free at last

It was a good 718 days of my life there, no more, no less. As I've foreseen, I am really nonchalant about it when the day arrives. I guess this has to do with the unusually numerous rest days I got from my accumulated leave. What I'm feeling is far from a sense of elation. If not for the envious and cheery congratulatory banter from my peers, I might even end up feeling rather down, for no apparent reason. It's good to be around people.

I've been asking my friends and superiors the same question the past days: What advice would you offer to someone who is entering the working world for the first time? I've got some responses thus far.

Two friends I spoke to cautioned against limiting my office social circle to people I feel comfortable with. An extended workplace social network, beyond the needs of the job at hand, has its benefits in unexpected situations. You never know whose help you'll need on those days. You do not need to be on chummy terms with everyone, but at least make yourself known. Who knows, you might find yourself a potential date in one of these circles.

Be the quiet observer, but be vocal at appropriate times.

It's ok to be lax on tasks that are low in priority and value. To someone new on a job, however, all tasks should be treated with equal importance. Experience will tell which ones require less meticulous treatment.

Keep an open mind and be keen to learn. Do not act smart-alecky.

Be humble. Aloofness is and ingredient of workplace misery.

This was from a former boss, whose advice was specific to someone in my position. Sorry if I sound cryptic here (somethings are specific to the local context): We can't stop our peers from labelling, much less stop them from suggesting that we got to our positions not through our abilities, but by virtue of the label. Learn to take these in your stride, and do not try to hard to prove yourself. It takes time to get over these insecurities, and do your best in the meantime. Do what you must.

This was from the same boss: Don't be put off by the moralizing voices that stigmatize those who leave without "serving out their dues". It's your life, your career. If things aren't moving, and there's no easy way out, there's nothing wrong with calling it quits.

This post will be updated as opinions are gathered.

Is she alright? I can't stop this infatuation...