First-time job, 7 months in. What should I plan for next? Need advice on career direction + loans + future options.

Hi everyone! I posted here a few months ago about my first-ever job experience in a provincial BPO. I’m now almost 7 months in, and I want to ask for advice on what I should look forward to, plan for, and prepare for next.

Here’s my situation in a simple summary:

🧑‍💼 Current Status • First job ever, started April 2025. • Provincial BPO, salary around 16.5k. • Loan repayments take a big chunk of my pay. • Currently stable in the job, but the work is tiring and I feel the burnout sometimes. • Can’t rent yet because of loans.

💳 Loan Situation • I still have to finish paying all loans around Feb–March next year. • Some people advise me to stay in the company until I’m loan-free before making any big decisions.

I’m okay with staying, but I’m also trying to plan realistically for what comes after.

🔎 What I’m Considering for My Next Career Move

1. Staying in BPO but transferring to a higher-paying site • Maybe Manila or Alabang once I can afford to rent. • Or maybe an account that’s less draining.

2. Trying again for Virtual Assistant (VA) work • I tried VA/Freelancing earlier this year but didn’t get stable work. • I want to try again, but I don’t have the budget yet for: • proper PC setup • extra equipment So I’m unsure if it’s realistic for me in the near future.

3. Exploring other careers related to my background • I graduated from a medical-allied course. • I’ve been told to consider: • Medical Coding • Life/Health Insurance Underwriting • But I don’t know how beginners usually start or if it’s worth it.

❓ What I Need Advice On 1. What should I plan for during my first year in my first job? (Financial habits? Skill-building? Career mindset?) 2. Is it practical to stay until I’m loan-free, then look for a higher-paying BPO? 3. For people who shifted to VA work: what should I prepare before trying again? (Especially if I still can’t afford equipment yet.) 4. For medical-allied graduates: is medical coding or underwriting a good direction? 5. General life or adulting advice for someone starting from scratch.

I’d appreciate any thoughts or guidance. I’m just trying to plan ahead while stabilizing my finances, and hearing different perspectives really helps. Thank you!