
SAME.
Still relevant.
2020. I’m coming for you as well.
“I am on the verge of shifting. Shifting what has been normal, expected, and comfortable. Shifting to a position of ownership, self-accountability, and relentlessly pushing for transformation. Telling myself at the end of 2016– ‘Rhommel, it is time to change. It is time to TRANSFORM.’”
That was me at the end of 2016, and since then I’ve hustled. I began to take myself seriously on the vision and goals I had for myself and my life—health, career, financial, social and personal aspects.
Fast forward to the end of 2018—“I DID IT”…I made tremendous strides to the type of person and life I wanted for myself. I knew that this was only the beginning.
And in 2019—despite the challenges on many fronts—I emerged resilient, balancing multiple projects, dealing with difficult leadership, deepening meaningful work relationships, and keeping my authentic self intact. In the end, I landed that permanent career job at the University of California (UC)—and not only that, it was a promotional move: Principal HR Compliance Data Analyst. Not bad for a career changer within three years, right?
But with that said, what’s next? What intentions do I have going into this new chapter? What do I want to build and what am I aiming to become? Well, here it goes, in true Rhommel fashion, time for reflection and goal setting!
Health & Fitness
At the beginning of 2019 I managed to reach muscle mass and a weight level that I always wished I had. But setbacks happened: work got really tough and a health reality check hit. For work, the workload just got too much at one point and on top of that, leadership was not the most compassionate, which really affected my mental health. Simply, I just did not feel happy and at my best for a lot of days, weeks, and yes, month-by-month. But I had grit. I knew what needed to get done and just got SHIT done. Set it and forget it.
As for the health reality check, this year my doctor set me straight. He told me that I was hovering the area of pre-diabetes. I definitely started to feel it this year in terms of energy levels and just within my gut (literally). So I changed things up! I incorporated veggies/fresh produce in my diet (bittermelon 100%!), controlled my carb intake (brown rice is my best friend again!), modified my natural dietary supplement regiment (tumeric!), and reconfigured my gym supplements (purely whey protein, controlled portions of complex carb supplements, no added sugars, and no more BCAAs).
With all these adjustments, I really do feel better! I’m 33 now and I’ve come to the realization that my body is changing and thus my genetics need to be considered as I move forward with my overall health and fitness. In addition, now that I’m in a stable permanent job situation, the stress of uncertainty and certain toxic leaders is no longer present. Which means I can make more time for the gym and #swoleness =D.
My 2020 Goal: Stay consistent with at least 4 times a week (push for 5 in mid-year) and using the ‘BodySpace’ app workout program “Get Swole” (Yes, that’s right—the program that never fails!). Also adding a solid cardio regiment in the mix with group classes at the gym. I want to maintain a weight within the range of 170-175 lbs. I’m no longer trying to push above 180 as I want to be mindful of possible unhealthy weight. But if the weight is more on the muscle side of things, I’ll welcome it. I also want to get back to squatting 2 plates! Yes, and like before—PROJECT: “Beefy Muscle Asian Daddy” is still a go!
Learning and Development
In 2019, I went beyond formal learning and development environments that I’ve been known to take part of in prior years. As this year was definitely challenging professionally, the learning and development came under pressure and within the grind of the job. I learned the following:
· How to communicate with senior executive leadership
· How to deal with difficult leadership
· How to deliver on a project with a lot of grey area
· How to work on a team effectively with consistent camaraderie
· How to be a resourceful and swift problem solver
· How to balance multiple projects and communicate with multiple stakeholders in order to maintain positive relations
And among other things, but just to mention a few. With the conclusion of my time as a UC Systemwide HR Fellow, I learned a lot more about myself as a leader and about what it takes to do impactful work in a large and complicated organization like UC. You can say that I leveled up my understanding of who I am as a leader. With that said, I’m excited for my promotion into my new role in Systemwide HR Compliance, Reporting, and Analytics at UC as I will now be able to be more focused, specialize in my interest in HR and people analytics, and to finally have certainty of my scope of work where I didn’t really have this security in the fellow program. On top of that, I have an awesome boss and I am part of a high-functioning team (again!—a nod to my UC Berkeley CED team days). So let’s get this going!
