Every place is a fun place to be, you will learn a lot and have tremendous experience, but you need first to build your own Place
Almost 2 years in that place, I remember the first time I met her in the old Caldera, and she decided to give me the chance for this role. And that is also what encouraged me to overcome challenges. First month, there wasn’t a day that went by without me feeling down because it seemed like could do nothing. But as time goes by, more and more people started to support me and I began to gain more knowledge and confidence.
I will never forget my time in the firm. And I want to take this opportunity to appreciate everyone in the firm (please forgive me if I forget some names …. You are always lasting in my memory!)
Okay! Turn the “Waldeck – Memories” song on, now!
Lesson Number One
“Altruism is innate, but it’s not instinctual. Everybody’s wired for it, but a switch has to be flipped” (David Rakoff)
Believe it or not, to build your own place (at least, my two cents) you need to flip that switch! Seriously, amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy for us to often forget that we need to always be happy to help colleagues. To me, it’s very important to always see the brighter side of everything; we will reap what we sow. If we sow goodness, regardless whether it’s part of the job, we will learn something new that can make us a better version of ourselves.
Lesson Number Two
“When I look at a person, I see a person – not rank, not a class, not a title” (Criss Jami)
This quote makes me think about equality. This helps us see that all of us are, at the end of the day, human. It is also about how we treat people. Partners, consultants, office services to tea lady and our great security staffs, we are all human. And how we interact, talk, smile really should and must be kind because remember, we can make someone’s day just by giving them a smile
Recently my brother in law gave me another quote, “Most of the time we have to be fair, but for on some cases, fairness does not always mean equal.”
Alright, let’s say being fair and equal to everyone is still important regardless
Lesson Number Three
“Tempora Mutantur, Nos Et Mutamur in ilis” (time change, and we change with them) – Publius Ovidius Naso
I remember the first time i’ve been interviewed, she asked me “Have you ever hate your boss?” I answered “Never. I might have disagreed or felt disappointed with the way they act, or with their decisions; but beyond it all, we’re always friends,”
Because I believe, people change. We shouldn’t build a barrier of judgement about someone. You may not like someone now (or what they do), but we will never know if in the future you may be close one to each other.
Lesson Number Four
“Sweet is pleasure after pain, and pleasure in when we expect nothing in return” (Ananda Manan)
Have you even heard about the adage ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated’? Well, that’s true. In my opinion, it is impossible to be ‘happy’ all the time. Especially in work place, people have their own ups and downs. All the pain, fatigue, stress, and guilt will worth the fight once we receive the sweet feeling of not letting our ego win (guys it’s like feeling the breeze in your hair and skin or hearing the rustling leaves, or smell the rain while listening to Yiruma—that kind of tranquillity)
And pleasure is when we expect nothing in return. Like a tree, doesn’t matter it if’s being cut, burned down, or destroyed; it will still give you the the goodness of nature.
In other way, I believe that God may have planned everything for us in ways we never know. Everything happens for a reason. No matter if someone doesn’t treat us good, it is very rewarding to maintain kindness. Because you never know if someday your kindness, your positive energy that you choose to show despite the adversity—will be paid off. Like in Cinderella, “Have a courage and be kind”. We still have that positive energy here!
Lesson Number Five
“If You Only Do What You Can Do, you’ll never be better than you are” (Master Shifu)
It is so true. And that’s what all of us always pursue, right. The better us. Overcoming challenges, going extra miles. I’ve seen that during my time in the firm. How many colleagues are running the extra miles to be the better ‘them’. I am honestly wishing all of you a wonderful life journey, the best for your endeavours and—the most important one is—to have your inner peace with you all the way. And that’s for me too. Challenging myself to be the better me. Wish me luck!
Ah! I’m going to miss everything from now, but life must go on. Some of you might not agree with what I said in this email, but hey, it’s alright. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and feelings. And I appreciate everything that is good.
anandamanan 