Confused or have questions about what it’s like to start your career and enter the “real world”? Let Arshie Larga explain.
Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Job
What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a simple question asked at nearly every stage of your life. From when you’re in diapers to receiving a college diploma, it feels like life builds up to the moment you inevitably get a job. But once it’s time to make the decision, it isn’t the easiest to answer. Having a job, especially for fresh grads, is a big change, and often comes with many questions, expectations, and even anxieties. What begins as naive optimism makes way for the challenges of the real world and a realization that this isn’t a college org with friends but a professional setting that expects much, maybe even too much, from you.
And it’s ok for you to feel that way. Everyone goes through it, even people who have the best of both worlds, such as Arshie Larga.
Bomber Jacket, button-down shirt and trousers by @varobherrera, Necktie by @jire._.h, Shoes by @konzept_shoeph
With thriving careers as both a social media content creator and licensed pharmacist, Arshie knows that what you want for your career isn’t something you decide on the fly. But you shouldn’t run away from entering your working era. It’s a crazy world out there, and you can navigate it.
IN MY WORKING ERA
If you watch any of Arshie’s videos, you’d know he’s a natural on camera. But Arshie is the first to admit that he never saw a career as a content creator as in the cards for him. “Hindi ko nakita yung sarili ko being a content creator and a pharmacist all at the same time,” he reveals. Initially, Arshie wanted to be a US pharmacist and pursue a postgraduate degree. But, like with a lot of career options for Gen Z, the pandemic changed everything. Soon, Arshie found his way to TikTok, and the rest, as they say, is history. “Yung mga content that pinoproduce ko during that time and up until now naman siguro is very relevant to our current situation.”
Arshie, who at one point considered being a hospital pharmacist, saw his career options shift overnight. But sensing an opportunity to use his platform to educate Filipinos on health and medicine, Arshie found both options suitable for what he wanted to do. Understandably, given his occupation, Arshie is bound by what he can say and do as a content creator. “As pharmacists, we cannot endorse prescription medicines, only over-the-counter medicines. Also may mga ethical and moral concerns din.”
More importantly, he approaches his work online as a duty that goes beyond the clout or securing the bag, “I am not only representing myself when I’m doing my content but also the pharmacists sa Pilipinas and all around the world so basically anything that I do is a representation kung ano dapat mag-act ang isang pharmacist.”
So, how does Arshie manage to balance both jobs? Like with any career you get into, Arshie is a firm believer in setting boundaries. “For your mental health as well, importante na you set boundaries kung kailan ka magtatrabaho. Dapat importante na meron time ka for yourself.” Once it’s time to work, Arshie works. But once he’s off the clock, it’s Arshie’s me-time so that he can clearly indicate when to focus on himself and not forget when to rest. “Importante kasi yan sa akin nagseset tayo ng boudaries and alam natin kung kailan tayo magwowork at kailan hindi.”
YOU BETTER WORK
For some, having a job means being part of the wider corporate machine and spending hours at your desk as you wait for your paycheck at the end of the month. But working is about more than just signing a contract and being thrown into a grinder.
As early as the job hunt, there are factors to watch for in potential companies. For Arshie, that means getting a job that pays you appropriately for the efforts of the position, and a healthy working environment. “Importante na ang mga companies na pinapasukan natin would also prioritize personal space and mental health ng mga employees nila.” Arshie adds, “Pick companies na have same principles na meron ka. Walang masama to demand as long as it’s reasonable naman.”
Trench coat, trousers, and necktie by @jire._.h, Button down shirt and vest by @vandrocasiwanatelier, Shoes by @clarksshoes
Working for a boss or manager who isn’t considerate, doesn’t show empathy to their employees, and doesn’t respect your time in and outside of work hours is only going to make your life harder in the long run. Being in your first job can feel like navigating a never-ending maze. But it is possible to find the exit, and it starts with letting your priorities be the guiding light on what you want to do (and also help you not get lowballed on your salary just because you’re a fresh grad).
Above all, you won’t thrive in your career if you don’t take care of your well-being, something work-life balance plays a big part in. In one study, the Philippines is ranked one of the worst countries when it comes to work-life balance. It’s no wonder Gen Z considers work-life balance as one of the top priorities they look for in a job. And no, this doesn’t mean we’re lazy, it means we know how to prioritize ourselves.
Just hear it from Arshie, who practices what he preaches. “Kapag hindi naman sobrang ASAP nung mga inquiries or work, hindi ko agad-agad sinasagot,” says the content creator on how he practices work-life balance. This mindset extends to how all his notifications are turned off after a certain time and only compromises his free time for important tasks.
From prioritizing work-life balance, mental health, personal growth, proper pay, non-toxic working environments, and more, Gen Z is bringing their ideals and beliefs to the workplace as they enter the workforce. No longer are we just a part of the employment statistics, but real people who deserve to be treated as such.