My 2020 Goal: In my first year on the job, I want to just focus on learning/development to the fulfillment of fundamental duties. Data is obviously going to be a big part of my job and while I am no longer afraid or intimidated by data, spreadsheets, and databases as I have done data analysis projects before, I will need to immerse myself in this world and couple it with my understanding of HR and UC in order to help the organization minimize risk and make strategic decisions. The following is what I feel I need to hone in on and master:
Data Analysis
o Attain an advanced level of MS Excel and Access technical skills
o Develop more advanced data analysis approaches
o Improve data storytelling and visualization skills with eventually acquiring technical skills in Tableau
HR Policy, Compliance, and Risk: Become subject matter expert in HR policies that inform my analytics & reporting work by researching past reports, documents, policies, and procedures
Leadership: Continue to partner and collaborate with HR leaders and colleagues across the entire UC system in order to achieve organizational goals and excellence
Mentorship in HR
One of the biggest sources of support and guidance that got me through the challenges of 2019 was my relationships with my mentors between UC Office of the President and UC Berkeley. When things got tough to where I started to doubt myself, my career decisions, and commitment to the University, they helped me recenter, refocus, and remind myself of my purpose and the promise and potential I have as an HR leader for the UC. As a first-generation working professional, as a person of color/Asian American/Filipino American, as a gay man, and as a proud millennial, I felt like my identities were intersected and I’m happy that I’ve been able to connect with my mentors authentically to talk through my experiences, challenges, and hopes within my intersectionality.
My 2020 Goal: I’m a believer in mentorship (and sponsorship!). Backed by research, many who find success in their careers credit having a mentor. So I will continue building authentic relationships with those in the organization and field who are willing to connect, advise, and bring in new fresh perspectives up the ranks. With this new role, mentors have become closer to my scope of work which I see as an opportunity. In addition, my proximity to senior level leaders presents even more opportunities to learn and build relationships with. Keeping my eyes on the prize to become a senior-level HR leader myself in the UC, I’m positioned well to keep learning from mentors.
Transitioning as a Fellow to a Career Position in HR at the UC
“I DID IT!” The end…JK. But I am happy and relieved that I got through the hump of job searching to land a sweet role in the UC. My fellow Fellows have asked each other, “With what you know now, would you still do the fellow program?” and despite my challenging experience, my answer: YES. In my perspective, the program had many positives and provided many rewarding experiences that definitely outweighed the negative. Moreover, through the negative and bad days, I became stronger, wiser, and more knowledgeable of what to now expect as I move higher in the organization…and I say, “BRING IT”.
My 2020 Goal: So I got the permanent career job in UC—my benefits, pension, and service credit intact and projected accruals. With the new job, comes security and the opportunity to think long-term, build, and simply enjoy and take my time doing that all. So you can say that my goal here is to just focus on my current job; to master it, do it well, and let myself thrive in it until I have an idea what is my next chapter. But for sure I plan on staying in this role for a good while. My boss actually stated that she will support whatever career move I decide to pursue when that time comes. So here we are. =]
Having Fun and Enjoying Life
Despite a challenging and tough year professionally, I did actually have moments of fun and enjoyment of life. A lot of them were experienced with my partner who has been so great and supportive through it all. He has also been through tough challenges this year career-wise, so we both supported each other in many respects. But we definitely made time to have fun: Miami, EDM shows, foodie spots, cool City/Town stuff, hiking, and New York City. We did a whole lot and I’m happy I shared those things with him.
But with that all said, I’ve made the difficult decision to separate from my recent partner. Personally, I felt the need to work on myself, explore, and to keep building as a single person. I do wish him all the best and amazing success, because he deserves it.
Aside from this breakup, I am looking forward to breathing life into this area–the fun and enjoyment part of being human.
My 2020 Goal: 2020—what a fitting year for what I feel like is a new chapter or phase in my life as I have mentioned above with my health and career. I think what is fitting for struggles I overcame, lessons I’ve learned, and the accomplishments I’ve championed should be epic level experiences. In 2020, I want to enjoy myself and get to rediscover myself personally and in the process get more perspective.
· Travel: I want to do my first real international trip (non-North America) as an adult and I got my eyes set on Asia first. Right now it is looking like Philippines (because I haven’t been since I was 12 years old) & another Asian country (but with the Olympics in Tokyo, I might want to wait until after summer…). I feel like I’m making up for lost time since I wasn’t able to study abroad in college nor have the luxury of having that #yolo traveler spirit in my 20s. But I think as a 30somthing millennial, traveling globally will provide great perspective as I enter a new phase in my life, in many aspects.
· Family: I feel like since I started this career change journey since 2017, I’ve been running around making things happen for myself and supporting my mom, my sisters, my niece, and my nephews any way and time I can. I want to go beyond that and really carve out time to have more of a presence. It is hard since I am in Oakland and they are in LA, but I think now is the right time to readjust my life for my family and enjoy being a brother, and uncle, and a son.
