Valenzuela's Job Market: A Real Talk for the Unemployed
so i moved to valenzuela last year thinking i'd find work fast. big mistake. the job market here? it's like trying to catch a jeepney during rush hour-crowded, chaotic, and you're not sure if you'll even get a seat. according to the philippine statistics authority, valenzuela's unemployment rate hovered around 5.7% in 2023, which sounds low until you realize that's thousands of people scrambling for gigs. and let's be real, most of those jobs are in manufacturing or retail, which is fine if you're into assembly lines or standing behind a counter for eight hours. but if you're a creative type-like me, a freelance photographer-good luck. the competition is fierce, and the pay? don't even get me started.
i remember this one time, i was at a local café, and i overheard two dudes talking about how they'd been applying to jobs for months. one said, "bro, i've sent out like 50 resumes, and i've only gotten two callbacks."
"yeah," the other replied, "and both were for call center jobs. i'd rather eat my own shoe than do that again."
it's not all doom and gloom, though. valenzuela's economy is growing, thanks to its booming industrial sector. the city is home to tons of factories and warehouses, which means there are jobs-if you're okay with manual labor. but for those of us in the service or creative industries, it's a different story. rent isn't cheap either. a decent one-bedroom apartment will set you back around 15,000 to 20,000 pesos a month, which is a lot when you're living on gig-to-gig income.
the weather here doesn't help either. it's hot as hell most of the year, and when it rains, it pours like the sky's trying to drown you. but hey, at least taguig and quezon city are just a short drive away if you need a change of scenery.
if you're thinking of moving here for work, my advice? have a backup plan. maybe learn a trade or pick up a side hustle. and don't be afraid to hustle hard. valenzuela's not the easiest place to make it, but if you're persistent, you might just find your groove.
for more on the local job market, check out philippine statistics authority or jobstreet philippines. and if you're looking for affordable eats, zomato valenzuela has some solid recommendations.
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