One of the many reasons why Khristine Teves worked abroad was her daughter. As a loving and single mother at that time, she wants to give her more.
The salary she was getting in the Philippines was insufficient to provide her with a decent life. She also came to Dubai to navigate where her future career would be headed.
She arrived in the emirate in 2005, full of dreams. Khristine started as an airport check-in staff for top US and European airlines. Five years later, she moved to Singapore to work as an airport supervisor for a Dubai-based airline company but decided to return after a year as she missed the lifestyle in the emirate and its glitz and glamour.
Khristine also had an opportunity to work for various top GCC airline companies; however, the most rewarding part of her career was when she became the sales and key account manager for Philippine Airlines.
“Serving our fellow kababayans [through Philippine Airlines] feels so rewarding for me,” she said.
Being in the airline industry for almost two decades gave her travel opportunities and decent earning potential, which she couldn’t have in the Philippines.
Before spending her life in the aviation industry, Khristine’s first job was in the hospitality industry. She used to be a front desk officer in one hotel in her hometown in Tarlac City. When she moved to Manila, she had the chance to work as an airport staff member at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for an Asian airline. Her experience with the airline has paved the way for her to land a job in Dubai as a check-in staff.
While checking in passengers, she was trying her potential in sales by challenging herself to sell all the exit and premium economy seats on the flight. She was able to sell these seats daily. Little did she know, the airline was monitoring her performance as almost all the seats were sold out on every flight. Her impeccable performance was reflected in the ‘best employee’ award she received during her tenure. It also helped her achieve a position in airline sales.
Because of her dedication and burning passion to excel, she has been received multiple awards and commendations from the company she works with.
“Not only myself, but my family can also enjoy my travel perks. They can travel anywhere and anytime they want. I did not experience being a stranger to my family as they could travel here anytime to see me. The most satisfying part of my work is that I can help our kababayan and other nationalities who are not happy with their current job and looking for greener pastures through my referrals. I use my connections with numerous travel agencies and airlines to help them move from their current company to a better one,” Khristine said.
After working in the emirate for several years, she realized that there are many other benefits when working abroad; an example was how her career development opportunities prospered.
“Working internationally gave me an edge over others. It gave me the interest to see things from a different angle. My current position opened the doors to great benefits and perks. My cultural awareness was increased due to working in such a diverse environment,” she added.
One of the most difficult decisions she has ever made was leaving her daughter with her mother to work overseas.
“I was an absent parent for a time. Didn’t get to see my daughter growing. She was only 3 years old when I decided to work abroad. A decision I have thought, cried and prayed hard about. A decision I’m at peace with now. A decision I don’t regret,” she added further.
Khristine doesn’t want to go back home empty-handed, so she started investing in real estate business and life insurance. She also started a business in the Philippines and partnered with trusted relatives so that when the time comes that she needed to go back home, she would have something to start with.
“The only advice for our kabayans who are struggling in any way is not to stop trying until you reach the winning line, even if you lost your balance. Keep working while we are strong. Working abroad, especially in UAE, is not forever. Work hard and save for your retirement. Manage your finances well and only spend according to your means,” she concluded.