Still looking back.......

After being gone for almost 8 months now, I still find it hard to leave the life in my previous firm. It's a love hate kind of a thing. And I realize that a lot of those who have left felt the same way too.

We dreaded going to work so much back then due to the impossible deadlines, the demanding bosses, the late nights, the never ending stress and the lack of personal time. Yet, at the same time, we anticipate stepping into the office into the laughter of our team mates, the gossiping sessions in the lounge, the group trips and parties, the team work, the flexible hours and the occasional treats from our bosses.

Looking at the pictures from those who are still there, I get this mixed emotion whereby I was glad that I left and I was glad that I had been part of them. I can't stop bringing up the stories of my previous place to my new colleagues. And some of us still actually take note of the on-goings there. There is a beam of pride some where inside. We pride ourselves in working for a reputable firm. We pride ourselves in surviving the impossible. We pride ourselves in the numerous friendships we made. We pride ourselves that our opinions are still being sought, even after we've left.

Every now and then, we hear complaints from the rest that no where else beats the culture back then. "My staffs are not as competent." "My department doesn't portray the type of team work we had." "My organization doesn't hold annual parties or annual dinners." "My boss doesn't have pep talks with us like we used to." "We no longer have lunch in a large group." etc etc.

Frankly speaking, we miss the ole days. And unless we head back in, it's kind of hard to find another place like it.

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What are we here for?

A friend posted a very interesting question to me today. He asked if I know the reason for being here. Meaning, the reason for being born.

I gave him a rather stupid answer. I told him that we are all passer bys. We come. Stay for an average 70 years or so and then we'll leave. It's the best that I can think of. He asked further : do you know why you came then? and last for that 70 years?

I was struck dumbfounded. Yea man. What is the reason for me being a passerby? Or anyone else for that matter? Further thoughts on it suggested no absolute answers. Since no one is able to tell you the purpose for your existence, the best would be to define your own. Create a purpose for being here. Boy, is that a hard one! Especially when we do not have the gifts nor the talents to create a new drug for cancer or some new technique to stop earthquakes.

I hope we can do better that loitering. Eating. Studying. Playing. Travelling. Flirting. Catching up with the latest movies. Working hard. Getting successful careers. Earn big bucks. Re-producing. Nourishing the young. And let the whole cycle start all over again.

Is that all what we are here for?

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The zone of no debate

The manager of one of the department's barged into my room this morning.....

xxx  : How can you send out this kind of notification?

Me  : Which notification is this?

xxx  : There...the one where u amended the procedures....

Me  : What is wrong with them?

xxx  : Perhaps you are not aware. We have been doing this way all this time. There wasn't any issue. Now you wanted to scrap the procedure and implement a new one. It's not going to work.

Me  : Why won't it work? I've noticed flaws in the previous one. There wasn't any issues then doesn't mean there won't be issues in the future. I'm helping you to improve the system.

xxx  : In the new procedures, it seems that all the responsibility has been pushed to us. What does your department do then?

Me : My department is on the back end. Of course these matters have to be initiated from your side. Your department is the core of the organisation. Without your approval, it's not likely for me to proceed.

xxx : So, if anything goes wrong, then I am to be blamed?

Me : If you follow the proper codes and conducts, then no one would blame you for anything right?

xxx : .................. I still don't like this. I'm speaking to the GM.

All in a days work.

The toughest thing to handle is the mind. Especially the mindset of elder generations. Sometimes, you just feel like splashing them with cold water. It's the 21st century! Haven't you noticed? We don't do things like the 'old' days anymore.

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"You want it all, you want it small"

Behold my new toy.

The all new HTC Aria. 

Ready to go.

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