· Friendships: Like my family, since I started my career change journey and getting extremely focused on work, I feel my social life has been minimized. I don’t resent my choices for focusing on my career because, well, it is my own life here. But I feel like it is the right time to genuinely invest more time with those I consider to be good friends and company in life—those who add substance, positivity, wholesomeness, good intellectual challenge, and who have a thirst to experience amazing things together.
· Festivals: Oh EDM…my chosen genre of my 30s. With that said, I want to dedicate time and energy (with good aforementioned company) to some good festivals. One, in particular, is Above & Beyond Group Therapy (ABGT)—which they actually play at random venues INTERNATIONALLY—so this means in addition to Asia, I could possibly be travelling to where ever they play. If not ABGT, some other festivals I’d like to go to next year are Dreamstate SoCal, Life is Beautiful, and dare I say, EDC. We shall see!
Now with all that said—maybe some additions and modifications to the 5-year plan I had set in 2016…
2017:
-(X) Complete 1-3 projects for HR portfolio
-(X) Start HRM certification
2018-2019:
-(X) Finish HRM certification
-(X) Start active job search for move into HR in UC (UCB, UCOP, UCSF)
-(X) Land and perform HR job as a generalist in UC system
-(X) Move into a new apartment/studio by myself
-(X) Study and learn 2 foreign languages: Tagalog (3rd time is the charm) & Japanese
-(X) Take a workshop or course in UX/design
-(X) Land a CAREER HR+Promotion high-level role in UC system –NEW
2020:
-( ) September: Study and pass PHR certification exam
-( ) August: Earn retirement pension for 5 years of service in UC
-( ) Pay down a considerable amount of debt
-( ) Travel: 2 domestic, 1 international (Asia)
-( ) End of year: Consider getting a car
2021:
-( ) Move into own apartment/studio—Oakland, Berkeley, or SF
-( ) Early 2021: Attend CCEP Academy and obtain CCEP Certification
2022:
-( ) Save to buy a condo by end of year or into 2023
2025:
-( ) September 6: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is effective—from UCLA & SFSU
On my dream-list:
-Pursue MBA degree (UC Berkeley, Stanford…)
Hi Rhommel, It's me - your 37-year-old self in 2024 - and about to turn 38 in September. I have to tell you that your life and your world has changed a whole lot since then. Despite during this time that you wrote this, I know you had a lot of hope and dreams that you wanted for yourself - to take control of your life, enjoy the rewards of ALL the hard work that you put in to get you there. But the next 4 years - you had to: -Realize that a job that you had high hopes for, didn't work out to be a job that would fulfill you, but it would become toxic to your health. -Go through your own battles of depression and anxiety. -Make the brave and loving choice to leave the toxic job, go on medical leave, and leave the SF Bay Area after 7 years. -Adjust, restart, and rebuild my life and career in LA. -Navigate your career and paving your own path as an HR professional where you worked for 2 companies, before returning to UCLA. There's been a lot of changes in your life, and these changes came from choices that you made that were the best for you. I want to affirm and give you comfort that you came out of those dark and uncertain times. I know how sad, disappointed, and depressed you were - to see the life you made for yourself be abruptly shaken and compromised. But you got through it. Your life in LA - has been filled with wonderful things and people, where you have made quite a life for yourself in and with. And everything is still unfolding and revealing wonderful possibilities for you to seize and integrate into your life, everyday. This is your time to be unapologetically you, to be great, to be kind, to be loving, to grow, to be fully yourself, to go after the life you want, and to keep doing great and wonderful things.
via weheartit
“But I miss you, Jenny.”
Forrest Gump (1994) dir. Robert Zemeckis
SAME.
Rhommel's 5-Year Plan: LA is Home For The Long Haul
It has been a while since I've committed myself to writing out my intentions for the future. For those that don't know, 2020-early 2021 SUCKED:
PANDEMIC
Toxic job
Mental Breakdown/Mental Health issues with anxiety and depression
But due to these things, I made bold decisions to redirect my energy to prioritize my health, my happiness, my connection to family/people who are my chosen family, and my love for myself. This redirection is to coming back home to LA and I am so humbled yet excited to be back within this city's abundance, wonder, and possibility.
Coming back, I've become part of my immediate family's environment and all that comes with it: the uncle duties, the sibling drama, dealing with mom's health issues, and also just having each other to lean on when it matters.
I've also reconnected with old friends from UCLA. Reminding me of my core self and the person I was and still am back then: someone hopeful, optimistic, fun-loving, and caring.
I've also started to make new friends and I'm open to building community in LA as an adult (last I lived in LA was when I was a college student).
