How a Filipina in the UAE turned a AED1,500 salary into a thriving oil and gas career

In the fast-paced and demanding world of the oil and gas industry, the mantra “Never stop dreaming, always keep believing” serves as a guiding light for those who dare to push their limits. This powerful belief system has driven countless individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, no matter how challenging the path may be. Among these driven professionals is Baby Cayline Gamo, the current Customer Account Manager at Tube Supply DMCC, who exemplifies the essence of perseverance and growth in her career.

Over the course of 14 years working abroad, Baby Caylineโ€™s journey from the Philippines to the UAE has been marked by determination and resilience. She began as a tentative newcomer, uncertain of what lay ahead, but through consistent effort and an unwavering belief in herself, she transformed into a confident and accomplished figure in the industry.

Baby Cayline’s professional journey abroad began in April 2010 when she moved to the UAE. Initially, she worked as an Account Assistant in a small shop on Naif Baniyas Road, with a starting salary of AED 1,500.

โ€œIt was a modest start,โ€ she recalls, โ€œbut it laid the foundation for my understanding of the business environment in a foreign land.โ€

After a year, she transitioned to a customer service role at a bank, focusing on credit card and loan collections. However, personal reasons led her to resign after just six months.

The turning point in Baby Caylineโ€™s career came when she joined Al Mazroui Advanced Technology as an admin.

โ€œI started with a salary of AED 2,500, but within a year, I was promoted to After Sales Service Manager,โ€ she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.

Despite having no prior experience in this field, Baby Caylineโ€™s determination to learn both the technical and commercial aspects of her new role set her apart. โ€œIt was challenging,โ€ she admits, โ€œbut I pushed myself to master the complexities of the job, and over 13 years, I grew in ways I never imagined.โ€

Her tenure at Al Mazroui Advanced Technology was marked by continuous self-improvement, ultimately leading her to pursue new opportunities.

โ€œI wanted more,โ€ she shares, โ€œand after years of hard work, I finally secured a position that offers my dream salary. This new chapter in my life is a testament to the power of perseverance.โ€

Overcoming personal and professional challenges

Baby Caylineโ€™s decision to work abroad was not one she initially considered. โ€œI was content in the Philippines,โ€ she explains. โ€œI had a fear of flying and was happy with my job as a call center agent in a leading BPO company, along with several side gigs.โ€

However, when an opportunity arose, she saw it as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. โ€œThe decision to move was driven by the potential for career advancement and the opportunity to experience new cultures,โ€ she says.

Before her career in the UAE, Baby Cayline was a teacher in the Philippines, a profession she found unfulfilling. โ€œTeaching left me feeling bored,โ€ she confesses. โ€œI wanted something that allowed me to interact more and refine my skills, so I became a call center agent. The role allowed me to engage in extensive dialogue and improve my English accent, which was something I really enjoyed.โ€

The joys and rewards of working overseas

Today, Baby Cayline finds immense satisfaction in her role as a Customer Account Manager.

โ€œWhat I love most about my job is the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively,โ€ she shares. โ€œClosing a significant deal through my own strategic efforts is particularly rewarding.โ€

Despite the challenges, Baby Cayline thrives in her field, finding joy in the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully navigating complex tasks.

Living and working abroad has also allowed Baby Cayline to witness her own personal growth. โ€œIโ€™ve gone from being naรฏve and lacking confidence to becoming strong and assured,โ€ she reflects. โ€œEvery step I take is a testament to my progress, and Iโ€™m proud of the person Iโ€™ve become.โ€

Baby Caylineโ€™s journey was not without its struggles. Growing up without a father presented significant emotional challenges. โ€œI excelled academically, but I always felt incomplete,โ€ she recalls. โ€œI thought academic success would bring happiness, but it couldnโ€™t fill the void left by my fatherโ€™s absence.โ€ Over time, Baby Cayline learned to find contentment in what she had rather than longing for what was missing. โ€œI realized that happiness is a choice we make based on how we perceive and appreciate our lives,โ€ she says. โ€œNow, I focus on enjoying the present moment and embracing the peace of mind that comes with it.โ€

As Baby Caylineโ€™s career continues to flourish, she has already started planning for the future.

โ€œIโ€™ve begun saving,โ€ she reveals. โ€œOnce Iโ€™ve saved enough, I plan to return to the Philippines, build my own home, and live a simpler life. I want to start a small business for sustainability and enjoy the tranquility that comes with it.โ€

For other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) facing challenges, Baby Cayline offers words of encouragement.

โ€œFace your struggles head-on,โ€ she advises. โ€œLearn from your mistakes, believe in yourself, and trust that your hard work will pay off. Avoid feelings of resentment or envy; instead, celebrate othersโ€™ successes and stay optimistic about your own future.โ€


This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, weโ€™d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If youโ€™re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.