Two things were highlighted to me this weekend.
1. Stuff. We spent waay to much of our life just collecting it. The pursuit of happyness does not equal how much stuff we have, but how many relationships we have blessed by our time and our resources. I was painfully made aware of the fact that this is a principal that must be taught and taught well, because it is in direct opposition to how the world operates. And before I teach it, I must internalise it and live it as well.
2. When you serve in church, it is very easy for the things you do to become about the things you do. I was reminded by a dear friend, S., to remember to bring my service attitude everytime. That what I do is not for me, or even for people, but to glorify my God. When I was in corporate employment, I reminded myself frequently that my job was to make my boss look good. And I think that still applies, if not even more so now.
Making God look good means to bring a servant heart to every aspect of my ministry. And I need to constantly remember that.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Monday, October 18
Saturday, April 17
Where I have been for the past 3 months
Ever made a really big mistake and then realised that maybe that was just God's way of waking you up to the plans He has for you?
If I have to assign meaning to the last three months, then I think that would be it. Taking the job at [that company] was the wrong thing to do, but I am something right came out of it.
So the plan now is to see how stepping out of the safety of the career-boat is going to change my life. Putting priorities right is the most important thing to do, and yet its amazing how many of us get stuck in the "must have job" rut.
I am totally trusting God for this. Not myself, not my friends, not my connections, only him.
Am excited to see what God's gonna do. I think the last time I said that, was ten years ago.
If I have to assign meaning to the last three months, then I think that would be it. Taking the job at [that company] was the wrong thing to do, but I am something right came out of it.
So the plan now is to see how stepping out of the safety of the career-boat is going to change my life. Putting priorities right is the most important thing to do, and yet its amazing how many of us get stuck in the "must have job" rut.
I am totally trusting God for this. Not myself, not my friends, not my connections, only him.
Am excited to see what God's gonna do. I think the last time I said that, was ten years ago.
Saturday, February 21
Glad
Glad that chapter of my life is over and now we can move on. Of course, it's going to take some time to repair the damage left behind, but I think in about 6 months to a year, I can put most of it behind me.
Meanwhile, there are new and exciting projects to look forward.
Like the upcoming charity event.
And the new ideas for a junior series.
And of course the whole idea of managing the workload of 3 people in one fell swoop, while still overlooking what the rest are doing.
It's only just begun.
Meanwhile, there are new and exciting projects to look forward.
Like the upcoming charity event.
And the new ideas for a junior series.
And of course the whole idea of managing the workload of 3 people in one fell swoop, while still overlooking what the rest are doing.
It's only just begun.
Tuesday, February 3
First Meeting
One of the things that I really enjoy(ed) about my job is the projects that I get involved in for the various departments. I am one of those wierd people who actually enjoy meetings - watching the human interaction, contributing ideas, and generally basking in the creativity that takes place.
Which is why I handled being left out of the loop by my previous boss really badly. Not only did she take me out of the projects and meetings I was involved in, she also did not include me in the new projects, delegating them to the her friends and people she hired.
That really sucked.
Now that she is gone, and they are leaving, I am really looking forward to being part of event planning for the Club and attending meetings again. I really get off on the human-ness of meetings. Sure, I do bellyache about it with everyone else, but secretly, I love it!
Is that strange?
Of course, its even better being involved in meetings in church. Programming meetings are really fun, with all the wacky ideas from the even wackier people flying around. And I can't wait to start my own drama ministry meetings. Ooh, those are gonna be outta this world!
I'm pumped!
Which is why I handled being left out of the loop by my previous boss really badly. Not only did she take me out of the projects and meetings I was involved in, she also did not include me in the new projects, delegating them to the her friends and people she hired.
That really sucked.
Now that she is gone, and they are leaving, I am really looking forward to being part of event planning for the Club and attending meetings again. I really get off on the human-ness of meetings. Sure, I do bellyache about it with everyone else, but secretly, I love it!
Is that strange?
Of course, its even better being involved in meetings in church. Programming meetings are really fun, with all the wacky ideas from the even wackier people flying around. And I can't wait to start my own drama ministry meetings. Ooh, those are gonna be outta this world!
I'm pumped!
Friday, January 30
Lunch with women
I have had male lunch kakis for such a long time now, that it really felt strange eating with some of the ladies from the main office today.
We did the usual things - order, get cutlery and water, find a spot and wait for food. But there was a marked difference and it took me a while to realise what it was.
Women, sometimes, just cannot stop talking!!
Every pause must be filled. Every unasked question must be asked. Every curiousity fulfilled. Every point confirmed and re-confirmed. It did not stop even after our food arrived and we were busy eating.
And it made me think - am I like that?
Do my male colleagues roll their eyes in exasperation when I start in on them? Do I start in on them?
Ugh. I hope not.
We did the usual things - order, get cutlery and water, find a spot and wait for food. But there was a marked difference and it took me a while to realise what it was.
Women, sometimes, just cannot stop talking!!
