When people knew I was a Key Accounts Executive and ergo into sales, they would trivialize my work as that of selling shampoo, soap, cheese, of chocolates. Later, when they learned that I had passed the Foreign Service Officers Exam, they think the bulk of my job is about stamping passports. I don't know whether to be amused, annoyed, or both. But let me share with you some of the common misconceptions that people have about this new chapter in my life. If ever you decide to take the FSOE someday, take heart. People can make weird, sometimes insensitive comments and I suggest it is better to laugh these things off than to make them feel your wrath. Not worth thee ffort, I swear.
Weird Comment #1: Foreign service! That's my dream job! I've always wanted to stamp people's passports all day!
This is probably one of the most common comments my batch mates and I keep on receiving from time to time. Really now, people, I believe it's not a career in Foreign Service that you want. It's a career in Immigration. FSOs will not be stamping passports. Hang on a little bit more and I'll get to the part on what an FSOs job is really about. Suffice to say, FSOs will be taking care of stuff like high level negotiations and making sure that everything we do is aligned to the 3 pillars of Philippine Foreign Service/Policy. This includes making sure our national territory is protected and secure, the rights of our OFWs are upheld, and that we forge partnerships with other countries to inspire economic growth.
Weird Comment #2: Great that you are in Foreign Service and that we know each other! I can finally get my passport processed fast! Hope you can prioritize me.
*dry, sarcastic laughter here* isn't it funny that we complain so much about nepotism, red tape, and favoritism in the system when in fact some of us are patronizing and perpetuating this kind of culture? Please do me, yourself, and the country a favor. Please fall in line and wait for your turn. We can't expect others to be disciplined if we can't discipline ourselves now, can we? Good that we have an understanding.
Weird Comment #3: Can you help me get my US/Canadian/whateverelse Visa approved?
My batch mates and I work for the PHILIPPINE Foreign Service. This means that we only get to issue PHILIPPINE VISAS. For US/EU/Canadian visas, kindly check with the embassies and consulates of the country you wish to enter. Apologies, but our job has its inherent limitations.
Weird Comment #4: You're gonna be rich!
Rich with travel experience, I'm sure.
Weird Comment #5: Can I send some stuff I'm going to sell in the Philippines under your name? It'll help me lower down the costs since you get to send things for free and thus increase my profit margins.
Oooohh...I smell smuggling. Check out House Bill 1694.
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