The Last Mile

Parting is always difficult. Especially if you have spent sufficient time with each other. Feelings tend to develop on their own. It might be due to the human tendency to get used to any shit if you stay in it for some time. It's not very different from The Stockholm Syndrome. You only need to recognize what's happening in your life across every valuable relationship. These days the company you work for is an integral part of your life since 2 out of 3 people spend long hours in office, take work to home and access emails via the phone. Hence, it's very necessary that you enjoy what you do and look forward to it every day. Else...

It's my penultimate day in the office. It's business as usual from outside but the inside is a different thing altogether. It struck me that even if things would have been different between me and the management here, it wouldn't have been a joyful journey for me. A word of advice for the seekers - if you want to join one of the Big 5 whether in IT, Consulting or BPO, do not join at the middle management. Either join right at the top or at the lowest position. It is much more satisfying workwise and you don't have to constantly duck the big swinging dicks in the organization. Or keep a constant watch on your sharky peers or the level below you which keeps nipping at your feet waiting for you to slip up. It's much better working in a midcap or a small niche firm where you really can unleash your entrepreneurial skills even on a small budget. My mentor in the previous organization had warned me - 'Why do you want to be a small fish in a big pond? Rather be a big fish in a small pond'. Politically I am as subtle as a bull in a china shop and if you are not savvy, its impossible to grow at a fast pace. Plus, these games take a toll on you emotionally as well. I think he knew me better than I know myself.

I can't deny that there have been lessons learnt the hard way - Career warfare for instance. I learnt the basics first hand with some of the meanest bosses and colleagues in my worklife so far. It will be very handy for me going ahead. I don't aim to use any of those tactics to cut anyone down but it will be useful to see them coming and take appropriate measures. Second - I learnt what works and what doesn't in a big company. Third but not the least - Don't waste your time in things you know are not going to work. Don't give up. Keep your head down in adversity, keep plugging away and good things will happen if you are sincere enough. It did to me at least.

I hope to leave on a good note. At times, the mind rues the fact that I wasted a few months of my life but my excitement of a fresh start eclipses the negativity.

Current music: Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now