My journey of being an entrepreneur started 7 years ago when I decided to leave my corporate job and set up a boutique ad agency. Without any investors, we worked our asses off to be able to have enough funds to start it up. Ultimately, we were swindled by our CEO. All of our monies were taken. Along with the company we built, she vanished into thin air.
Destroyed and penniless, my 2 partners and I decided to continue doing business as The Happy Three Friends in 2014. Starting again from scratch, we worked in our houses, coffee shops, and random places to make ends meet. By 2015, we were able to incorporate the business officially and get a small office in Kapitolyo, Pasig. We started onboarding new people and employing strangers who eventually became our friends. By 2018, we transferred to a larger office space in Ortigas Central Business District.
There were a lot (and I mean A LOT) of obstacles through and through but I think we were able to pull it through. Even being a small agency, we never had any delays in salaries and we were lenient with advances and leaves. We do our best to give our employees what they need. With our limited resources, we try to have fun with parties and karaoke. I’m also okay with letting go of clients if it means the betterment of the welfare of my associates. I’d like to believe that we do our best to be a pro-employee company.
Then the pandemic happened. Clients started to cut budgets, operational expenses (wow lipat ka pang CBD ha) kept on pouring in, delays in payments from clients were common. Life didn’t stop. Everyone is having a hard time and to be frank, I also get the financial crisis of clients. It was rough for all. The last few months were the hardest. It was actually our 5th year anniversary as a company last October but we can’t even celebrate it because we have to put our employees first. Few people who are dear to me passed away, a lot of people I know lost their jobs, and others closed their businesses. You can pass by Makati and Ortigas CBD and see empty commercial spaces and offices. It’s heartbreaking. So that being said, I just want to say a few things to all employees and employers out there:
To the employees,
Please extend more understanding. I know it’s hard but please try. If you still have your jobs right now, your employers are probably moving mountains to make it work. Your employers might also be asking more than they used to and it might get a little too much. This is something we all don’t want but we have to do to survive. If you’re not up for it, then take a break or leave your job. It would be unhealthy for you and also a disservice to your team who are also going through a lot.
To the employers,
We cannot force our employees to be thankful for having their jobs. It’s their right to feel down and stressed about the whole pandemic. Aside from work, a lot of things are going on with their personal lives. Protect your employees who choose to fight with you but also, protect yourself. It’s a global pandemic. This is something new to us and no one is an expert on how to deal with this. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Allow yourselves to breathe.
I cannot speak for everyone but I hope employees know that as employers, we’re trying our best to keep our operations open. Right now, it feels like 2014 all over again. Wala muna kaming sweldo para may mapasweldo, abono muna para makalaban pa bukas. It’s a reboot. To be completely honest, I’m grateful. Yes, we’re starting from scratch but I’m happy to know that we’re not as alone as we used to be. I have a team that extends their expertise, patience, and understanding. I’m sure may pagkukulang kami but we’re thankful for you. You know who you guys are.
Believe it or not, I’m excited now more than ever. Brighter days will come. No, let’s claim it. Brighter days are coming.
And happy five years, The Happy Three Friends.