Last year around the same time, I stepped into a new world. To be precise, it was the 20th of July when I moved from New Delhi, my home to Bangalore for my job. Last evening when Mom reminded of the day, it evoked so many memories and I thought to myself, oh, has it really been one full year?!
I still remember how I secured this first job of mine- it was a surprise for me! I had no plans to embark on a professional position so early in life. But it was destined for me perhaps! What came as a surprise package was Sumita (my sister) securing a job in the same organization and her decision to accompany me! And soon after getting the offer letter, we headed towards our new destination, Bangalore. The memories of leaving home still leave me moist eyed… I had thought I would gradually come to terms with it and no doubt, I did, but many a times still, I feel like secretly leaving this place (and consequently my job too!) and going back home amidst my loved ones! But you see, these are just thoughts which travel in my mind every now and then but are never implemented! ;)
Exactly like a college student, who observes every little thing in the new institute he joins, I too remember noticing every li’l thing on my first day- from the glass entrance gate, pretty paintings hung all over the premises, board rooms, Aon mugs, working people, their formal attire, to pantry, washrooms and much more. The first day was fun!
As soon as we stepped out of our cocoon of protection, responsibilities seemed to increase manifold, in every respect! We had to take care of each other, had to keep in mind all the time, the do’s and don’ts, learnt to cook and took professional life in our stride. The learning took a step further when we went to Germany, as it was a different country and we were among a host of new people and more so because to fit into the lifestyle there, one needs to be lot more independent than one needs to be in India. I think in the span of this one year, both Sumita and I have transformed into more mature and independent individuals. We both realise now that the golden thread of living a meanigful and productive life is self-discipline, without daddy having to tell us this.
The journey at Aon, so far, has been good. They say that it is the journey which is more important and not the destination. With different set of challenges, different needs and requirements to be met and of course the expectations, it has been more like a bumpy ride for me. But what makes me call the experience good is the fact that I stepped into the real world, wherein I had to deal with people coming from different strata of society and from very different backgrounds and values. Not appreciating much, I have seen people taking every opportunity to let down others, like minded people forming their own group and bitching about others and what not! But again, there are always people with whom you are compatible. To be honest, it was not a very easy experience for me, and I am still learning to co-exist despite all odds!
Many people know that I thank my company a lot for sending us to Germany for a good four-month long period and thereby giving us a chance to visit other countries too. (More than work, it was fun there!) I know I would have never been able to visit these countries so early in life otherwise. I visited four countries- Germany, UK, Belgium and France. Without giving a second thought, trip to London was indeed the best for many reasons! I thank my company for this! :)
Things do change once you become a part of the corporate world. Five out the seven days you generate new ideas and produce results and as soon as the weekend approaches, you start making plans to pamper the real you to the fullest- sing, dance, watch movies, go shopping and what not! The weekends were never so special when we used to go to college or school! We have a home away from home in Bangalore. I enjoy myself a lot with Sumita and Uncle (Tony bhaiya). We enjoy taking Carnatic music lessons from our teacher and we love spending time with her. What we also enjoy here is going to Rama Sharnam on Sundays- we can sing bhajans there and then meeting up such friendly people is what one looks for all the time! All in all, I feel we are enjoying a life of simplicity, serenity and harmony! Thanks to all the people responsible for making life beautiful in a new city!
