I Just Want my Kid to Have All the Choices in the World

Frieda Dogelio

Motherhood- when does it begin? The very definition of being a mother may look different for everyone, considering the amazing biological moms, single moms, adoptive moms, even furbaby moms, and any mother figures out there. Whatever it may be, you probably know when your motherly instincts kicked in and you made the statement either in your head or out loud - “I am a mother.” For Frieda, a mom to be, it was the priceless moment of just feeling her baby’s heartbeat.

Frieda Dogelio has been teaching as an FCI Instructor in Greatway for eight years. Her love and passion for teaching has been apparent throughout her years of working in the company. As we continue to honour our Greatway moms, we hope to inspire you with Frieda’s story as she shares her excitement of becoming a mom and how working at Greatway is not just a job but also a support system for her.

First thing, I’m really thankful for being part of Greatway. I have never seen a company like this, where it embraces family culture. It is quite rare to have the company owners be actually more excited than me about having a baby and express utmost care for my welfare. Knowing this in mind, I know I can expect an easy transition from my maternity leave to going back to work. I could already see myself bringing my child to the office, especially with the current renovations that will include a room for the staff’s kids.

Since I have been waiting for this moment, I plan to fully enjoy my maternity leave. There may be changes and adjustments in terms of my work responsibilities, but I am confident in my team, and I am not worried about temporarily leaving at all. I remember talking to HR before my pregnancy and mentioned about my plan to take full advantage of the maternity leave, if ever I was to have a child and they were in full support. The good thing about this company is you can have a baby right away and they will support you. Not a lot of company is like that. Although this is the case, I would still want to get back to working or it will drive me crazy.

Right now, I’m full of excitement. I’m just enjoying every day waking up and feeling the baby. I would always say my future child will pass HLLQP (Harmonized Life License Qualification Program, the course that you must take to become a Financial Advisor / Independent Insurance Broker) right away. My child will hear me talking about it every day so I know he or she will become educated too. I’m excited to bring my child to Greatway (office) and it would be nice for the child to feel the welcoming nature in the office. I can envision us just running around with the other kids and my kids being friends with all of them. One of the most amazing things with Greatway is all the travel opportunities that we can take advantage of. I’m really excited for my child to experience the world even as a baby still.  And of course, the IRP! I’m really excited about opening an IRP for my child. I was telling all my students, “If I have a kid, I will open them an IRP right away!” The benefits are enormous! It’s so nice to know that there’s a way for us to save for our children’s future now so we don’t have to worry about their finances whatever they want to study or to do in the future.

In Greatway, there’s always room for growth and they will always support whatever you think can help you grow. Like last time with Danica, our Director for FCI (Financial Career Institute, an institution that supports individuals who are going through HLLQP), I showed this new training that will benefit us, and she just said, “Of course! By all means.” I am proud that my child will grow in this supportive environment where not only you’re going to grow professionally but also personally. There’s a lot to learn and in here. I know that my kid will be able to learn and grow as much as they want while I work, doing what I love without any ounce of worry.

You need to work on something that will give you joy so you have something to add to others.

I’m really excited to share all the learnings from Kuya Marlon, (CEO and Lead Mentor of Greatway), to my child. One advice that made an impact for me was, “A good person leaves a house and inheritance to his children’s children...” (Proverbs 13:22 NIV) I just want my kid to have all the choices in the world. I want them to be prepared for everything and not have a hard life.

During this pandemic the number one thing that I learned is love yourself, and second, be happy. You must find your area, your passion. I have been at home for a full year, and it tested my relationship with my husband. Think about yourself. If you’re not able to take care of yourself, you’ll lose your sanity, and you wouldn’t be able to share your talents, your hope, your love. There was a time when I was feeling emotionally drained. I was feeling cranky and sad. Then they asked me, what are you able to give if you’re empty? You need to work on something that will give you joy so you have something to add to others. We work in an industry where we are servicing and working with people all the time so it’s very important to learn when and how to take breaks. You can only take care of other people when you take care of yourself.

To all the moms to be: Enjoy the journey, enjoy the feelings, enjoy the changes. As I lay down and feel my baby’s heartbeat and see my belly move, I am overwhelmed with all these emotions, and I just thank God for his greatness. This is priceless. Everyone who said that having a child is priceless, they are right. I am just praying every day that I can take care of this baby with the best of my ability.

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