With a new job and a new city. I'm looking forward with hope. So, with that said. In true Rhommel fashion, I want to put out my intentions for the next 5 years.
2021: (34 years old)
Move into a rental spot by Sept 1.
Hit 90 days at job with Chrysalis.
Attend PHR recertification courses: 1-2 per month.
Informational interviews with HR pros in industry: 3-4 people.
Continue meeting with Jerry.
Begin studying for GRE/GMAT.
2022: (35 years old)
January (6 months at Chrysalis) - soft applying to HR jobs in private sector, healthcare, higher ed., gov't sector
Attend PHR recertification courses: 1-2 per month
Informational interviews with HR pros in industry: 3-4 people.
Continue meeting with Jerry.
June (1 year at Chrysalis) - begin active applying to HR jobs at other companies.
Sept - begin new job w/ higher pay
Sept to Oct - move to new place in city.
2023: (36 years old)
I would like to be in a/have been in a caring, loving, and supportive relationship by this year...perhaps at a point where we would be living together.
Apply to MBA programs (Full-time Employed MBA programs) for Fall semester.
2024: (37 years old)
Be promoted at company as a director or manager
Travel w/ partner + friends
Get married...
2025: (38 years old)
Graduate from MBA program
Apply to jobs for CHRO / VP-Human Resources roles.
Buy a house
HR Mentor/Coach Assignment: Rhommel's Vision Board
My HR mentor and coach has taken me under his wing and has been assigning me exercises to help me reflect and hone in on my own development.
For this exercise I chose to think about where I want to focus and transform my life into. Below are my quadrants with a letter to myself to explain my wants, wishes, and desires for myself and the life I wish to cultivate.
Dear Rhommel,
In 3 years I wish for you to be a stronger, confident, joyful, and compassionate version of yourself. I hope that you move through life and your world with a bold smile that says to the world, "I love who I am, I am grateful for my journey that got me here, and I am not only living my truth, but I am living it intentionally and always seeking to live fully in my body, in this world, as best as I can.” I hope you never stop seeking adventure, new experiences, and with each new turn, an opportunity to grasp to find out a little bit more of who you are in the world and what you're made of. You are someone that I am proud of because you not only never gave up, but you continued to grow through adversity to become a better version of us beyond our wildest dreams. Future Rhommel, I am proud of you and I love you.
Dear "Boss Man" Rhommel,
You are going to be a rockstar "game changer" professional in People + Culture. Like in life, you are going to move through "work" with confidence, with purpose, and with a sense of style where companies, colleagues, leadership, and your teams trust in your superpowers: innovative problem solving, service through collaboration, data-driven advising, and continuous learning to improve your practice, actualize the mission, and optimize the business. You are the embodiment of a workplace culture that thrives and is inspired the very superpowers that make you such a game changer. Rhommel, by the end of 2023, you will be well on your way to becoming a VP of HR or CHRO for a company or organization. 2017 Rhommel would be such in awe of who we've become.
Dear "FILI-BEEFO" Rhommel,
YOOOO you hella big bruh ! =D Jokes aside, Rhommel, I know that you are capable to build and mode your body to your will. That you put in WORK to see the results that you want. That is why I hope you remember the days when you grinded, not just in life, but in the gym, on the bike, in any physical activity where you feel in control of your body and your movements. But also, as you get older, I also want you to be more intentional and conscious on how you build you muscle and how you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our family is no stranger to illnesses like diabetes. So eating clean as well as lifting and cardio are key for you! I know you got this, Rhommel. Let's get this LA gym bro bod, but make it SUPER SMART/CAREER sexy.
Dear "Tribal & Lover" Rhommel,
Being and exuding the independent rough masculine "I don't need anyone" sense of self doesn't serve you any more. I wish for you to be more open, loving, intentionally and authentically nurturing your community--your tribe--your chosen family. Because let's face it, from here on out until you die, you can not go through this life alone. With that said, I see you having a core group of friends/buddies in LA doing things together: hiking, travelling, going to festivals, experiencing life events together, and just growing old together. Which brings me to my last wish for you, Rhommel: I wish for you to be the lover I know you can be. Patient, kind, fun-loving, collaborative, communicative, intentional, honest, sensitive, empathetic, warm, passionate, and to be a companion that is ready and willing to share and build a life with someone who shares the same values that you do. I'm not asking you actively seek a partner, but I hope that by 2023 that you will be secure in yourself to begin to see yourself as the lover we've been waiting you to become after the many rough journeys we've had in past relationships. You are ready, Rhommel. =]
Vision Exercise: In 3 years...
