April Lyn Baloyo – Customer Service Support, Virtual Assistant

My life’s story is one of growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose. Hi, my name is April Lyn Baloyo you can call me April, I’m 27 years old and being the third child in my family came with unique challenges and responsibilities. Unlike my older siblings, I found myself in a position where I had to step up and support my family in ways I didn’t initially anticipate. Our lives took a significant turn when my mother decided to work abroad, a decision that created an emotional distance between my parents and my sisters. They felt abandoned, believing that they no longer had the support they needed from my parents, which placed additional pressure on me.

As the family dynamics shifted, I realised I had to take charge not only of my own future but also contribute to the well-being of my family. This prompted me to pause my college education and look for a job to sustain both my needs and help support my family. It was a difficult decision, but one I knew I had to make.

I was fortunate enough to be hired as a customer service representative in a BPO company, where I worked for five years. The job gave me the opportunity to learn valuable skills, including communication, problem-solving, and managing stressful situations — all of which helped me grow both professionally and personally. But while I was providing financial stability for myself and my family, I still had a deep desire to finish my education and pursue my own dreams.

I attempted to balance work and study by becoming a working student. However, the demands of both were overwhelming. I struggled to maintain a work-life balance, often finding myself exhausted and unable to keep up with the rigorous schedules. The challenges of juggling work and school eventually led me to make the difficult decision to stop my studies once again.

Realising that focusing solely on my job was the best way to maintain stability for myself and my family, I returned to full-time work. Although it felt like a setback at the time, I’ve come to accept that life doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. Through my experiences, I’ve learned the value of perseverance, responsibility, and self-sacrifice, all of which have shaped me into the resilient person I am today. My journey has taught me that while challenges may arise, I have the strength to overcome them and continue building a better future for myself and my family.

For a copy of April’s resume, please click here.