Every pause must be filled. Every unasked question must be asked. Every curiousity fulfilled. Every point confirmed and re-confirmed. It did not stop even after our food arrived and we were busy eating.
And it made me think - am I like that?
Do my male colleagues roll their eyes in exasperation when I start in on them? Do I start in on them?
Ugh. I hope not.
Monday, January 26
Epiphany
It was eating away at my soul, these things that were happening at work.
And then, during worship on Saturday, I realised what was going on.
It all started when i said yes to leading the drama ministry in church. It is the enemy's way of trying to undermine my confidence to do it. What sealed it was the accusation of incompetency, which made me want to call R immediately and tell him I won't do it.
So it wasn't about the people at work, or even people at home. The whole thing was just a manifestation of what was hapeening in a spiritual relam. But I am hip to your game now, you devil you. I see what you are doing, and how you are using innocent poeple to do it. And you are not going to succeed.
As is teaches in Daniel, you cannot take the holy things of God and use them for unholy causes. Not without serious repercussions.
You have lost. Get used to it.
And then, during worship on Saturday, I realised what was going on.
It all started when i said yes to leading the drama ministry in church. It is the enemy's way of trying to undermine my confidence to do it. What sealed it was the accusation of incompetency, which made me want to call R immediately and tell him I won't do it.
So it wasn't about the people at work, or even people at home. The whole thing was just a manifestation of what was hapeening in a spiritual relam. But I am hip to your game now, you devil you. I see what you are doing, and how you are using innocent poeple to do it. And you are not going to succeed.
As is teaches in Daniel, you cannot take the holy things of God and use them for unholy causes. Not without serious repercussions.
You have lost. Get used to it.
Wednesday, January 30
Life, Death and Matrimony
Lately I have been having many experiences that cross the 3 main events in a human being's life, so when a friend mentioned today that I haven't blogged in a long time, I thought I would like to talk about this.
This week alone, I attended one funeral, one wedding and 2 of my friends had babies. Quite a few of them are also pregnant, due "anytime now!" as they like to inform me.
The wedding was that of a friend from polytechnic, a happygolucky "take it easy policy" guy. As I watched the ceremony and the shy surreptitious smiles he was exchanging with his bride, I wondered how as a species we adapt to the 180 degree change in lifestyle which comes with marriage and children.
In today's world, change is the only constant. I remember thinking "wa lau, so cliche!" the first time I read that. But it is so true.
The funeral was of this colleague who worked at the Bowling Alley at the Club. He was 61, one year short of his retirement and rest. At his funeral, I found out he had a terminally ill wife, who was in ICU and didn't know he was dead. He was also sole custodian of his 2 grandchildren.
I wonder what his dreams must have been like when he got married, and his kids were born. The dreams he had. The ambition to be the best dad, husband, lover, colleague, friend. The things that I get to be at different times every day and never give a thought to. (well, except dad, cos I am a mum, but you get the picture.)
Then I think about Jesus speaking to his disciples and saying, I will be with you, even unto the ends of the earth. And that comforts me, knowing that in all my failures and planning and triumphs, I have Someone who will be constant. Does not change. Always the same.
This week alone, I attended one funeral, one wedding and 2 of my friends had babies. Quite a few of them are also pregnant, due "anytime now!" as they like to inform me.
The wedding was that of a friend from polytechnic, a happygolucky "take it easy policy" guy. As I watched the ceremony and the shy surreptitious smiles he was exchanging with his bride, I wondered how as a species we adapt to the 180 degree change in lifestyle which comes with marriage and children.
In today's world, change is the only constant. I remember thinking "wa lau, so cliche!" the first time I read that. But it is so true.
The funeral was of this colleague who worked at the Bowling Alley at the Club. He was 61, one year short of his retirement and rest. At his funeral, I found out he had a terminally ill wife, who was in ICU and didn't know he was dead. He was also sole custodian of his 2 grandchildren.
I wonder what his dreams must have been like when he got married, and his kids were born. The dreams he had. The ambition to be the best dad, husband, lover, colleague, friend. The things that I get to be at different times every day and never give a thought to. (well, except dad, cos I am a mum, but you get the picture.)
Then I think about Jesus speaking to his disciples and saying, I will be with you, even unto the ends of the earth. And that comforts me, knowing that in all my failures and planning and triumphs, I have Someone who will be constant. Does not change. Always the same.
Tuesday, August 7
Early? But it's past 7!
It really bothers me that people equate working late to working hard.
Yesterday evening, I decided I had it. My eyes hurt, my brain was drained and not a single thought was running through my head. I didn't see the point in continuing to stare at my computer, so I started packing my things to leave.
"You are leaving? So early?"
I looked the the time. It was 7:40pm. I get off work (technically) at 6.
"It's not early. Its 7:40. What do you mean by early?"
Without waiting for a reply, I walked out of the office.
This morning, I was the first one in. And Mr So-early strolls in at 9:30 and says, "You know the rest of us were here till 9 yesterday."
