The Way Ahead

In light of last week’s announcements, is it time to think about outside options, especially in these troubled times?

I’ve never experienced extremely difficult financial times and pondering what I would do should the worst happen is a new to me. Perhaps it’s a reflection of our (meaning, societal) affluence that I’d never really thought through what it could mean – cutting back on costs, thinking more wisely about saving/investing for retirement, paying school fees for kids, and generally living on much, much less. All these fiscally responsible things are just so darn new that I feel somewhat unprepared. It’s not that I feel that I won’t cope but more that I didn’t seriously plan for it and that I neglected being true to myself.

Perhaps this isn’t just about me, but the general surprise that has beset us all.

Back from the holidays

Coming back from a month away and not much has changed. There’s the same tensions and the same need to mop up the mess made by others. This is along with clearing the 500 emails in my inbox.
With the looming job cuts to be made, people are also incredibly tense. It didn’t take long for the post-holiday lull to be blasted away.

(The real) final word on the conference

Morning #2 of the conference was always going to be a seedy affair. The company I work for has a reputation for getting banned from venues after conferences – such is the willingness of employees to let loose.

As far as I could gather, these were the shenanigans of the evening:
- one guy went for a swim at 2am after hours if drinking (back in his room safely, though)
- a large proportion of the 200 attendees squeezed into a single room for the “after party” (damage costs – $150)
- one guy decided to shave off all his hair in the midst of all this
- various wigs remain unclaimed from said party

The rest of the day was just a group of sobering employees being spoken to. Successive yak/presentations was all that was in store for the day. It all finished with a Q&A session with the Marketing Director. Again, he laid down the law. Again, I felt a level of respect for him and what he’s trying to do.

I’m just not so sure about the rest of us.

Charming Snakes

There are is a certain character at work that I have an irrational dislike and mistrust. To describe him, it’s best to picture a snake. He seeps into fissures to find shelter whenever the thought of danger arises. He is the greatest of survivors, able to mesmerize people with his speech – the proverbial forked tongue. He slithers across the rubble of our organization, seeking sustenance from everyone’s cast offs, or in the worst case, to consume the project that you’ve nurtured when you’re away from the nest.

This man has risen to a reasonably senior level and continues on his deceitful ways. He is despised by many yet adored by others. Although he hasn’t wronged me directly, I never feel that I can trust him and choose to keep my distance. Much like other animals, I think he senses whenever there is unease amongst those around him and as a result is selective of his coterie.

Those of us who have keep our distance are quietly waiting for a time when this snake slips into a crack too narrow and meets his doom.

The Words We Say

 

Why do we speak differently in the world of business? Even though it’s still a bunch of human beings interacting, the language we use is quite distinct from what we use normally. Think of the last conversation you had with your least favorite aunt. Compare this with the last meeting you had with your boss’s boss. Notice the difference? Why do we mince words? Why doesn’t “use” suffice that we need to “utilize”? Why are new people called “talent”? Why do we have to “socialize” our latest piece of work?

Humans make up the workforce. I think it’s best to speak to them like they are humans.

PS: Here’s a useful link to help translate the business/consultant mumbo jumbo  

Finding the Right Fit

 

I’ve learnt that work is a lot about ticking the right boxes. Okay, some boxes can only be half checked, but you know which ones are non-negotiable and which are more flexible.

During my search for a new place of employ, I’ve realized that the very soul of the company I work for is tainted. Corrupt. Rotten.

 

I had some thoughts on what I’d like in a company. I found a site that tries to match my own set with those willing to share their profile. Check it out here. Most useful in shaping the job search.