I Love My Job at eBay Because I Help Create Economic Opportunities for Customers and Entrepreneurs

I recently joined eBay a few months ago. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made! The main reason why I love working for eBay is that one of their core values reflects their "purpose to empower people and creates economic opportunity for all."

eBay is an online marketplace that was founded in the mid-1990s by Pierre Omidyar. It was initially named AuctionWeb, but it changed its name to eBay in September of 1997.

I was hired as a Category Manager for eBay's Refurbished team. eBay is a platform known to sell in many niche areas such as collectibles, trading cards, and vintage cars. Additionally, eBay is also known as a place where new, used, and refurbished products are bought and sold. There are flexible options for peeople with different needs and wants.

eBay helps connect products at a great value to buyers who are interested in maximizing their budgets. Additionally, eBay's platform has helped people earn a little extra money. Buyers can be sellers, and people can make money selling anything--from old stuff in their house to building a business around a niche product. There's been plenty of people who started small, selling a few products on eBay and eventually turning their hobby into a multi-million dollar a year business!

According to eBay, the platform allows many entrepreneurs to create up to 690,000 jobs and nearly $90 billion worth of merchandise sold. The "eBay economy" is a prime example of how powerful e-commerce marketplaces can be, connecting millions of people across the globe.

Depending on the success of their businesses, entrepreneurs on eBay can create opportunities and empower people to do what they enjoy doing most—selling goods online and making money while doing so.

I'm currently part of the Refurbished goods team, where I help oversee the sale of used products restored to working condition. Being part of the Refurbished goods is incredibly fulfilling for me because it aligns perfectly to empower people economically. Let me explain how!

One, by selling these items at great value for the consumer, eBay is providing pragmatic opportunities for people who might not afford brand new goods. Refurbished products are priced much lower than new ones but still work just as or almost as good as new ones. Buying refurbished products is a smart and savvy strategy for people on a budget.

Two, buying and selling refurbished products is a sustainable practice. It takes the pressure off of the environment by keeping good products in the consumer economy and not devoting energy to producing new goods. Refurbished products are still completely functional and can last a long time. Not having to produce new goods reduces waste and carbon emissions. Re-selling and re-using products save on costs for both businesses and consumers in the long run.

Lastly, there's something incredibly appealing about helping provide customers with the best experience possible. When customers buy a refurbished product, they're buying an item that was inspected, tested, and restored to working condition. Refurbished products give customers peace of mind knowing that their purchase will last and work well for their needs within their budget.

I love eBay because the very concept of eBay is entrepreneurial, carving out opportunities for people to fulfill their dreams. Entrepreneurs represent the very lifeblood of what it takes to be successful through hard work, grit, dedication, and innovation. Helping entrepreneurs is very near and dear to my heart from a personal perspective.

My parents were Vietnamese refugees who fled to the United States in the early 1980s. My father worked hard at his blue-collar job, putting in long hours for overtime pay. My mother, who had entrepreneurial dreams of her own, was inspired to open her own nail salon. With the help of my reluctant but supportive dad, she opened a thriving small business that helped put a roof over our family's heads and helped put three of their boys through college. Eventually, my mom had to close her business when she started showing symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's in 2015. But her entrepreneurial spirit still lives on in me.

I absolutely love where I work. eBay's commitment to empowering people economically, engaging in sustainable practices, and providing customers with great experiences with great products with great value helps me enjoy every bit of what I do. I couldn't be more proud of contributing my skills to this company.

Author's Notes: This essay was written for a Vocal challenge - A Day in the Life-Share a story about how your job helps you make an impact on the world. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of eBay.