Long Read
Job Market Analysis: Most In-Demand Careers in Cagayan de Oro
so you wanna know what's actually happening in the job market in cagayan de oro? not the corporate brochure version, but the real, messy, "i just got off a jeepney and need a job" version. let's get into it.
first off, cagayan de oro is not manila. it's not cebu. it's got its own rhythm, and the job scene here moves to that beat. if you're thinking of relocating or just curious, here's the lowdown.
what's hot right now
*bpo/call centers are still king. seriously, walk down capt. vic mercado street and you'll see more headset-wearing zombies than actual zombies. companies like teleperformance and convergys are always hiring. if you can speak english without sounding like a robot, you're in.
healthcare pros are in demand too. with hospitals like capitol university medical city and Polymedic Medical Plaza, nurses, med techs, and even caregivers are getting snapped up. rumor has it some nurses are getting poached from neighboring cities.
education and training is another big one. with universities like xavier university and lumbia college, there's always a need for instructors, especially in it, business, and health sciences. if you've got a master's, you're golden.
the hidden gigs
not everything is formal. a lot of folks here hustle on the side. i overheard someone at cogon public market saying they make more selling ukay-ukay online than their 9-to-5. and don't get me started on the food delivery riders - they're everywhere, rain or shine.
cost of living (because money matters)
rent for a decent one-bedroom in divisoria or gusa can be as low as 6k pesos a month if you're okay with no aircon. utilities? maybe another 1.5k. food's cheap if you eat like a local - ihawnan sa dalampasigan serves a mean sinuglaw for under 150 pesos.
weather and neighbors
it's hot. like, "why did i wear jeans" hot. but hey, it's better than being stuck in traffic in manila. and if you need a quick escape, camiguin island is just a ferry ride away, and bukidnon's cool mountains are a short drive up.
drunk advice from a local
"don't trust job postings on facebook unless you verify. a friend almost got scammed by a fake hiring agency last month." - overheard at boy Zugba
"if you're in bpo, learn to say ‘i understand how you feel’ a hundred times a day. it's the secret to not quitting." - barista at bo's coffee
random pro-tips
- learn bisaya. not required, but it helps. locals appreciate it.
- bring an umbrella. always.
- network at coffee shops. yardstick coffee and the coffee bean and tea leaf* are where the freelancers and hustlers hang out.
the vibe
cagayan de oro is growing, but it's not losing its soul. the job market is a mix of old-school hustle and new-school gigs. if you're adaptable, friendly, and don't mind a little chaos, you'll fit right in.
links to check out
- TripAdvisor - Cagayan de Oro Jobs Forum
- Reddit - Philippines Jobs
- Yelp - Cagayan de Oro Restaurants
- JobStreet Philippines
that's the real story. no fluff, no corporate jargon. just the messy, human truth about working in cagayan de oro. now go hustle.
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