I was tempted to say, if you spent less time chit chatting at the secretary's desk and taking coffee breaks, maybe you can finish your work quicker and go home "early" too.
But I will bide my time. Does anyone else have this problem with going home "early"?
Yesterday evening, I decided I had it. My eyes hurt, my brain was drained and not a single thought was running through my head. I didn't see the point in continuing to stare at my computer, so I started packing my things to leave.
"You are leaving? So early?"
I looked the the time. It was 7:40pm. I get off work (technically) at 6.
"It's not early. Its 7:40. What do you mean by early?"
Without waiting for a reply, I walked out of the office.
This morning, I was the first one in. And Mr So-early strolls in at 9:30 and says, "You know the rest of us were here till 9 yesterday."
I was tempted to say, if you spent less time chit chatting at the secretary's desk and taking coffee breaks, maybe you can finish your work quicker and go home "early" too.
But I will bide my time. Does anyone else have this problem with going home "early"?
Tuesday, July 24
Work Opportunity
Hi all,
My ex-boss , Joyce, is looking for promoters for Trendmicro Anti-Virus Software. If any of you need a part time job or quick cash or both, please email me.
When: Sat and Sun from 12 - 9 pm for 4 weeks
Where: 4 different locations in Singapore
How Much: $50 a day (before commission)
How many: 4-5 promoters
So if you are interested and have a small amount of knowledge about IT, please contact her, ok?
My ex-boss , Joyce, is looking for promoters for Trendmicro Anti-Virus Software. If any of you need a part time job or quick cash or both, please email me.
When: Sat and Sun from 12 - 9 pm for 4 weeks
Where: 4 different locations in Singapore
How Much: $50 a day (before commission)
How many: 4-5 promoters
So if you are interested and have a small amount of knowledge about IT, please contact her, ok?
Thursday, July 12
How I know I no longer work in an IT company
1) I only have 10MB email space
2) Noone knows how to use the Q drive
3) I don't have a calculator on my desk
4) I have not used excel in a whole week
5) The radio is playing English music
6) People understand and respond to my one-liners
7) I haven't had to hear anyone say "Like that, hah?" all week
8) I receive no junk mail from anyone offering to sell me cheap Microsoft Suites
9) Noone knows how to change the toner in the laser printer
and the last indication that I no longer in IT
10) NO MORE DAMN PRICE LISTS TO DO!!!!!
2) Noone knows how to use the Q drive
3) I don't have a calculator on my desk
4) I have not used excel in a whole week
5) The radio is playing English music
6) People understand and respond to my one-liners
7) I haven't had to hear anyone say "Like that, hah?" all week
8) I receive no junk mail from anyone offering to sell me cheap Microsoft Suites
9) Noone knows how to change the toner in the laser printer
and the last indication that I no longer in IT
10) NO MORE DAMN PRICE LISTS TO DO!!!!!
Wednesday, July 11
New Beginnings
I started my new job on Monday and it's been good. It is a totally different ball game though, because it is so different from working for a family-run SME, but I think I will be learning alot of new things here.
As usual, working in marketing means there will be a lot of people who love you and a lot of people who hate you. In this organisation, there also seems to be a lot of politics - inter-section, inter-department and interpersonal. I think I am going to stay out of it as much as I can. Gossip is just a devious double-edged sword, one that I want no part of.
My team seems to be a very talented lot. Alot of the people here are new, so I think we will all have to adjust to each other. There are a couple of old timers (meaning been here 10 years), but they seem to be nice and friendly people. One of them looks like a neater version of Jeff Goldblum, which provides nice eye candy. :)And he sits right in front of me :) :)
I love my new work environment. So green and luscious, everywhere you look, trees, trees and more trees, which is a lovely change from the dry dusty industrial park I worked in before. Getting to work also takes a lot less time. Thank God for bus lanes, where I travel and happily watch all the cars stuck in the selfish, arrogant desires of one another.
The IT here leaves much to be desired though. My mailbox can only hold 10MB of space (!), and Outlook keeps hanging. And every thing is still paper based, from member records to staff leave application.
Well, that's my first report. I go on my first journalistic assignment today, so I will have more to say later in the week, I am sure.
Cheerio!
As usual, working in marketing means there will be a lot of people who love you and a lot of people who hate you. In this organisation, there also seems to be a lot of politics - inter-section, inter-department and interpersonal. I think I am going to stay out of it as much as I can. Gossip is just a devious double-edged sword, one that I want no part of.
My team seems to be a very talented lot. Alot of the people here are new, so I think we will all have to adjust to each other. There are a couple of old timers (meaning been here 10 years), but they seem to be nice and friendly people. One of them looks like a neater version of Jeff Goldblum, which provides nice eye candy. :)And he sits right in front of me :) :)
I love my new work environment. So green and luscious, everywhere you look, trees, trees and more trees, which is a lovely change from the dry dusty industrial park I worked in before. Getting to work also takes a lot less time. Thank God for bus lanes, where I travel and happily watch all the cars stuck in the selfish, arrogant desires of one another.