As Arshie puts it, “For me, Gen Zs nowadays, they know what they want, they know what they can offer to the table, and they prioritize their interests.” Gen Z isn’t doing it like before, and that’s a good thing. This can be especially seen in how a career isn’t limited to just office work as we aren’t afraid to try something new for ourselves that we enjoy. “Kung passionate sila sa isang bagay kahit hindi siya conventional work, they would still pursue it kasi yun yung mahal nila,” says Arshie. “I think it’s very important you love what you do, kasi how would you be comfortable working if hindi mo mahal yung trabaho mo?”
FIRST JOB BLUES
While the typical career options still exist, the changing times mean what a job can look like has also shifted. And undoubtedly social media had a part to play in opening career options. Arshie is a walking example of this with how he’s married his day job of being a pharmacist with being a social media content creator. Gen Z has more ways to see what it’s like in different fields that give them an overview of what they can expect. “Maganda yun na parang yung mga Gen Z nagkakaroon sila ng reality check na eto pala yung kinakailangan paghandaan when it comes to the workplace.”
Aside from that, social media can also be a gateway for inspiration for young people entering the workforce for the first time on opportunities they didn’t know were possible. “Na-iinspire din sila with social media na ganito pala yung future ko, ito pala isa sa mga possibilities na pwede kong makuha.”
But it’s also important to note that not everything you see online should be taken at face value. For starters, Arshie wants you to know that what you studied in college may not always apply to your job, and that’s ok. “Minsan, may mga bagay talaga na when we go into it, yung mga pinag-aralan natin hindi na applicable to that, and huwag kang manghihinayang.”
Second, it’s your first job (emphasis on the first) so you aren’t forced to stick with it forever. If you feel that there are other opportunities out there, take it. “At the end of the day, kung hindi ka masaya dun sa profession na pinili mo, you can still push kung ano ang nagpapasaya at passion mo.”
Too idealistic? To some, yes. But change has to start somewhere, and being sad forever isn’t part of the job description. Your first job may not always be your ideal job, but instead of being defeated, use it as an opportunity to grow and learn what you want. “Just give it a try,” Arshie advises. “Kapag hindi mo gusto, you can always have that option to choose another path.”
There are so many possibilities out there when it comes to the career for you, something Gen Z has taken advantage of by not limiting their options to just a 9-to-5 office job (though there’s nothing wrong if that’s what you want). For those considering a career in social media, Arshie suggests fresh grads try it out and explore, but just be mindful of what you get yourself into. But if you also don’t know what to do yet or are still trying to figure things out, that’s ok, too. It’s valid to feel lost or unsure of what to do.
What matters, at least for Arshie, is that you have a clear idea of your goals and principles. “It’s always important to set your goals and principles para makahanap ka kung ano ang gusto mo. I-try mo yung the goal, career that you want, pero kung hindi ka masaya doon, there’s always an option to pursue something else that will make you happier at wala masama dun.”
This is just the start of what is a long journey for you. Your first job isn’t going to be your only job. While it would be nice if we could get our dream job right out of the gate, the reality is that that isn’t always possible. Though that shouldn’t mean you should resign yourself to an unhappy career. Arshie knows this firsthand with how what he’s enjoying now wasn’t what he thought he wanted.
“May mga plano ka nakaset pero dadating yung panahon na yung mga plano pala yon hindi para sa ‘yo. May mga times na marereject ka, but then again you’re not being rejected, you’re just being redirected. May mga bagay na akala mo yun yung para sayo, pero yun pala may bigger things na para sayo,” reflects Arshie.
So, don’t be scared to go out there, open those doors, and, more importantly, don’t be in a rush to enjoy this new era of your life. What is meant for you is meant for you. And while Arshie is the king of turning complex concepts into easy-to-understand ideas, the only person who can protect your peace and tell you you’re happy is yourself. Let Arshie explain, “Mag-set ka ng boundaries kung kailangan ka magiging kontento sa mga bagay kasi wala masama to keep on pursuing things. Pero dapat alam mo rin sa sarili mo when to be contented.”
Photography by JOSH TOLENTINO
Assisted by ANTONIO VAZQUEZ
Videography by DAVID STA. INES
Creative and Fashion Direction by ANDRE CHANG
Art Direction by GELO QUIJENCIO
Styling by ANDRE CHANG
Assisted by KURT ABONAL and MARIA PAZ GAMUS
Production Design by ARJ MADZ of JAGGER STUDIOS
Makeup by LIONEL FABROS
Hair by PATTY CRISTOBAL
Shoot Coordination by JASMIN DASIGAN
Editor-in-Chief MAGGIE BATACAN
Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA
Brand Associate BIANCA LAO
Order your copy of the First Job MyZine Print Pack featuring Arshie Larga now here.
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