One Year at Work

First entry for 2013!

So time flies, I just turned 1 year at my work in Manila. To be exact it's 1 year, 1 month and 3 weeks! That's also how long I have cursed and finally re-accepted the quirky bits and parcels of moving back to Manila, that is traffic, pollution and the 32% tax included.

Work is good to me so far. In one year's time, I built a good name for myself (I think). So how good? I just translate it in simple manner. The fact that I can get to office whichever time I want (still within 10am), the fact that I can ran away a few hours in-between to High Street/Burgos Circle/Market/SM Aura, the fact that I call it an early off on Friday afternoon once in a while, the fact that I can work from home if I'm lazy (but I dont do it often, curse the internet and intranet connection). So basically that's all I need.

I earned several rewards/titles for my team. I can do a specific critical deliverable with almost eyes closed. But hey, I never ever said I am a career woman anyway.

I find it amusing to see the slow pacing of the people and how some crappy souls kiss ass to rub their shoulders with the top management. One time I was asking another person, so what should be done to the problem here (referring to a project issue). The favorite answer I got so far: 'Well we first have to do a root cause analysis. After finding the issue, then we do a gap analysis of what needs to be done. After analyzing the pros and cons, then we'll draft a plan.  We have to ensure the plan follows the standards in place and abides to the Target Operating Model..'  I was totally dumbfounded. It sounds so old-school bookish BS-ness.  Can we not get into action instantly? :p 

And I still wonder how people can't manage their time and predict their time properly.  A 2pm meeting means that people starts standing up from their seats at 2:05, get some coffee, and probably get seated at 2:15pm. People struggle to book a ride home (office car) because they can't predict their OT time. Isn't it simple, if I say I'll finish by 1030pm, then I just stick to it, no questions asked. It still strikes me if people can really be successful if they don't have self-control over their own time. This is probably brought about by lack of respect for time of others too.

The positive side is having lots of these 'bonding', moments spent on team activities. It was good to see warm people again.

And the 32% tax is killing me. My previous monthly payslip can afford me a monthly travel to anywhere I like.  Now, the last vacation that I had to Japan, hmm i had to spend >1 month's salary. Ouch. But still it's super fun!

And I have stopped complaining already. I have embraced all the beauty and ugliness of it. :)  I don't want to make my life miserable any further.  Just grow up and move on, note to self.  Oh btw it's July again soon...  Good night world!