Professional Life:
I envision myself to be a trusted HR professional with 7 years of experience in helping organizations and companies be great places to work! I will have a proven record of cultivating workplace cultures that are innovative, collaborative, DEI, and enables continual learning and development. I will be a leader among my awesome team of People + Culture champions who share the same values and mission to enhance the employee experience while achieving organizational excellence. I am a trusted business partner to executive leadership in helping them steer the ship to not only impact the world, but to bring our people (EEs) along the journey. My workspace design will have lots of outside light coming through the windows. I do actually see myself in an open-office environment, but I'll be able to take personal meetings in work pods. Lastly, I want to be able to take my (future) dog with me to work.
Personal Life:
I envision myself, in 3 years, to be moving into a nice house I have bought with my sister in a suburb of LA (SFV, SGV, Eagle Rock, or South Bay). Living in this house will be for myself, my sister and her daughter, and mom. This house will be the house of our dreams. Coming from a rough background where my mom struggled to raise 3 kids in poverty and from also seeing my sister struggle to leave her marriage while raising her daughter, I want this move to finally be a place where we all can live comfortably. For my sister to focus on her real estate career. For my niece to grow up in. And for my mom to live out the rest of her retirement in. The house will have nice interior design. Spacious. In a neighborhood with a good school for my niece and convenience that me, my sister, and my mom will appreciate. This is something I want to provide for as I approach 40.
I made my decision...
As I write this, I have struggled to try to find the right words to express how hard it has been for me over the past few months. But to simply start off—I have been going through severe battles with anxiety and depression since November of 2020. I have been through the following:
Insomnia
Profuse sweating frequently
Headaches
Little to no appetite
Difficulty making decisions
Loss of joy in activities
Difficulty focusing
Sensitive mood swings
and yes...Suicidal thoughts
Mental health is something I’ve always been aware of and have been sensitive to when family and friends confide in me when they go through their own struggles. But this has been the first time in my life where I have felt things so strongly.
“What has been the reason for my anxiety and depression?”
That has been a tough question to answer at the beginning as I know the pandemic has wreaked havoc on many people’s lives--causing mental health issues for many. It for sure has for me: the isolation, the dread of getting COVID, loved ones getting COVID, and the complete disruption of my whole way of life and identity. But this is not the complete picture and root of why I’ve been struggling.
It has been work.
Yes, my full-time job has been the source of my anxiety and depression. Starting from November, at first I felt that the dread and anxiety from work stress was temporary. That I would just get over it by completing major projects and tasks. Then imposter-syndrome would rear its ugly head where self-doubt would play its part. But then even completing projects or progressing on the job would not address the anxiety. The job was no longer a source of fulfillment; the joy of learning on the job was no longer there as I would continuously feel fear, anxiety, and overwhelmed with the volume and complexity of what was on my plate--juggling 5-7 projects/tasks, the complexity of policies tangled with imperfect data, and just feeling like there was no end in sight. I felt like I was drowning. Worse, I felt like a body, a machine, a drone disconnected to the very mission as to why I chose a career in HR in the first place--to enhance the experiences of employees. I felt lost in what I was doing and who I was.
Through it all, the past few months since November, I have been in agony and internal conflict with myself on what should I do. Ultimately, it had come down to two options: 1) Do I stay in a job that was causing me so much pain every day? or 2) Do I let go of the job and take that step to simultaneously heal as well as find another job? This was such a hard decision as the security of being employed with a high paying salary is comforting, but the job just wasn’t worth my own mental health and quality of life as the price.
So I chose to let go.
I chose to let go and ultimately chose ME. I chose my own mental health. I chose my own happiness. And the very night I made that decision, for the first time in a long time, I slept with calm and ease.
Now this decision also comes with the hard pill to swallow of moving back with my family in LA, closing a chapter of my life in the Bay Area, and the uncertainty of the future. But I am also grateful to have the support of my family and to have the resources to make this tough decision. Ultimately, I know it in my heart and gut that this is the best decision for me. I will be fine. I will rebuild and I will be stronger. I look at this move back to LA with hope and love--love for myself, my family, and future Rhommel.
With all of this said. Sure I’m scared, but I’m also hopeful in becoming a better version of myself.
The logistics.
As of the beginning of February, I will be on Medical Leave for 10 weeks. At the end of February I will make my move back to LA. During my leave, I will be healing and taking care of myself, but also applying to HR jobs in LA.
What is next?
I’m still passionate about being an HR professional, but I now know that HR data analyst work isn’t something I want to do ALL THE TIME. I will be seeking HR generalist roles where I will continue my growth in the field, marrying my strategic HR experience with the tactical experience I seek to acquire.
