Life as an Agent (Front Desk Agent that is)

(Special mementos that I received from some of our guests.) 

Life as an Agent (Front Desk Agent that is)
Lj Schroeder

If you want to see the worst and the best in people, work in Customer Service- to be more specific, work as a hotel Front Desk Agent/Officer (the front line of Customer Service in the hotel industry).

I thought I've already encountered most (if not all) types of folks from different strokes of life having worked in media for almost 12 years. Wrong! The four months I spent as a front desk agent has been eye-opening, grueling, draining but also enriching. Thanks to my former supervisor Sharonica Naidu for opening the door for me to experience the life and work of a hotel agent.  

Prior to working as a FDA, I had so many thoughts and misconceptions such as...

1. Hotel front desk work is only for attractive people or as we say in the Philippines, people with pleasing personality. While I was applying from one hotel to another here in the US, I noticed that physical appearance is NOT a major factor for this job (not here at least). So far, I've seen and worked with agents from different cultures, with various accents, skin color, height, weight, age, religion, educational and work background. If you can do the job well and fast with less mistakes, then you might just have a shot in this field.

2. Hotel front desk work is for less talented and not-so-smart individuals because all they do is answer phones, greet guests, check-in and check them out. Another HUGE misconception! Yes, they do all those and more!

They also handle the register, memorize a gazillion of information like rates/codes/telephone numbers/bank info/discounts/room numbers/acronyms/packages/promos/usernames/last names/dates/events etc. They also have to drive (I don't) if the bellboy is not available, assist guests with their luggage, stock the gift shop, maintain cleanliness in the lobby, report complaints, deal with complaints, file documents, make reservations, make keys, follow-up on requests, call other hotels for their rate/occupancy, deliver mails or packages and a thousand more things.

FDA's are expected to be expert navigators, restaurant reviewers, weather forecaster, TV technicians, magicians, counselors and business people.  

One of the most frequently asked questions while I was doing front desk work is direction. Man, I am the last person you want to talk to about directions. Thank God for Google map!

3. Hotel front desk is pretty laid back and uncomplicated. Far from the truth, it is one of the most exhausting (they work while standing for almost 8 hours sometimes more in a day, 5 times a week), they wear many hats while dealing with various people (from rock stars to smelly students competing in a tennis competition to bridezillas).  It is a combination of physical, cerebral, emotional and technical skills.

4. Hotel front desk pay is easy money. I earned five times more than what I used to earn as a radio announcer in the Philippines, but it is hard-earned money. Front desk officers belong to the lowest wage earners in the hospitality industry (in the US) and if you are not aggressive, sensible and wise enough with your finances, everything will go to waste. Just an update: I actually earn more now as a nanny/housekeeper compared to when I was a FDA. 

5. Anyone can do front desk work. After being on the job for four short months, I could say from experience this is not the case. Few, selected folks have the ability, drive and tenacity to last in this job. And those that have stayed, oftentimes expressed their choice of not doing it again or just using the experience to climb up the ranks. 

I remember crying a lot because of the pressure, fear of making a mistake, being called out after making a mistake, losing the job, losing my control etc. 

I don't have a lot of "great" memories while working in hotel. Two of the things that stood out though were- during my last week, there was only a few of us left for the night shift which happened to be a busy night. The hotel I worked for did not keep housekeepers for the evening shift to save some moolah, so guess who does some of the housekeeping jobs? Us- the FDA's! One guest requested for a personal fridge which happened to be kept in one of the storage rooms. Since there was no one else but the front desk agents left (me and the overnight shift), I had to carry (I couldn't find the luggage cart) the fridge from one end of the hallway to the guest's room! When one of the other guests saw me doing this, he offered help and handed me my first "I appreciate you card!" 

One of my favorite guests was this older man who trains therapy dogs and take them to hospitals and schools. He travels from city to city and talk about how the dogs help children who have serious medical conditions. This was the only time I took a picture of myself at work.

After my brief stint as an FDA, I'll never see or treat this position or the person lightly nor lowly again. 

Hats off to them!

Nanny LJ by LJ Schroeder

(pictures of my alagas)

Name: Love Joy "LJ" Schroeder

Occupation: Nanny/Home Organizer 

Who would have thought that I will be back to my very first job? Taking care of kiddos! A.k.a. nanny, babysitter, caregiver, yaya, katulong, kasambahay, alipin (ibang era na 'to).  

I remember being the one in-charge of my younger cousins as early as grade school days because I'm the oldest among them. By high school, I led/taught Sunday school for kids and also volunteered as counselor for youth camps. In my last year in high school, I struck a deal with my aunt. I agreed to be the primary caregiver  of her sons (my cousins who were then toddlers) in exchange she will help me pay for my tuition fee in college. You can read an article I wrote for the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Youngblood about my previous nannying experience through this link. 