The IT here leaves much to be desired though. My mailbox can only hold 10MB of space (!), and Outlook keeps hanging. And every thing is still paper based, from member records to staff leave application.
Well, that's my first report. I go on my first journalistic assignment today, so I will have more to say later in the week, I am sure.
Cheerio!
Friday, June 22
The Cold Freeze
A strange vibe came over the office once everyone knew through the grapevine that I am leaving. They are not supposed to know, because the official email has not been sent out yet, but everyone knows it all the same.
So there are weird happenings, like:
1) People smile meaningfully at you, without saying a word.
2) Conversations stop when you walk into the vicinity (always pleasant, that)
3) Colleagues who feel they should have been told start giving you the cold shoulder.
4) You stop getting cc’ed on emails. Your spam mail exceeds company email.
5) People watch what you are printing, photocopying surreptitiously. “Oh I am just here to get my stuff” and then walk away with nothing. Yeah, right.
6) Your desk gets cleaner and cleaner. No one dumps stuff into your in tray and you can have a good old fashioned paper throw. Also, you are handing work out left, right and centre, which will help with the cleanup.
7) People who are in the know slip up, and then look as guilty as heck about putting their foot in their mouth. It’s cute to watch.
8) Suddenly people come up to you and start talking about how they should spread their wings and try something new and what did I think. I see right through it, man. I should just come out and say, “Are you fishing for information? Cos I am a vault, baby, locked down!”
9) The IT department gets really busy around you. Things are being deleted, access is being denied. Our IT guys is really nice. He gave me a heads up on where some of my “weak spots” are. Like deleting all my MSN archives for example. Duh, I didn’t even think of that.
10) And finally, people who hate you suddenly look happier and smile a lot more. Well, I am glad I am leaving too, buddy.
It’s gonna be a rough week and a half. Hang in there with me.
So there are weird happenings, like:
1) People smile meaningfully at you, without saying a word.
2) Conversations stop when you walk into the vicinity (always pleasant, that)
3) Colleagues who feel they should have been told start giving you the cold shoulder.
4) You stop getting cc’ed on emails. Your spam mail exceeds company email.
5) People watch what you are printing, photocopying surreptitiously. “Oh I am just here to get my stuff” and then walk away with nothing. Yeah, right.
6) Your desk gets cleaner and cleaner. No one dumps stuff into your in tray and you can have a good old fashioned paper throw. Also, you are handing work out left, right and centre, which will help with the cleanup.
7) People who are in the know slip up, and then look as guilty as heck about putting their foot in their mouth. It’s cute to watch.
8) Suddenly people come up to you and start talking about how they should spread their wings and try something new and what did I think. I see right through it, man. I should just come out and say, “Are you fishing for information? Cos I am a vault, baby, locked down!”
9) The IT department gets really busy around you. Things are being deleted, access is being denied. Our IT guys is really nice. He gave me a heads up on where some of my “weak spots” are. Like deleting all my MSN archives for example. Duh, I didn’t even think of that.
10) And finally, people who hate you suddenly look happier and smile a lot more. Well, I am glad I am leaving too, buddy.
It’s gonna be a rough week and a half. Hang in there with me.
Sunday, June 10
New beginnings (or what am I getting myself into?)
Here's a question.
Are higher pay, better package, better job prospects and lovely location good reasons to take a job?
What about longer hours, more responsibility, higher expectations and a handphone allowance that requires you to be contactable AT ALL TIMES?
This was the toss-up. But I decided to let God's hand guide me in this and am plunging in.
Will keep y'all posted on what happens.
Are higher pay, better package, better job prospects and lovely location good reasons to take a job?
What about longer hours, more responsibility, higher expectations and a handphone allowance that requires you to be contactable AT ALL TIMES?
This was the toss-up. But I decided to let God's hand guide me in this and am plunging in.
Will keep y'all posted on what happens.
Monday, June 4
PC Show -The aftermath
Everyone who worked the PC show came in today looking slightly dazed. I think its the IT equivalent of post-show blues, where you feel like life will never be the same again.
It's been a strange experience, this show. Sure you have the bargain basement crowd, who compare the cheapest printers from two brands, everything down to the last spec and then say,"I will consider", like it's some lifechanging decision. There was this one woman who took out a magnifying glass(!), and compared a laser print to the offset printed brochure and kept saying "Hen Lan ah! Hen Lan ah!" (Very bad, very bad) until I just wanted to stuff the printout down her throat.
Then there are the absolute princes of customers, who do their homework before they come, walk straight up to the model they want, pick it up and go. These guys are such a pleasure to serve - they know their stuff and don't act like total buffoons over the price.
Speaking of pricing, everyone knows that PC show is where all the prices come down right? So why do some people insist on trying to bargain you down? "$159 ah? $150 lah! Why cannot?" The worse is people who tried and bargain the free gift. "Free 1B thumbdrive ah? why cannot 2GB?" Because we only bought 1GB thumbdrives, dipstick, and if you don't know how this works, then I can't help you.