As for life in general in LA (during the pandemic)--friends in LA, I’d love to reconnect. To my family, I’m happy to finally come home and physically be a son, brother, and uncle.
Remembering who I am...(professionally)
I am a higher education administrator turned HR professional. I am passionate about working with organizations to improve and innovate processes, policies, and services that enhance the employee/stakeholder experience while actualizing organizational excellence. My core purpose is based on four strategies: · Innovative Problem Solving · Collaborative Leadership · Strategic & Data-Driven Advising · Continuous Learning I aim to be one of the many champions at UC; contributing to its global excellence and leading the effort to positively impact its workplace culture.
2021 Professional Goals:
-Project Management & Business Process Improvement
-Policy Compliance Management & Advising
-Compliance Data Reporting Design & Implementation
-HR Data & Business Systems Knowledge
-Professional Development
Recap - 5 Year Plan
In the past two weeks, two things have happened:
1) I passed my PHR certification exam (this has been a goal since the beginning of 2019 when I started studying).
2) I turned 34 years old.
With those two things, I have been thinking about “What else?” and “What more would I like to have in my life?”
For now I have narrowed down the following areas:
-Fitness & Dietary Health
-Learning: Tableau & Japanese
-Friendships
2017:
-(X) Complete 1-3 projects for HR portfolio
-(X) Start HRM certification
2018-2019:
-(X) Finish HRM certification
-(X) Start active job search for move into HR in UC (UCB, UCOP, UCSF)
-(X) Land and perform HR job as a generalist in UC system
-(X) Move into a new apartment/studio by myself
-(X) Study and learn 2 foreign languages: Tagalog (3rd time is the charm) & Japanese
-(X) Take a workshop or course in UX/design
-(X) Land a CAREER HR+Promotion high-level role in UC system –NEW
2020:
-(X) September: Study and pass PHR certification exam
-(X) August: Earn retirement pension for 5 years of service in UC
-(X) Pay down a considerable amount of debt
-( ) Travel: 2 domestic
-( ) End of year: Get a car
2021:
-( ) Move into own apartment/studio—Oakland or SF
-( ) Early 2021: Attend CCEP Academy and obtain CCEP Certification
2022:
-( ) Save to buy a condo by end of year or into 2023
2025:
-( ) September 6: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is effective—from UCLA & SFSU
On my dream-list:
-Pursue MBA degree (UC Berkeley, Stanford…)
This scene. #Looking
your health and well-being is so much more than just eating right and working out. your mental health is easily just as important, if not more so…
Everything is temporary.
2020. I’m coming for you as well.
“I am on the verge of shifting. Shifting what has been normal, expected, and comfortable. Shifting to a position of ownership, self-accountability, and relentlessly pushing for transformation. Telling myself at the end of 2016– ‘Rhommel, it is time to change. It is time to TRANSFORM.’”
That was me at the end of 2016, and since then I’ve hustled. I began to take myself seriously on the vision and goals I had for myself and my life—health, career, financial, social and personal aspects.
Fast forward to the end of 2018—“I DID IT”…I made tremendous strides to the type of person and life I wanted for myself. I knew that this was only the beginning.
And in 2019—despite the challenges on many fronts—I emerged resilient, balancing multiple projects, dealing with difficult leadership, deepening meaningful work relationships, and keeping my authentic self intact. In the end, I landed that permanent career job at the University of California (UC)—and not only that, it was a promotional move: Principal HR Compliance Data Analyst. Not bad for a career changer within three years, right?
But with that said, what’s next? What intentions do I have going into this new chapter? What do I want to build and what am I aiming to become? Well, here it goes, in true Rhommel fashion, time for reflection and goal setting!
Health & Fitness
At the beginning of 2019 I managed to reach muscle mass and a weight level that I always wished I had. But setbacks happened: work got really tough and a health reality check hit. For work, the workload just got too much at one point and on top of that, leadership was not the most compassionate, which really affected my mental health. Simply, I just did not feel happy and at my best for a lot of days, weeks, and yes, month-by-month. But I had grit. I knew what needed to get done and just got SHIT done. Set it and forget it.
As for the health reality check, this year my doctor set me straight. He told me that I was hovering the area of pre-diabetes. I definitely started to feel it this year in terms of energy levels and just within my gut (literally). So I changed things up! I incorporated veggies/fresh produce in my diet (bittermelon 100%!), controlled my carb intake (brown rice is my best friend again!), modified my natural dietary supplement regiment (tumeric!), and reconfigured my gym supplements (purely whey protein, controlled portions of complex carb supplements, no added sugars, and no more BCAAs).
