Rianne Claire Capatan – Nurse, Research Associate/Team Leader

Hi, I’m Rianne Claire Capatan, 42 years old and currently residing in Davao City, Philippines. In 2003, fresh out of university with a degree in computer engineering, I found myself at a crossroads. Feeling an unshakeable desire to explore new horizons, I made a bold decision, with the support of my family, to leave the City of Love (Iloilo City) and enroll in nursing school in Davao City. Despite the unconventional shift, I embraced the challenge, and in 2006, I proudly graduated.

Feeling exhausted and realising that my life was stuck within the four corners of the classroom, I decided to explore and travel around. At the height of being careless, I questioned myself about where to go next. Seeing that all my batchmates were already reviewing, I decided to review as well, took the professional exam, and became a licensed nurse in 2007. Fueled by a sense of freedom and adventure, I embarked on a period of travel, enjoying life while diligently preparing for international exams. However, fate had different plans, and the anticipated overseas opportunity eluded me.

I ventured into the business world. Unfortunately, the entrepreneurial path proved challenging, leading to setbacks. Undeterred, I redirected my focus and decided to pursue my career as a staff nurse in Saudi Arabia which lasted for six months only because my safety prompted me to return home.

I applied to a department store as a company nurse but I was assigned as a floor supervisor instead for 11 months. Being a supervisor I was tasked to make a schedule for all personnel two months ahead of time, customer service for return and exchange problems, quality control for the displayed items, and conflict resolution within the organisation. However, life had a few surprises in store for me. I adapted to the online realm and started working as a freelancer on Odesk (now Upwork). My first contract was being a researcher, and due to my diligence, I was promoted to team leader handling five researchers. While working as a freelancer I met my husband and got married. As I continue being a team leader I face several challenges like communication with my team, no project management app is available like Slack or Trello, but still we manage using Skype and FB Messenger. It was an exciting yet controversial team, but due to some issues, my Odesk account was closed, it did not stop me and eventually led me to sign up with an agency. I worked there as an admin assistant for 10 months, during which I learned valuable skills such as email management, database management, Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, Dropbox, and communication skills. Unfortunately, a doctor’s advice forced me to take a period of rest.

As I embraced being a wife and a full-time mom of three children, I delved into a career transition that saw me donning the hat of a baker while managing property rentals. Amidst the juggling act, I recognised the importance of staying updated in the ever-evolving online landscape. Enrolling in an online virtual assistant masterclass, I dedicated myself to honing my skills, earning certification, and preparing for a triumphant return to the virtual workspace.

Now armed with renewed knowledge and a resilient spirit, I stand ready to face the challenges ahead. My journey exemplifies adaptability, determination, and a commitment to personal and professional growth—a narrative that inspires others to navigate the twists and turns of life with courage and resilience. George Eliot says “It is never too late to be what you might have been”

For a copy of Rianne’s resume please click here.