Again PC show is where all the Indian expat/ software engineer (ISE) types come out in full force. And again, they come in various hues - of personality. This year I encountered 3 types.
Mr Sensitive
There are 4000 people in the hall, all talking. Music is blaring. People with mics are yelling out specs for 100 different products.
ISE: How much is this printer?
(Note: all the prices are printed in size 300 font and stuck above the printers)
Me (loud and clear): $159 sir!
ISE: No need to shout! you can just tell me nicely! Why are you yelling at me?
Me:....
ISE: There is no need to shout (walks away)
Me: Awww, are you going to go home and tell your mother the mean lady at the PC show shouted at you?
Mr Racial Loyalist
This whole exchange was in Tamil.
ISE (to friend): So costly this printer!
Me: Can I show you another cheaper model?
ISE: Oh, you are Tamil speaking! Yes, show me another model (Indian head nod)
10 minutes later
ISE: I will take this model. Even though it's more expensive than XYZ brand, I will take it, because you are also Tamil speaking.
Me: Thank you sir. you won't regret your decision.
ISE: So since we are both Tamil, you can give me an extra free gift, no?
Me:.....
Mr I'm too sexy for your printer
He walked into the booth like he was walking onto a yacht. And he IS so vain, he probably thinks this post is about him. (Apologies to Carly Simon)
ISE: Heh heh heh heh
Me: Yes, sir? How can I help you?
ISE: I am looking for a printer. Anything you can show me?
Me: Monochrome or colour?
ISE: Maybe we can sit down somewhere and discuss my options? Heh heh heh
Me: I am working, sir. Can I explain the options now?
ISE: Heh heh, here is my card. Maybe you can call me to discuss more, heh?
Me: Sure! I will call you.
ISE walks away. I crumpled up his card and throw it on the floor.
And that's all I have to say about that.
MOST IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT
3 days I was at this show and noone showed up to show me love. The one day I was off (Sunday), my buddy Jared comes, brings a mocha frappe, waits an hour, calls me 7 times (which I didn't see, cos I was home listening to a online sermon with my husband)and leaves.
My friends are the best! I am sorry I missed you, darling, and after this, you have a place in my heart, always.
It's been a strange experience, this show. Sure you have the bargain basement crowd, who compare the cheapest printers from two brands, everything down to the last spec and then say,"I will consider", like it's some lifechanging decision. There was this one woman who took out a magnifying glass(!), and compared a laser print to the offset printed brochure and kept saying "Hen Lan ah! Hen Lan ah!" (Very bad, very bad) until I just wanted to stuff the printout down her throat.
Then there are the absolute princes of customers, who do their homework before they come, walk straight up to the model they want, pick it up and go. These guys are such a pleasure to serve - they know their stuff and don't act like total buffoons over the price.
Speaking of pricing, everyone knows that PC show is where all the prices come down right? So why do some people insist on trying to bargain you down? "$159 ah? $150 lah! Why cannot?" The worse is people who tried and bargain the free gift. "Free 1B thumbdrive ah? why cannot 2GB?" Because we only bought 1GB thumbdrives, dipstick, and if you don't know how this works, then I can't help you.
Again PC show is where all the Indian expat/ software engineer (ISE) types come out in full force. And again, they come in various hues - of personality. This year I encountered 3 types.
Mr Sensitive
There are 4000 people in the hall, all talking. Music is blaring. People with mics are yelling out specs for 100 different products.
ISE: How much is this printer?
(Note: all the prices are printed in size 300 font and stuck above the printers)
Me (loud and clear): $159 sir!
ISE: No need to shout! you can just tell me nicely! Why are you yelling at me?
Me:....
ISE: There is no need to shout (walks away)
Me: Awww, are you going to go home and tell your mother the mean lady at the PC show shouted at you?
Mr Racial Loyalist
This whole exchange was in Tamil.
ISE (to friend): So costly this printer!
Me: Can I show you another cheaper model?
ISE: Oh, you are Tamil speaking! Yes, show me another model (Indian head nod)
10 minutes later
ISE: I will take this model. Even though it's more expensive than XYZ brand, I will take it, because you are also Tamil speaking.
Me: Thank you sir. you won't regret your decision.
ISE: So since we are both Tamil, you can give me an extra free gift, no?
Me:.....
Mr I'm too sexy for your printer
He walked into the booth like he was walking onto a yacht. And he IS so vain, he probably thinks this post is about him. (Apologies to Carly Simon)
ISE: Heh heh heh heh
Me: Yes, sir? How can I help you?
ISE: I am looking for a printer. Anything you can show me?
Me: Monochrome or colour?
ISE: Maybe we can sit down somewhere and discuss my options? Heh heh heh
Me: I am working, sir. Can I explain the options now?
ISE: Heh heh, here is my card. Maybe you can call me to discuss more, heh?
Me: Sure! I will call you.
ISE walks away. I crumpled up his card and throw it on the floor.
