Impact Story: Barbs Lopez shares what it's like working at MySigrid
Meet Barbs Lopez, an executive assistant at MySigrid. Barbs joined MySigrid in 2022 and graciously offered to share her life story and how her family's life has changed since then.
If I met an old colleague, I would tell them that working at MySigrid has been a transformative experience. It offers a level of stability and support that I never had as a freelancer.
/Barbs Lopez, executive assistant at MySigrid
Barbs is the proud mother of two children and lives with her family in Quezon City, Manila. Before joining MySigrid, she worked for almost seven years in the BPO industry, servicing US clients during the night shift from 9 PM to 6 AM. Due to the heavy traffic in Metro Manila, her commute took up to three hours per day, leaving her with limited or no time to spend with her children during the week. Seeking a better work-life balance, Barbs decided to become a freelancer and work from home.
Following a health scare, however, the lack of job security as a freelancer became a significant concern, prompting Barbs to seek a more stable and healthy work model. She found this stability in MySigrid, which offered her full-time employment in a hybrid work model.
What was life like before you started working as an executive assistant at MySigrid?
“Before working with MySigrid, I was a freelancer since 2018, doing various roles such as chat support, insurance verifier, Facebook ads specialist, and SEO. I also worked as an Amazon virtual assistant, but the compensation was only per hour. While it was work from home, the job lacked stability. If a client canceled a contract, there was no salary, leading to no job security. MySigrid is different in that regard.”
How has life changed since you joined MySigrid?
"I have two children. My oldest is 13. I gave birth when I was 19, and my second child is five years old. Both are going to school. During my lunch break at MySigrid, I can prepare their meals and handle other tasks, allowing me to multitask. I'm grateful to be able to manage all this while working."
"Before working from home, when I had to travel for work every day, my eldest was seven and taken care of by my aunt, leaving me with limited time to spend with her. I mostly spent time with her during weekends, my rest days."
"Now, I manage their meals and clothes before they go to school. Working from home eliminates city traffic and provides a robust support system. My team, which includes members from the U.S. shift, frequently does video calls to stay connected and support each other online. This setup prevents us from feeling isolated and allows us to ask questions easily. Unlike other agencies, MySigrid's environment is less strict, and the pay is good, which makes me happy."
If you met an old colleague, what would you tell them about working at MySigrid?
"In 2018, I started working from home, primarily taking on freelancer jobs. I was earning more than expected. However, in 2021, I faced health issues requiring surgery. As a freelancer without health insurance, my savings were depleted by hospital bills totaling around 400,000 pesos. I had to work multiple jobs to pay off the debt. When I joined MySigrid and was offered a job with health benefits, it was a relief."
"Having health insurance is crucial for me and my kids. Working at MySigrid is very different from freelancing; it feels more stable and secure. We are not just admin support or travel coordinators; we help organize clients' lives.
"What I enjoy about MySigrid is the strong support system. We can easily ask questions during calls. Despite the long commute of one hour and 30 minutes when I go to the office for co-working, I enjoy seeing and being with my colleagues in person.
"Vacation leave approvals are easy. If you need to be somewhere, you just need to give notice, and it’s usually approved as long as you delegate your tasks. My tasks are smoothly delegated to backups when needed. If an employee is sick, they advise you to rest and take care of yourself, unlike the corporate setting where there's pressure to work even when unwell. For example, if my kids need to see a doctor, MySigrid allows me to prioritize them without any hassle. They genuinely care about the well-being of their employees, not just the work. Thank you so much for building the company, I'm really grateful that i now enjoy job-security.
"If I met an old colleague, I would tell them that working at MySigrid has been a transformative experience. It offers a level of stability and support that I never had as a freelancer. The health benefits and the genuine care for employees' well-being make it a fantastic place to work. MySigrid is more than just a job; it's a community where you feel valued and supported."
About MySigrid:
MySigrid is home to an inclusive community of like-minded people that put family, community, and work-life balance first. By choosing MySigrid as your service provider, you're not just making a business decision; you're supporting a work culture that puts family at the forefront. Our vision is to build a new model for remote work that will help keep families together. We believe in empowering our team to cherish the moments that matter, fostering a work-life balance where family ties are honored and respected.
About Sigrid
Founded in Singapore in 2016, Sigrid is the world's leading provider of premium virtual executive and personal assistance. Our virtual assistant services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each of our clients, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service with a personal touch. From scheduling appointments and booking travel to managing household tasks and coordinating events, we take care of the details so our clients can focus on what they do best. Let us help you achieve your goals today
Achieve New Levels of Workplace Productivity with Virtual Secretary Services
In today's fast-paced and demanding professional landscape, senior executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling numerous tasks and responsibilities. The pressure to stay productive and organized can be overwhelming,
Making the Most of Your Virtual Assistant this Holiday Season: Keyways to Maximize Support!
The holiday season brings so much excitement, that time of the year we all eagerly anticipate. However, let's be real, it gets incredibly hectic for businesses. With numerous meetings,
How to Balance Work and Life in an Increasingly Connected World
Maintaining a harmonious work-life balance is vital to succeeding in one’s career and personal life. However, numerous