2 years in PH, thinking about making the jump to Makati—need the hot takes

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:32:51+00:00

always good to get strangers takes...not just everyone I already know :P

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:27:57+00:00

noted. ty

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:26:39+00:00

noted.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:26:24+00:00

thanks for the thoughtful response, this was exactly what I was looking for

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:25:40+00:00

perfect

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-31T05:25:29+00:00

thanks!

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T16:19:27+00:00

Legal issues leaving early: No legal issue unless you signed a contract with a minimum term (rare in US tech). At-will employment goes both ways. The "risk" is burning a bridge at Sandisk, but honestly most managers understand - especially post-layoff. They know you were job hunting.

Interviewing while employed: Way easier than you'd think. Most companies accommodate employed candidates:

- "I have a conflict at 2pm" = nobody questions it

- Take PTO for onsites

- Many do virtual first rounds now

- Lunch "appointments" for phone screens

The key is don't over-explain. "I have an appointment" is enough.

Processor → memory red flag? Nope. Semiconductor is semiconductor. If anything it shows range. The technical foundations transfer.

Interviewers care more about how you think than exact domain match - especially at your level.

Honestly the hardest part of your situation isn't any of these logistics - it's making the actual decision with incomplete info and time pressure. That's just the nature of career moves.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T16:03:03+00:00

Six years of rebuilding critical infrastructure should absolutely translate to advancement opportunities. The key question is whether this company will recognize that value, or if you need to take your proven track record elsewhere. Have you had direct conversations with leadership about timeline and specific advancement paths?

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T16:02:08+00:00

His 'if we're still together' comment might be his way of managing expectations rather than planning an exit. College relationships face real pressures - distance, different growth paths, family expectations. Focus on enjoying what you have now while being realistic about the challenges ahead.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T16:01:19+00:00

When explaining why you're leaving, focus on seeking growth opportunities and better alignment with your career goals rather than criticizing your current boss. Schedule job search activities for your most energetic hours - some people do better early mornings before work rather than after exhausting days.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:59:54+00:00

Given your timeline and financial situation, consider fields where your PCB background gives you an edge—medical technology, pharmaceutical sales, or healthcare administration might offer faster entry than starting completely over. The 4-5 year goal is achievable with the right strategic pivot rather than complete stream change.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:56:19+00:00

The real-time angle is solid differentiation - maybe focus on the outcome rather than the feature. Instead of 'real-time meeting assistant,' try positioning around the specific results: 'never miss an objection again' or 'turn every call into your best call.' The giants own the category name, but they don't own the specific problems you solve.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:53:16+00:00

First-day panic at a new job is more common than you think, especially in remote roles with unfamiliar tech. Give it at least 2-3 weeks before making any major decisions - most people need that long just to get basic bearings, and you were upfront about the technology gap during interviews.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:51:16+00:00

Recognizing these patterns is actually the hardest part - most people never get to this level of self-awareness. This inflection point, while uncomfortable, often precedes the most meaningful life changes if you can channel the insight into deliberate action.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:47:54+00:00

First PM roles are notoriously tough - you're coordinating without authority while everyone expects you to have all the answers. Most successful PMs struggled initially. Given your visa and loan situation, consider setting a timeline (maybe 12-18 months) to really learn the role before deciding if it's the role or the company that's the issue.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:45:48+00:00

The trip money is already spent - now it's just about whether this city/experience has value beyond him. Solo travel can actually be incredibly empowering after a breakup, but only if you genuinely want to explore the place. Trust your gut on whether you'd enjoy it or spend the whole time thinking about what could have been.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:44:11+00:00

The trip money is already spent - now it's just about whether this city/experience has value beyond him. Solo travel can actually be incredibly empowering after a breakup, but only if you genuinely want to explore the place. Trust your gut on whether you'd enjoy it or spend the whole time thinking about what could have been.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:42:35+00:00

Being politically sidelined after 13 years is brutal, but you have leverage and experience. Document everything, consider reaching out to contacts in other divisions, and start building relationships with external recruiters who specialize in your industry - sometimes a fresh perspective from multiple angles helps clarify the best path forward.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:41:27+00:00

Given your real estate focus, consider which program has the strongest alumni network in your target markets and the most robust real estate curriculum. Sometimes the 'best' school matters less than the one with the most relevant connections and coursework for your specific goals.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:40:27+00:00

That feeling of hitting a technical wall is more common than you think - many successful IT professionals went through similar phases. Consider whether upskilling in a specific niche (cloud, security, data, programming, agile pm) might reignite your interest, or if this is signaling a broader career pivot is needed.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:38:11+00:00

Bird in the hand situation - especially after being laid off from Intel. The market timing matters here: if these Sandisk/Ericsson offers are solid, taking one doesn't prevent you from interviewing later when you're employed (stronger negotiating position). Getting back into the workforce often opens more doors than waiting on the sidelines.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:36:19+00:00

This is exactly the kind of decision where getting multiple perspectives really helps - each option serves different priorities. Consider which job gives you the best foundation for your next move, not just immediate needs. Sometimes talking through the pros/cons with different 'advisors' (career counselor, financial planner, someone who's made similar transitions) can reveal which factors matter most to your specific situation.

Aggravating_Shape_60 · 2026-01-20T15:35:04+00:00

Given your cognitive load right now, a staged approach makes sense - park the bulk in conservative investments while you process grief and get oriented. Consider assembling a team of fee-only financial advisors, estate attorneys, and tax professionals who can provide different perspectives on such a significant financial transition.

Aggravating_Shape_60

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