And that's all I have to say about that.
MOST IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT
3 days I was at this show and noone showed up to show me love. The one day I was off (Sunday), my buddy Jared comes, brings a mocha frappe, waits an hour, calls me 7 times (which I didn't see, cos I was home listening to a online sermon with my husband)and leaves.
My friends are the best! I am sorry I missed you, darling, and after this, you have a place in my heart, always.
Thursday, May 31
PC Show begins
It is a public holiday here in Singapore and while the rest of the world slumbers in peaceful respite, me and about 100 other co-workers in the IT industry have to drag ourselves to the PC show at Suntec city to sell IT equipment to zealous kiasu deal- getters.
If you happen to be in Suntec, pop down to the Starbucks on the first floor and get me a mocha frappe. I will be the only brown skinned woman in a Canon T shirt.
See you at the circus!
Update:
No of Printers sold to strangers - about 100
No of mocha frappes brought by friends - none :(
If you happen to be in Suntec, pop down to the Starbucks on the first floor and get me a mocha frappe. I will be the only brown skinned woman in a Canon T shirt.
See you at the circus!
Update:
No of Printers sold to strangers - about 100
No of mocha frappes brought by friends - none :(
Friday, May 25
New Boss
So I finally have a new boss. Actually, he is not really new anymore, he has been with us for 2 weeks now, but I wanted to wait to see if he was going to stick around before I wrote him up.
First thing, he is a he. This is actually my first experience working for a male boss, cos all the marketing divisions I have been in before have been female dominated, for some reason. So that's a first in itself.
Secondly, he is my first close up metrosexual. He is a spiffy dresser, all tight shirts and narrow pants, looks like he works out, has short hair and bling bling on his ears and fingers. He is also a little bit er.. expressive with the hands and face, which is very rare in most men who work in the IT industry. And I did not say what you probably think I said.
He has all the fire of a new employee who is driven to prove his worth to his boss, to establish his importance as new rooster in the yard with his peers and to show his subordinates that he knows more than them.
Will it last? We shall see.
Right now, I just wish he wouldn't come up and talk to me just after he has had a cigarette. I feel like Donkey in Shrek right after Shrek farted on him.
"I had my mouth open and everything!"
First thing, he is a he. This is actually my first experience working for a male boss, cos all the marketing divisions I have been in before have been female dominated, for some reason. So that's a first in itself.
Secondly, he is my first close up metrosexual. He is a spiffy dresser, all tight shirts and narrow pants, looks like he works out, has short hair and bling bling on his ears and fingers. He is also a little bit er.. expressive with the hands and face, which is very rare in most men who work in the IT industry. And I did not say what you probably think I said.
He has all the fire of a new employee who is driven to prove his worth to his boss, to establish his importance as new rooster in the yard with his peers and to show his subordinates that he knows more than them.
Will it last? We shall see.
Right now, I just wish he wouldn't come up and talk to me just after he has had a cigarette. I feel like Donkey in Shrek right after Shrek farted on him.
"I had my mouth open and everything!"
Tuesday, April 17
I do not like them, Sam I Am
I do not like numbers. I don’t mind random numbers that have meaning like money, or time or the number of drinks I have had the night before.
I mean rows and rows of numbers that need verification, checking against the source, and then given over to the scrutiny of someone else who can probably make a lot more sense of them than I can.
That seems to be all I am doing at work these days. Checking pricing against the original, checking it against other versions and determining if the number I am inputting is the correct one!
I don’t like numbers. If I enjoyed them, I would be a statistician, accountant or working in some bank somewhere. I have a Bachelor of ARTS for a real good reason. I am a creative, left brained individual, who can do the odd spreadsheet if required to. But looking at dozens of them on a monthly basis is just NOT MY THING!
Thanks for listening!
I mean rows and rows of numbers that need verification, checking against the source, and then given over to the scrutiny of someone else who can probably make a lot more sense of them than I can.
That seems to be all I am doing at work these days. Checking pricing against the original, checking it against other versions and determining if the number I am inputting is the correct one!
I don’t like numbers. If I enjoyed them, I would be a statistician, accountant or working in some bank somewhere. I have a Bachelor of ARTS for a real good reason. I am a creative, left brained individual, who can do the odd spreadsheet if required to. But looking at dozens of them on a monthly basis is just NOT MY THING!
Thanks for listening!
Thursday, March 8
18 and Life
I am been here 18 months. In this time, I have gone from exuberantly thankful, excitedly employed, and raring at the bit to change the world, all the way down to morbidly depressed, completely unmotivated and why-God-why-am-I here.
I tried to analyse why the change and these are the reasons I have come up with.
1) I have completely outgrown the job I was hired for. Or the job had become too small for me. Once the initial excitement of setting up the processes and workflow is over, any monkey can do my job. Unfortunately I am that monkey now.
2) The people I enjoyed working with have all left. Eric, Glenn, Rita and now Joyce. There is no one left who is interested in pushing the envelope, pressing a few buttons or changing the world. And frankly I don't have the energy to motivate 30 lackadaisical employees or light a fire under their arse.
