...yeah, I'm working on christmss day
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
Philippines
December 24, 2011 5:22am CST
For majority of Filipinos., Christmas Day is one of those automatic holidays where many people will be with their families and spending their bonuses on various expenditures. However, even the holidays are becoming workdays for a lot of professionals.
There are certain industries who don't have holiday breaks because of the job. Many people can celebrate Christmas Eve but must be on the office on the Day itself. Some profession often have distant Christmas.
I mentioned all of these because I was given an emergency job today and will probably consume my New Year too. It's not that I'm complaining ( a job is not something you can refuse easily) but it's my first Christmas where I had to work. It's a surreal new experience for me.
It's also quite good luck that I can do the job from home since I think my mother will raise a war if I'm not present for the Media Noche and Christmas Day. I guess it means I won't be cooking much this day or in the New Year. Another good thing is the added payment. I also think that I might lose those extra calories from eating too many things.
Have you ever worked on Christmas Day? Do you think this is a good thing or a bad trend in work?
8 responses
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
I am sorry that you have to work on Christmas DAy but good thing that you can at least do the job at home. Actually my brother has work on Christmas and New Year too. He will not be here on Media Noche and Noche Buena.. and only me, my parents and granny will be at home. My other brother is out of the country so we're not expecting him to be here. We actually thought my elder brother will be here at least, but then work is important too and he could not just take a leave from work.
Actually it is not a trend, it's been there even for doctors and nurses too.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Your brother, too? It seems that more people are giving up the holidays and the chance to be with family. I guess they can celebrate the season by other means. Sometimes, it's more practical not to travel from one place to another in a small amouint of time. your brother might be exhausted form the trip.
My own brother will be flying this night because he needs to go back to work ASAP.
I guess the same applies to soldiers and the police. When your profession deals with life and security, you really don't have a proper Christmas break compared to other industries. Unless, of course, you get out of eh profession.
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
26 Dec 11
True.. but not a practical decision to quit. It's my dad's first time celebrating New Year here in the Philippines since he started working abroad when he was 21 years old. He's in his 50 now and is excited!
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Hello there jeanneyvonne, Merry Christmas!!! You are not the only one working on Christmas. I am also spending the whole day on my online job. We just have a lot of work to do that needs this holiday in order to complete the job on hand. In as much as I don't have anything scheduled on this day, I might as well earn some money. I am used to working on Christmas because when I was still connected with a company, we used to do the payroll on Christmas noon in preparation for the end of the month payday. When it is the end of the year, we had to finish all year end computations like the leave benefits, the tax refunds and the like. Sometimes, we just have to make sacrifices to make other people happy. I am now trying to complete the work assignment so that I will still have some time later to do some myLotting with you friends out there.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Sometimes, we just have to make sacrifices to make other people happy.
Loved this line. sometimes, we really can't help working even there is a traditional festive season and everybody wants to get home to their families. somebody has to do the work, by hook or by crook. Work doesn't really recognize holidays and some people (sometimes of different beliefs) doesn't pay much attention when it comes ot secular holidays like Christmas.
I am confused. Your work and assignment is finance-related?
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Hello Jeanne, If it's work at home then there's no problem there. the last time I had work during Christmas day and New Year was at the Call center on the last last Job I worked with. It was really quite a different experience as if there was no break at all. but don't worry, things would get better anyways as long as you are home for christmas.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Ah, call centers. My friend works in one and I send her a message that we're somewhat on the same boat. ZI just hope she survives enough to enjoy Christmas, even not the Noche Buena.
Anyway, I am lucky that job was home-based. I didn't know how to explain to my mother that I need to work during Christmas. I think nobody has missed her Christmas dinners. I am guessing that she's happy and content to see me at home, even if I'm working and not participating much. As long as she tempts me with her food. I think I'll survive. Need to watch out for the sweets, though.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
i am thankful that i was not asked by my supervisor to render overtime on Christmas. i am kind of sad because i cannot earn additional money but then i am happy to relax and sleep and be with my family on Christmas eve.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Merry Christmas to you.
I know that earning or compensation during Christmas time is a lot higher compared to other holidays. However, sometimes, the compensation isn't cutting over the tiredness and not seeing your family for the occasion and the bonding. At least, you are enjoying your Christmas to the fullest extent.
@davaome (1826)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
I know how you feel, I have worked during on Christmas day last year and I feel not good about it at that time. It's because the nature of my work that celebrating the holidays is only during after working hours like 6pm until 11pm or 12pm only. Like any normal day. I am a seafarer and I know what it's like not having rest days, sick leaves, and day offs while onboard. Everyday is a MONDAY after all. and sometimes I don't even get enough sleep. but, I am already ok with it because I have to get used to doing it in the majority of my life because this is my profession. and I would say that you are still lucky to spend your Christmas together with your family
Merry Christmas
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Thanks and a Merry Christmas to you too.
Some professions are really demanding on the workload and sometimes, on the distance. I can feel that your family is gonna miss your presence for the remainder of the season. I have a relative who is a seaman and he says that the work is really grueling but also full-filling. I hope that sometimes you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, whether it is Christmas or not.
@AmyLouisie (18)
•
24 Dec 11
What's so special on a christmas day? all days are the same. it we who give special names to certain days. personally i don't mind working on christmas day or any other day for that matter. i have to wrrk in order to survive christmas or no christmas! what is most important measure of a person's status in life is the work that he does and not the festivals he holidays on.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
While I agree that there should be no wrong in working on any kind of day or opportunity and I also don't mind working on the holidays, my family aren't so open-minded. My mom wants em to be in attendance for the preparations and the festivities proper. In my country, Christmas is a big deal. Other people feel that the season is for family. However, I'm not gonna pass up an opportunity to working and bonding if I can pull it off.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Well, that is quite sad since you won't be with your family on special days such as these. 
You can just have a late celebration for Christmas anyway. I am not with my family either but I already greeted them.
You can just have a late celebration for Christmas anyway. I am not with my family either but I already greeted them. @jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Well, I'm still in the adjustment period I guess. I know that I would be working but you know what they say that Christmas only comes a year. It feels weird that I am doing this now but I'm grateful for the work.
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Oh, that's a bit sad but on the other hand there will be great outcome such as additional payment, and losing extra calories. Another good thing is that you'll be working at home. So, it is still a very merry Christmas
I did work once during Christmas day. It was tiring and you can't enjoy because you are busy with work. When you get home, you would be so tired you would have to sleep during the celebration, whew!
I do hope that you are going to enjoy the Christmas and New year celebration like you always did even if you have work to do. Cheers!
I did work once during Christmas day. It was tiring and you can't enjoy because you are busy with work. When you get home, you would be so tired you would have to sleep during the celebration, whew!
I do hope that you are going to enjoy the Christmas and New year celebration like you always did even if you have work to do. Cheers!@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Thanks for the your wishes. I So far, I have been bust at two things - eating and concentrating myself to work. my mother usually distracts me when it's time for some family bonding. So far, I'm surviving. I hope I can keep this up until the New year without missing any milestones and still be in the family photos.
