Manila is known for a lot of things, and describing an experience might make a whole book. But as a local and a working professional at that, horrible traffic is my main word association for “Manila”. Manila, to me, has one of the worst (if not the actual worst) transport systems in Asia. I have a fair share of stories if you want me to talk about them, but trust me, you don’t want to know that I travelled from home at 4 in the morning, arrived at 6, worked at 7, clocked out at 4, and arrived home again at 6. I definitely do not want to thank COVID - but it sure did a bunch of people in the Manila working force a favour.
Most people, including myself, have been used to working from home since the middle of 2020. Besides all the cons, it still has immensely enhanced some people’s quality of life - spending more time with family, having a proper breakfast and good homemade food for lunch, and getting that time previously spent in traffic all to yourself. It was every office worker’s dream.
When people decided that we should embrace COVID as part of our daily lives, local corporations and firms started to bring people back to the office, which meant experiencing the traffic horrors all over again. Worse, it was double the “fun” due to safety protocols in place (e.g., social distancing). This was just about the same time I was an expectant mother and I was in constant worry for my health and safety. All that commuting experience pre-COVID returned to me and only worsened my anxiety. One thing I knew for sure is that I want to continue working - but at home.
I had long been introduced to Partnear by a colleague and respected mentor, however, I was completely unaware of the logistics, primarily because I am based 6,200 kilometres from Australia, so I just kept listening all about Partnear and how they do things. But there was one thing that enticed me to just go for it, and that is remote work. These are probably the two best opposing words for horrible traffic. I could say the employment opportunity came to me just about the time I needed it.
I signed up at Partnear as one of their Civil Engineers during the remaining months of my pregnancy. Since then, even with the personal struggles of being pregnant - I can recall being productive but less stressed (which has been really beneficial to my well-being), being flexible but still working with colleagues and delivering. The whole 5 months before my parental leave I was able to do design work the most effective way I could, write proposals (and win them!), and think more like a professional even without going into an office. The work-life balance and teamwork Partnear offered me have made those months bearable. I was able to take care of myself and have a good pregnancy run, despite all the work I was doing. Maybe I’m exaggerating but it was the most fruitful I felt in years of my career.
Now that I am a first-time parent, I feel that I have been lucky enough to watch my daughter grow even as a working mother. Had I stayed with a job that obliges me to be office-present whether it be a hybrid setting, I never would have witnessed my child’s milestones, let alone been a health risk to her due to the commute. All the hours I could have spent in traffic have now meant more time to bond with my baby straight after work. Hey, there’s even more time for sleep at night (which is really every mother’s wish) due to flexibility! In addition to all the perks of remote working for a new parent like me, Partnear’s teamwork has played an important part in how I have returned from Parental Leave smoothly. Because of every team member’s versatility, no work has been left pending. Aside from that, the support from the team has been a great aid through this period in my life and for that I am grateful.
Being an employee of huge firms early in my career made me appreciate Partnear more. Partnear may be small, but it sure has already brought a huge impact on me as an engineer and as an individual.
Riezee Dela Cruz is a Civil Engineer based in Manila, Philippines