3) Marketing is getting boring. Or maybe I should say being a marketing excutive is getting boring. If I was the one exploring new markets, spearheading new initiatives, I would be more interested. But executing a marketing programme is about finding a formula that works, and repeating the formula numbly. Was it Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result?
4) I need the excitement of a more diverse work environment. Diverse people, with different backgrounds, education, ethnicity. Diverse interests that can generate conversations about the world, current affairs, anything. I am tired of hearing Hokkien everyday. I am tired of listening to 95.8 FM. I am tired of pretending to be interested in someone's choice of TOTO numbers and how close they came to winning. I am tired of the blanks stares and blur looks that greet my jokes, puns and anecdotes. No one speaks Nalinee here. I might as well be Latvian.
5) I want to do something that impacts my heart as well as my pocket. Sure, the money is nice, and some may say why leave a job where you are paid whether or not you think? But I can't, not anymore. I want to be able to make a difference to the people I work with and work for. I have no desire to sell computer supplies anymore. If people don't get toner number Q5949A, my heart won't break. Honest.
Just so youknow, I am looking. Just at some places that I may be interested to work in. Not aggressively. But if something comes, you will hear it here first.
I tried to analyse why the change and these are the reasons I have come up with.
1) I have completely outgrown the job I was hired for. Or the job had become too small for me. Once the initial excitement of setting up the processes and workflow is over, any monkey can do my job. Unfortunately I am that monkey now.
2) The people I enjoyed working with have all left. Eric, Glenn, Rita and now Joyce. There is no one left who is interested in pushing the envelope, pressing a few buttons or changing the world. And frankly I don't have the energy to motivate 30 lackadaisical employees or light a fire under their arse.
3) Marketing is getting boring. Or maybe I should say being a marketing excutive is getting boring. If I was the one exploring new markets, spearheading new initiatives, I would be more interested. But executing a marketing programme is about finding a formula that works, and repeating the formula numbly. Was it Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result?
4) I need the excitement of a more diverse work environment. Diverse people, with different backgrounds, education, ethnicity. Diverse interests that can generate conversations about the world, current affairs, anything. I am tired of hearing Hokkien everyday. I am tired of listening to 95.8 FM. I am tired of pretending to be interested in someone's choice of TOTO numbers and how close they came to winning. I am tired of the blanks stares and blur looks that greet my jokes, puns and anecdotes. No one speaks Nalinee here. I might as well be Latvian.
5) I want to do something that impacts my heart as well as my pocket. Sure, the money is nice, and some may say why leave a job where you are paid whether or not you think? But I can't, not anymore. I want to be able to make a difference to the people I work with and work for. I have no desire to sell computer supplies anymore. If people don't get toner number Q5949A, my heart won't break. Honest.
Just so youknow, I am looking. Just at some places that I may be interested to work in. Not aggressively. But if something comes, you will hear it here first.
Wednesday, February 28
People come, people go
Today is the last day of Joyce's career with 01 Computer. Joyce, as you all may remember, is my immediate boss, and now, also a friend and a confidante.
She is the mad woman who thinks that dressing up as Mickey Mouse to a formal Dinner and Dance is a good idea.
She is a crazy go getter who championed and saw to fruition many new projects and ideas that changed the way we do business.
She is the consummate working mother who feels guilty about leaving her two boys to the maid in one breath, and in the next is brainstorming ideas that will tie her even longer to the office desk.
She is the perfect boss, whose leadership and guidance are so gentle, that you walk away thinking it was your own idea.
She is the model employee, who thinks for the company, even when it means she takes the fall.
And she is the friend, whom you can trust with secrets, giggle with over lunch and cry to when needed.
Thanks Joyce, for being all those things. I am jealous of the people who will get you. And feel sorry for those who don't know what they lost.
She is the mad woman who thinks that dressing up as Mickey Mouse to a formal Dinner and Dance is a good idea.
She is a crazy go getter who championed and saw to fruition many new projects and ideas that changed the way we do business.
She is the consummate working mother who feels guilty about leaving her two boys to the maid in one breath, and in the next is brainstorming ideas that will tie her even longer to the office desk.
She is the perfect boss, whose leadership and guidance are so gentle, that you walk away thinking it was your own idea.
She is the model employee, who thinks for the company, even when it means she takes the fall.
And she is the friend, whom you can trust with secrets, giggle with over lunch and cry to when needed.
Thanks Joyce, for being all those things. I am jealous of the people who will get you. And feel sorry for those who don't know what they lost.
Wednesday, December 20
Speaking English - Building highways in place of barriers
Living in Singapore as a member of a minority ethnic group, there are some things you kind of get used to. Not necessarily embrace, but tolerate with practised nonchalance, lest you get too caught up in negation.
One of the things you get used to is people speaking in Chinese. Not just to each other when it doesn't concern you. But also during business meetings, office discussions, 3 way shop talks, gossip and lunch prattle.