With all these adjustments, I really do feel better! I’m 33 now and I’ve come to the realization that my body is changing and thus my genetics need to be considered as I move forward with my overall health and fitness. In addition, now that I’m in a stable permanent job situation, the stress of uncertainty and certain toxic leaders is no longer present. Which means I can make more time for the gym and #swoleness =D.
My 2020 Goal: Stay consistent with at least 4 times a week (push for 5 in mid-year) and using the ‘BodySpace’ app workout program “Get Swole” (Yes, that’s right—the program that never fails!). Also adding a solid cardio regiment in the mix with group classes at the gym. I want to maintain a weight within the range of 170-175 lbs. I’m no longer trying to push above 180 as I want to be mindful of possible unhealthy weight. But if the weight is more on the muscle side of things, I’ll welcome it. I also want to get back to squatting 2 plates! Yes, and like before—PROJECT: “Beefy Muscle Asian Daddy” is still a go!
Learning and Development
In 2019, I went beyond formal learning and development environments that I’ve been known to take part of in prior years. As this year was definitely challenging professionally, the learning and development came under pressure and within the grind of the job. I learned the following:
· How to communicate with senior executive leadership
· How to deal with difficult leadership
· How to deliver on a project with a lot of grey area
· How to work on a team effectively with consistent camaraderie
· How to be a resourceful and swift problem solver
· How to balance multiple projects and communicate with multiple stakeholders in order to maintain positive relations
And among other things, but just to mention a few. With the conclusion of my time as a UC Systemwide HR Fellow, I learned a lot more about myself as a leader and about what it takes to do impactful work in a large and complicated organization like UC. You can say that I leveled up my understanding of who I am as a leader. With that said, I’m excited for my promotion into my new role in Systemwide HR Compliance, Reporting, and Analytics at UC as I will now be able to be more focused, specialize in my interest in HR and people analytics, and to finally have certainty of my scope of work where I didn’t really have this security in the fellow program. On top of that, I have an awesome boss and I am part of a high-functioning team (again!—a nod to my UC Berkeley CED team days). So let’s get this going!
My 2020 Goal: In my first year on the job, I want to just focus on learning/development to the fulfillment of fundamental duties. Data is obviously going to be a big part of my job and while I am no longer afraid or intimidated by data, spreadsheets, and databases as I have done data analysis projects before, I will need to immerse myself in this world and couple it with my understanding of HR and UC in order to help the organization minimize risk and make strategic decisions. The following is what I feel I need to hone in on and master:
Data Analysis
o Attain an advanced level of MS Excel and Access technical skills
o Develop more advanced data analysis approaches
o Improve data storytelling and visualization skills with eventually acquiring technical skills in Tableau
HR Policy, Compliance, and Risk: Become subject matter expert in HR policies that inform my analytics & reporting work by researching past reports, documents, policies, and procedures
Leadership: Continue to partner and collaborate with HR leaders and colleagues across the entire UC system in order to achieve organizational goals and excellence
Mentorship in HR
One of the biggest sources of support and guidance that got me through the challenges of 2019 was my relationships with my mentors between UC Office of the President and UC Berkeley. When things got tough to where I started to doubt myself, my career decisions, and commitment to the University, they helped me recenter, refocus, and remind myself of my purpose and the promise and potential I have as an HR leader for the UC. As a first-generation working professional, as a person of color/Asian American/Filipino American, as a gay man, and as a proud millennial, I felt like my identities were intersected and I’m happy that I’ve been able to connect with my mentors authentically to talk through my experiences, challenges, and hopes within my intersectionality.
My 2020 Goal: I’m a believer in mentorship (and sponsorship!). Backed by research, many who find success in their careers credit having a mentor. So I will continue building authentic relationships with those in the organization and field who are willing to connect, advise, and bring in new fresh perspectives up the ranks. With this new role, mentors have become closer to my scope of work which I see as an opportunity. In addition, my proximity to senior level leaders presents even more opportunities to learn and build relationships with. Keeping my eyes on the prize to become a senior-level HR leader myself in the UC, I’m positioned well to keep learning from mentors.
Transitioning as a Fellow to a Career Position in HR at the UC
“I DID IT!” The end…JK. But I am happy and relieved that I got through the hump of job searching to land a sweet role in the UC. My fellow Fellows have asked each other, “With what you know now, would you still do the fellow program?” and despite my challenging experience, my answer: YES. In my perspective, the program had many positives and provided many rewarding experiences that definitely outweighed the negative. Moreover, through the negative and bad days, I became stronger, wiser, and more knowledgeable of what to now expect as I move higher in the organization…and I say, “BRING IT”.
