His family members and friends close to him always describe him as someone who always goes the extra mile. This was tested when he was asked by one of his aunts if he was willing to work overseas, particularly in the UAE. Being adventurous that he is, Jefrey Cafe took the golden opportunity despite being a fresh graduate and 21 years old at that time.
Without anything else but his visit visa, he tried his luck and applied for various companies in the country. A month after searching for the perfect job, he was tapped by the leading retail store ZARA. For eight years, he consistently climbed up the ladder of corporate success. Today, he now works as a senior sales assistant.
“I love my job, and I chose to be in this field because I am confident and passionate about it. Working in a multicultural environment makes me feel so empowered. I can even properly understand and communicate to everyone through body language no matter what nationality, age, gender, or culture they’re from,” he said.
“What I enjoy more is when I’m assisting and interacting with our clients by providing them my excellent customer service to provide and satisfy their needs and wants; by giving them proper and correct information about our products; mixing and matching outfits, new collections and promotions,” he added.
Jefrey also loves the idea that he gets to have more time to further harness his knowledge and skills in other fields by studying short-term courses and traveling to other countries.
The skills that he manifests in his work today were the fruit of his labor when he was studying while working during his college years. He juggled his time by studying and working as a service crew for a fast food chain.
“Even if it was hard, I managed my studies and career, although I did not have much time to mingle with my friends and attend special occasions. It was fulfilling,” he recalled.
Facing adversities in life at a young age also prepared him to be a stronger person today. He struggled half his life when his father died and left his five siblings.
“It’s a long journey to be who I am today. And I never give up so easily. It’s just that, we need to face it,” he said.
Jefrey said that he can’t confidently say that he is now settled because he is still single at 29 and has loads of priorities, especially with his mother.
As a family-oriented individual, he always looks after his family, siblings, nephews, and nieces.
“I am always open to my family, and they are the reason why I always have to win the fight, to work hard to lead for greater success in life,” Jefrey added.
The Filipino senior sales assistant had conditioned himself that he won’t stay in the UAE for more than 10 years, although he couldn’t tell what was in store for him in the future. All his siblings are now with him, carving their fate as well.
He further added he still also plans to travel and explore his dream countries and give himself a push to pursue his dreams of working and living in Canada.
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This story has been featured in the 27th issue of The Global Filipino Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Mr. Raymart Patulot at +971 56 663 4184. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com.