So after 12 years in media, 4 short months in the hospitality industry, I am back to my roots and I am loving it... well most of the time.  

I've always adored kids and my training when I was younger helped me developed the skills and character that I am putting into great use. But man, things have changed a lot.

When I was younger I knew nothing about CPR or first aid or peanut allergies. Nowadays, especially here in the US- nannies, babysitters or caregivers whether part-time or full-time are mostly required to have a certificate/training to be even considered for the job.

Some employers look for applicants who already have insurance, bond, specific trainings/certificates, references related to the job, licenses and even their own transportation! 

Twice I was turned down because I'm not a mother (yet.) A few times I was told I was overqualified and the employer assumed I might get bored with the job. (Perhaps I should take that as a compliment.)

But I kept the faith and kept on looking. After more than a month of sending applications and a number of interviews- I finally got a full-time nannying job! Since end of November, my regular workday runs from 8-6, Mon-Fri with occasional Saturdays. I also accept part-time housekeeping/babysitting/organizing jobs mostly on weekends and at night. Like most occupations, there are certain things that I love about nannying and things that just makes it a job.  

The perks of being a nanny: Always casual Friday because I don't have to dress-up or wear make-up or even take a shower (not that I don't like cleaning myself or being presentable). No deadlines to beat and lesser stress. Additionally and surprisingly, it pays better than my previous job as a front desk officer. Plus, it's been something I've done or been doing (house chores) for many years. No additional trainings needed, college diploma is optional but you do need to be able to communicate well with your employers and the kids.

The challenges: Caring for two toddlers (one a cancer survivor), teaching them the basics (it's like going to kindergarten all over again) and the long commute. We (my hubby still drives for me) travel about 40-45 mins to work and back, and double that for my loving husband. 

In my previous jobs I talked to celebrities, leaders and politicians now I am teaching a toddler how to s-p-e-l-l and form a sentence. I used to play popular songs as a radio host, now I sing nursery rhymes all day long. I used to produce, travel, attend events, research, write, give awards but now I feed, play, read, clean-up poo poos/pee pees, look for missing socks, organize, put them to bed and put up with their tantrums and break fights.

I have discovered new BFF's too- Dora, Diego, Mickey Mouse, Bob the Builder and Thomas the Train. 

The first few days I felt I was demoted. I was a little demoralized and on the verge of writing myself an invite to a pity-party. 

Then I realized I am living one of my childhood dreams of becoming a teacher, an influencer, an inspiration. I never expected that when my alagas learn the difference between dark blue vs light blue, or that 2+2=4 or that hearing the word PLEASE would give me so much delight and pride. 

The kids hate it when I say my favorite expression C-A-R-E-F-U-L, but could you blame me? God forbid something happens to them, I will not only face the wrath of their parents but also the court. It's a life, a person, his well-being even his future that I am entrusted with. Unlike businesses, customers or products lives can not be replaced. I always have to be mindful of this important fact every single day.

I was having a conversation with another Asian a few days ago. She was complaining about her husband not being a sipsip to the bossings so he would get a promotion. She then asked me, "How about you Lj, have you learned the art of kissing someone's behind (she actually used the a- word)? 

I answered, "Nah, it's not my personality."  Looking back, I would have answered it differently. I'd probably say, I'd rather clean someone's behind (hopefully a baby's) than kiss it.

It's not the most glamorous job (like the previous jobs I've had) but I can certainly see myself doing this for long and possibly to my own soon... maybe this year? God-willing. :)

Coming to America by LJ Schroeder

Coming to America
Lj Schroeder


366 days in the US of A! Thank you Lord for another milestone!

It has been exactly one year and a day today since I left everything - my country, my home, my family, my friends, my work, church, traffic, life in the Philippines to be with my (then) fiance John now my husband of ten months. Yay! Come to think of it, there has been a number of milestones since my big move overseas. Except for settling down, I also I received my Green Card, found a new job, ended a decade-long career/ministry in radio, finished two semesters at the School of Ministry (and coming back for more) and did a few travels.

Life has not been perfect here in the US as most people in the Philippines assume, but I believe I am where God wants me to be. Good things don't come easy as the saying goes. I had to start from scratch, make new friends, speak a different language (moreso argue in another language), re-learn, familiarize and adjust. I know that the people and situations that I encounter have a purpose. Challenges and struggles are part of life, of growth, of our destiny. No complains - just a heart full of joy, appreciation and anticipation for things that are yet to come.

