It has been some time.
9 months down the road in the corporate setting, I certainly have aplenty to say.
First, it wasn't that bad after all. Indeed, during the first month or so, I was struggling with the transition from being a student to being a career woman, but I am now well-adjusted. I came to accept the fact that yes, we bankers do not go back sharp at 5.30pm. Of course we do not see the sun, but at the end of the day, I have bills to pay, so, you know. :)
Second, boss is always right. However, that does not justify why we can't challenge his or her ideas, with substance of course. The trick is to find the right balance and timing, provided we have proven our credibility and build his or her trust first. The most common mistake I see youngsters do when they enter the labour force is to bring their pride on the table and insist to be right all the time. Of course, we should feel proud for getting the job, but we have to always keep in mind that no matter how great we thought we were, that was history, and now we are nobody and therefore we have to un-learn in order to re-learn. What I did was just that. I came with no expectation, and I adjusted myself to the boss I am reporting to (and his style of work). If it means I have to get mad at in the process, or told to go back very late just for the sake of it even though I've finished my job, let it be. I know, in the end, as long as I keep my composure, maintain my humility, persevere and keep my focus, I'll perform.
Third, be ourselves. This I know can be a lil bit tricky, especially if we're surrounded by urban dwellers who're superior in so many ways; more well-dressed, more educated, more experienced, richer, and more charismatic. That I admit might hurt our esteem, but keep in mind that we do not have to be them just to fit in. Bruno Mars said, "you're fine just the way you are", and yes, that exactly it. :) I have now reached one point that I feel secure to wear whatever I want to wear, be whatever I want to be, and not to let anybody dictate what I should do or feel. Of course, I won't be popular, but this is not high school, this is work, and money is at stake, hence this ain't a game. However, having said that, that does not mean I have the pass to be ignorant of people and what they say. The trick is to compromise, but not to the extent of compromising our values. I have received quite a number of invitations to late-night drinks and you-know-what, but I always make a point to ask myself "is this me?" before deciding on the next course of action. I personally see no harm in hang-outs, even in the company of people who drink, but I will make a point to choose Coke, or smoothies, even if I'd get teased at (which is always the case). :)
Fourth, stay grounded. Being out there in the real world is always a challenge. Hence, we should position ourselves in proximity to a concrete wall, in case we need to lean on when the world turns ugly. I personally very much believe in the X-factors in life: parents' blessings, and God's mercy. In the events where things did not work out the way I wanted it to be, I always make a point to pause, take myself out of the subject matter, and see it at a natural lens. Sometimes and most of the times, it's all in the mind. Hence, toughen it up, literally, and in the process, always share our life with our parents, and closest friends, and always turn to God, regardless. InsyaAllah, everything will fall back on its place, eventually.
Fifth, there's actually more in life than just work. No man (or woman) is an island, we all belong to each other. Hence, be out there. Live on the edge, get active, contribute, and challenge ourselves. After all, we only live once. :) Personally, I involve in Young Corporate Malaysians, and I found it inspiring each time to be able to network with these young professionals who I thought are way, way polished than myself, but as ambitious as myself. It is also refreshing to attend talks by CEOs of great companies and to learn one or two from their experiences. Besides, just recently, I also found new solace in volunteering work. I have volunteered for Earth Hour by WWF, SPCA, and Rumah Nur Salam, and few others. At the end of each one, I couldn't help but to feel happy, yet guilty at some point. I always ask to myself "heck, where was I all these years?" because these people do, do need us.
So that's about it. Just a thought. And a long one indeed. LOL.
Cheers.
9 months down the road in the corporate setting, I certainly have aplenty to say.
First, it wasn't that bad after all. Indeed, during the first month or so, I was struggling with the transition from being a student to being a career woman, but I am now well-adjusted. I came to accept the fact that yes, we bankers do not go back sharp at 5.30pm. Of course we do not see the sun, but at the end of the day, I have bills to pay, so, you know. :)
Second, boss is always right. However, that does not justify why we can't challenge his or her ideas, with substance of course. The trick is to find the right balance and timing, provided we have proven our credibility and build his or her trust first. The most common mistake I see youngsters do when they enter the labour force is to bring their pride on the table and insist to be right all the time. Of course, we should feel proud for getting the job, but we have to always keep in mind that no matter how great we thought we were, that was history, and now we are nobody and therefore we have to un-learn in order to re-learn. What I did was just that. I came with no expectation, and I adjusted myself to the boss I am reporting to (and his style of work). If it means I have to get mad at in the process, or told to go back very late just for the sake of it even though I've finished my job, let it be. I know, in the end, as long as I keep my composure, maintain my humility, persevere and keep my focus, I'll perform.
Third, be ourselves. This I know can be a lil bit tricky, especially if we're surrounded by urban dwellers who're superior in so many ways; more well-dressed, more educated, more experienced, richer, and more charismatic. That I admit might hurt our esteem, but keep in mind that we do not have to be them just to fit in. Bruno Mars said, "you're fine just the way you are", and yes, that exactly it. :) I have now reached one point that I feel secure to wear whatever I want to wear, be whatever I want to be, and not to let anybody dictate what I should do or feel. Of course, I won't be popular, but this is not high school, this is work, and money is at stake, hence this ain't a game. However, having said that, that does not mean I have the pass to be ignorant of people and what they say. The trick is to compromise, but not to the extent of compromising our values. I have received quite a number of invitations to late-night drinks and you-know-what, but I always make a point to ask myself "is this me?" before deciding on the next course of action. I personally see no harm in hang-outs, even in the company of people who drink, but I will make a point to choose Coke, or smoothies, even if I'd get teased at (which is always the case). :)
Fourth, stay grounded. Being out there in the real world is always a challenge. Hence, we should position ourselves in proximity to a concrete wall, in case we need to lean on when the world turns ugly. I personally very much believe in the X-factors in life: parents' blessings, and God's mercy. In the events where things did not work out the way I wanted it to be, I always make a point to pause, take myself out of the subject matter, and see it at a natural lens. Sometimes and most of the times, it's all in the mind. Hence, toughen it up, literally, and in the process, always share our life with our parents, and closest friends, and always turn to God, regardless. InsyaAllah, everything will fall back on its place, eventually.
Fifth, there's actually more in life than just work. No man (or woman) is an island, we all belong to each other. Hence, be out there. Live on the edge, get active, contribute, and challenge ourselves. After all, we only live once. :) Personally, I involve in Young Corporate Malaysians, and I found it inspiring each time to be able to network with these young professionals who I thought are way, way polished than myself, but as ambitious as myself. It is also refreshing to attend talks by CEOs of great companies and to learn one or two from their experiences. Besides, just recently, I also found new solace in volunteering work. I have volunteered for Earth Hour by WWF, SPCA, and Rumah Nur Salam, and few others. At the end of each one, I couldn't help but to feel happy, yet guilty at some point. I always ask to myself "heck, where was I all these years?" because these people do, do need us.
So that's about it. Just a thought. And a long one indeed. LOL.
Cheers.