My 2020 Goal: So I got the permanent career job in UC—my benefits, pension, and service credit intact and projected accruals. With the new job, comes security and the opportunity to think long-term, build, and simply enjoy and take my time doing that all. So you can say that my goal here is to just focus on my current job; to master it, do it well, and let myself thrive in it until I have an idea what is my next chapter. But for sure I plan on staying in this role for a good while. My boss actually stated that she will support whatever career move I decide to pursue when that time comes. So here we are. =]
Having Fun and Enjoying Life
Despite a challenging and tough year professionally, I did actually have moments of fun and enjoyment of life. A lot of them were experienced with my partner who has been so great and supportive through it all. He has also been through tough challenges this year career-wise, so we both supported each other in many respects. But we definitely made time to have fun: Miami, EDM shows, foodie spots, cool City/Town stuff, hiking, and New York City. We did a whole lot and I’m happy I shared those things with him.
But with that all said, I’ve made the difficult decision to separate from my recent partner. Personally, I felt the need to work on myself, explore, and to keep building as a single person. I do wish him all the best and amazing success, because he deserves it.
Aside from this breakup, I am looking forward to breathing life into this area--the fun and enjoyment part of being human.
My 2020 Goal: 2020—what a fitting year for what I feel like is a new chapter or phase in my life as I have mentioned above with my health and career. I think what is fitting for struggles I overcame, lessons I’ve learned, and the accomplishments I’ve championed should be epic level experiences. In 2020, I want to enjoy myself and get to rediscover myself personally and in the process get more perspective.
· Travel: I want to do my first real international trip (non-North America) as an adult and I got my eyes set on Asia first. Right now it is looking like Philippines (because I haven’t been since I was 12 years old) & another Asian country (but with the Olympics in Tokyo, I might want to wait until after summer…). I feel like I’m making up for lost time since I wasn’t able to study abroad in college nor have the luxury of having that #yolo traveler spirit in my 20s. But I think as a 30somthing millennial, traveling globally will provide great perspective as I enter a new phase in my life, in many aspects.
· Family: I feel like since I started this career change journey since 2017, I’ve been running around making things happen for myself and supporting my mom, my sisters, my niece, and my nephews any way and time I can. I want to go beyond that and really carve out time to have more of a presence. It is hard since I am in Oakland and they are in LA, but I think now is the right time to readjust my life for my family and enjoy being a brother, and uncle, and a son.
· Friendships: Like my family, since I started my career change journey and getting extremely focused on work, I feel my social life has been minimized. I don’t resent my choices for focusing on my career because, well, it is my own life here. But I feel like it is the right time to genuinely invest more time with those I consider to be good friends and company in life—those who add substance, positivity, wholesomeness, good intellectual challenge, and who have a thirst to experience amazing things together.
· Festivals: Oh EDM…my chosen genre of my 30s. With that said, I want to dedicate time and energy (with good aforementioned company) to some good festivals. One, in particular, is Above & Beyond Group Therapy (ABGT)—which they actually play at random venues INTERNATIONALLY—so this means in addition to Asia, I could possibly be travelling to where ever they play. If not ABGT, some other festivals I’d like to go to next year are Dreamstate SoCal, Life is Beautiful, and dare I say, EDC. We shall see!
Now with all that said—maybe some additions and modifications to the 5-year plan I had set in 2016…
2017:
-(X) Complete 1-3 projects for HR portfolio
-(X) Start HRM certification
2018-2019:
-(X) Finish HRM certification
-(X) Start active job search for move into HR in UC (UCB, UCOP, UCSF)
-(X) Land and perform HR job as a generalist in UC system
-(X) Move into a new apartment/studio by myself
-(X) Study and learn 2 foreign languages: Tagalog (3rd time is the charm) & Japanese
-(X) Take a workshop or course in UX/design
-(X) Land a CAREER HR+Promotion high-level role in UC system –NEW
2020:
-( ) September: Study and pass PHR certification exam
-( ) August: Earn retirement pension for 5 years of service in UC
-( ) Pay down a considerable amount of debt
-( ) Travel: 2 domestic, 1 international (Asia)
-( ) End of year: Consider getting a car
2021:
-( ) Move into own apartment/studio—Oakland, Berkeley, or SF
-( ) Early 2021: Attend CCEP Academy and obtain CCEP Certification
2022:
-( ) Save to buy a condo by end of year or into 2023
2025:
-( ) September 6: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is effective—from UCLA & SFSU
On my dream-list:
-Pursue MBA degree (UC Berkeley, Stanford…)