I clearly remember the first challenge that I had to deal with during my first few months- my body's reaction to the weather. Although a lot of people are drawn to the warm, sunny climate of California, my skin on the other hand got very dry and itchy... a few days later I was covered in rashes because I can't stop myself from scratching. It was hard to sleep (both with the jetlag and the skin rash) and it even got worse when I developed chronic flakes in my scalp for months. It was embarrassing and stressful. :( Good thing I found an ointment for the rashes and my body eventually adjusted to my new surroundings.

Another challenge I faced was being very dependent on my husband both financially and physically. In the Philippines, I made a living for more than a decade as a radio announcer/producer. In between I took part-time jobs like writing, wedding coordinating and hosting events. I was able to finish short-term courses, travel when and where I want to and even publish my first book.

After our wedding last September, I spent most of my time preparing then waiting for my papers (Green Card and Social Security) before I could apply for a job, so I relied a lot in my spouse for finances for getting around. For some people it's not too bad, but I felt like teenager again asking my Mom (this time my hubby) for money so I could buy simple things like sanitary pads or lotion or shampoo. It reminded me of the time I was in college- someone who just can't wait to have a job and have my own spending money. My husband has always been supportive and generous, but not having the opportunity to earn, to be productive, to contribute to our finances- made me feel powerless and miserable at some point.

Did I mention I don't drive too? Public transpo here is as rare as a Filipino obeying traffic rules. It's a MUST (even a requirement for most jobs) to have a valid driver's license.

Another thing that I have to deal with was making new friends. This is perhaps the most challenging one so far. I may have tons of acquaintances but I have kept very few close friends and they are mostly in my native land. I always tell my hubby, I wish I have friends that are not his friends (not that I don't like his friends). Oftentimes I feel like I am only their friend by affiliation.

Don't get me wrong, I love being with my husband but he can't stand walking in a garden for an hour or window shopping for four hours with me. There are specific occasions or places when a girl friend is all you need. :(

So far I haven't begged my husband to send me back home yet (a good sign!). I haven't had any major bouts of homesickness, although I dream frequently about my family, friends and the Philippines.

This country has plenty to offer, but like any other nation it has its traps, temptations and illusions. If I'm not rooted in the Word or surrounded by people that keeps me grounded, it's so easy to be carried away by materialism, commercialism, idealism, egalitarianism, individualism and all the other ism's that are rampant in this great land.

I miss my beautiful country and my people sorely, but wherever God directs me to go- I will call my home and its people I'll treat as a family.

Oh and I have a husband who's CRAZY in-love with me! (He forced me to write that. Just kidding!) What more can a woman ask for? :)

Favored and Blessed by Lj Salceda Schroeder

(1st and 2nd pic c/o Arleth Gutierrez, 3rd pic c/o of Dede Neufeld)

Favored and Blessed

Lj Salceda Schroeder

(Reflections on my last night as a single woman. I used part of this in my wedding vows and acknowledgments for the reception. )

My Ma never fails to remind me that I am a favored and blessed woman. I wish I could say that I've always believed her pronouncements but I'd be lying. Don't get me wrong, those are beautiful, heart-warming declarations that I would love to hear all the time, but those are also difficult words to digest and hold onto during tough days.

Not this time though. Today more than ever those words are alive. I've never felt or seen them as clear and as true than this moment.

I am a favored and blessed woman!

I am marrying the answer to my Ma's prayers. The man I've learned and still is learning to love, to know and to stand by with. I am in a country where some people could only dream of living. I am warmly welcomed in homes and by people I'm not even related to.

My loved ones and friends may not be here to witness and celebrate with us on our wedding day, but what a comfort and a joy to be surrounded by the most loving, supportive new family. I am overwhelmed by their generosity and all the names that I now have to remember. :) They are all wonderful and I can't wait to spend some time and get to know them more. I thank the Lord for their lives.

Being favored and blessed doesn't exempt one from hardships and pain.

For the two years that John and I have been together, we've faced many challenging, scary and seemingly insurmountable circumstances. The struggles of a long-distance relationship, the paperwork, the expenses, unemployment, settling in the US, wedding preparations... And the adventures did not stop since I came here. On my second week in California, John's car was burglarized, his wallet was taken, my identity was stolen, his second wallet got lost that we had to call a friend to pay for our meal, my Ma's visa application was denied- twice and I'm sure there will be plenty more to come....

It hasn't been an easy journey, but we made it this far. Being favored and blessed doesn't mean the absence of problems or the abundance in material things. It's not the presence of people you love or the comfort of a place you once called home. IT IS knowing we have God and He's got our back and everything else covered. He who made possible for John and I to meet and to be together will also be the One who will carry us through.