Sometimes it irks me. Sometimes I enjoy the anonymity. But most times, especially now I don't even notice anymore.
But today something happened that brought this to the forefront. I was in a car with my boss and his wife, Katherine, going to a corporate photoshoot. Now both my boss and his wife are typical Chinese business people, who are more comfortable in Chinese than English. In fact, Katherine mostly conducts her business dealings in Hokkien (sitting behind her has improved my knowledge of Hokkien by leaps and bounds.)
But, the whole journey there and back, not one word of Chinese passed between them. They spoke in English, haltingly sometimes, but you could feel the effort they were making. Even when they were discussing private matters, like the renovation of their new home, they spoke English, so that I won't feel left out.
And that's how you spot people of genuine quality. People who will put aside their own comfort zone and try to make someone else feel comfortable, even if it's by the simple act of speaking a common language.
I couldn't let such kindness go unacknowledged, so at the prompting of my manager, Joyce. I sent them an email thank you.
Hi,
I just wanted to tell you both that I was very touched by the way you both made an effort to speak English in the car on the way to and back from Dean's Studio just now.
I know that you both are more comfortable in Chinese, so the effort and consideration you expressed by that act means alot to me. Especially when you continued to converse in English even when talking about private matters - that really shows your heart and the lengths you went to make sure I didn't feel weird or left out.
I have been with 01 Computer for 15 months now, and none of my other Chinese colleagues have ever made the effort to conduct themselves in that way, even while socialising or talking over lunch.
You are both genuinely nice people and I hope your example will spur our people on to be as considerate with their non-Chinese colleagues as you are.
Thank you for your warmth.
And this was his reply:-
Which ever country I went to, I will normally share the good things about Singaporean and I do not like to use the word like “Singapore Chinese or Singapore Indian”. We should all work as a team to build the reputation for the country that is why we are different from other country. Well, we should not speak our own language also especially with you around as you might not feel good. Since we can speak English, why not share our joy & experience with you? The only thing is we do not speak fluent English but we can always learn from people like you. Glad to have with us as a family for the past 15 months and let’s work together to build 01 at a different level against our next nearest competitor. Thank you for your contributions for the past 15 months.
By the way, thanks for your below wonderful message and I have the confident that many of our colleagues will do the same eventually. Cheers……
Now, if only 10 more people thought like that, we could change the whole cultural paradigm of this nation and indeed be Uniquely Singapore.
One of the things you get used to is people speaking in Chinese. Not just to each other when it doesn't concern you. But also during business meetings, office discussions, 3 way shop talks, gossip and lunch prattle.
Sometimes it irks me. Sometimes I enjoy the anonymity. But most times, especially now I don't even notice anymore.
But today something happened that brought this to the forefront. I was in a car with my boss and his wife, Katherine, going to a corporate photoshoot. Now both my boss and his wife are typical Chinese business people, who are more comfortable in Chinese than English. In fact, Katherine mostly conducts her business dealings in Hokkien (sitting behind her has improved my knowledge of Hokkien by leaps and bounds.)
But, the whole journey there and back, not one word of Chinese passed between them. They spoke in English, haltingly sometimes, but you could feel the effort they were making. Even when they were discussing private matters, like the renovation of their new home, they spoke English, so that I won't feel left out.
And that's how you spot people of genuine quality. People who will put aside their own comfort zone and try to make someone else feel comfortable, even if it's by the simple act of speaking a common language.
I couldn't let such kindness go unacknowledged, so at the prompting of my manager, Joyce. I sent them an email thank you.
Hi,
I just wanted to tell you both that I was very touched by the way you both made an effort to speak English in the car on the way to and back from Dean's Studio just now.
I know that you both are more comfortable in Chinese, so the effort and consideration you expressed by that act means alot to me. Especially when you continued to converse in English even when talking about private matters - that really shows your heart and the lengths you went to make sure I didn't feel weird or left out.
I have been with 01 Computer for 15 months now, and none of my other Chinese colleagues have ever made the effort to conduct themselves in that way, even while socialising or talking over lunch.
You are both genuinely nice people and I hope your example will spur our people on to be as considerate with their non-Chinese colleagues as you are.
Thank you for your warmth.
And this was his reply:-
Which ever country I went to, I will normally share the good things about Singaporean and I do not like to use the word like “Singapore Chinese or Singapore Indian”. We should all work as a team to build the reputation for the country that is why we are different from other country. Well, we should not speak our own language also especially with you around as you might not feel good. Since we can speak English, why not share our joy & experience with you? The only thing is we do not speak fluent English but we can always learn from people like you. Glad to have with us as a family for the past 15 months and let’s work together to build 01 at a different level against our next nearest competitor. Thank you for your contributions for the past 15 months.
By the way, thanks for your below wonderful message and I have the confident that many of our colleagues will do the same eventually. Cheers……
Now, if only 10 more people thought like that, we could change the whole cultural paradigm of this nation and indeed be Uniquely Singapore.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)