New job...old job ....

Read an article today on evaluating a new job offer and what to look for. Interesting pointers.

What is important when one has to evaluate a job offer? Money? KRAs? Timings? Company profile and history? Growth? Many more points for consideration come into mind. Each plays its role. Then how does a person decide on whether the job is the dream job...from the outside???

The company DNA definitely plays a role. It's important to know the position of the company, its vision. On the basis of the information one gathers from various sources, a personal analysis can be done. Money aka the salary offered is very important. But, should it be the deciding factor? The overriding deciding factor? Difficult question. There might be a few companies which one can find at all times, which will pay more salary. But, to make a move to a new job based solely on the money offered might not be the wisest decision.

Many factors such as the KRAs of the position offered, the evident growth prospects (which can be evaluated on basis of training opportunities offered, skill enhancement opportunities, the learning on the job etc), the evident work-life balance, benefits and perks etc need to be kept in mind before making an intelligent choice.

The article mentioned one very interesting point, i.e. meet your would be boss at least twice before deciding to join, to assess the comfort level for working together!! My take....this is not in the hands of the candidate.

We all want the best for ourselves. We try and make the best decisions for ourselves. But, just in case one finds oneself on cross-roads in the job scenario, it is time to make a move. An exit from the workplace or  maybe trying to  make things better in the workplace. Both options need to be well thought out. Work this out carefully. Do what you think is the best for you in the long. If at all you have regrets, remember it is all hindsight. Does not help.

One needs to be careful in evaluation and make a mature decision.  We need to remember that there is always a way ahead.

Indian sports in Rio...

Way go Sindhu , Sakshi, Deepa.... Done us proud, very proud.

Feeling awed, not only by their performances and feats on the sports grounds and the medals they won, but also for the show of strength and courage which they demonstrated and achieved the heights they have in their  respective sports. They stood up in face of all adversities, lack of / inadequate infrastructure and performed exceptionally in the Rio games.

They all are exceptional in their chosen sports. No mean feat being one of only very few gymnasts who can perform the most difficult vault. The grit, the show of self motivation....that in itself is amazing.

Time we Indians also talk about sports other than only Cricket. Time that along with  Cricket, other sports should get their place in the Sun.

We are proud of all sports people who went to Rio....they are amongst the best in our nation.

Sequels....My God !!!!

Sequels...Sequels....Sequels!!! Do you like sequels?

Let me answer for myself. I don't mind sequels. But not when the story is not summarized before the new series begins. Books, movies, serials....the rule remains. Summarize, else lose a potential audience.

Nothing can be more annoying than a sequel which is printed after more than a year and too without a few pages dedicated to the story so far!!!!!! Now how does the author and the publishing house expect the readers to remember the events so far in the story. Ditto for a movie!!!

As an example, I have been following the Clifton series by Jeffery Archer. I admit guilty to actually purchasing them and reading them so far, without remembering the previous story. I also admit to being annoyed each time. But, now I treat each of them as a different novel. But you know what? That has taken away half the fun of the story. Because, each book of the series came after a considerable gap and I have forgotten the sequence of the story as also the characterisations of each of the actors in the story.

So, half the fun is gone as I cannot relate to the nuances of the characters and their mannerisms, which the author so carefully built. I think the author and the publishing house has missed the point. If only they would devote but a few pages to the story so far. They could very well have released a new book each time. Actually, why don't they?

Movie sequels which release after a gap are equally scary :D ......Never really get the point of those.

Ayes in favour of sequels anyone? I say a Nay. That's my point of a strong view.

Freedom....shall we??

We celebrated India's 70th Independence Day yesterday. We have been free from foreign rule for 70 years now.  Glory to our motherland.

I contemplate...Are we free in our minds, spirits and deeds? Are we free from all bondage? Are we really?

We need to see Independence in light of where we are and where we are going. Are we free from caste ties....Are we free from man-made boundaries in the name of religion.....Are our women free to speak their minds and do as they wish to.....Are we free to work.....Are we free to eat.....Are we free to possess.....Are we free to study....Are we free from filth.....Are we free from a false sense of pride....Are we free from corruption....Are we free and open in thoughts....Do our minds and hearts really embrace the world ......??

We need honest answers. Once we have them and then move on to change for our betterment, we shall be truly free. For, we can be truly independent only when we honestly accept our shortcomings and strengths and work on them productively. This will lead us to wealth, both of the mind and the material kind.

So, shall we...???

Selfie or medals....

A remark by a leading Indian writer and a social celebrity has kicked up a storm....blaming Indian athletes only of clicking selfies and not performing, rather not wanting to perform....

Unfair?? She's entitled to her opinion. Even to voicing it in all forums she knows. But, even our athletes are doing well in the adverse circumstances they have to work in. The sheer determination and grit on display in most of them is worthy of more than one mention. With bare minimum facilities, no money even to buy shoes....some of them have traversed the tough road to the Olympics. Only because they want to. Difficult, very difficult. They are competing against the best.

Yes, we need more medals and more of them on pedestals. But, are they only to be blamed? Or the people who ensure they get the facilities they get??

We all have a right to vent our opinion. So, we can't really blame her for venturing hers. As much a right as the people castigating her for her comment.

But, a thought for the brave people out there who are there only because of themselves, is definitely warranted.

A shout out for the athletes....they need the encouragement.

In awe.....

Just as I was updating my CV, I started thinking of the times I had interacted with youngsters in my school, as a member of the School Alumni Association . Always an interesting experience.

I have met confident youngsters who know what they want to be in life and are looking for some pointers to guide them up the right path to a fruitful career. I have spoken to curious minds who get excited on discovering new career avenues which strengthen their own dreams of taking the less trodden path. They want to explore, test their abilities to walk ahead of or even away from the typical Indian middle class dreams of Engineering / Medical / Law / CA / Sales / Government jobs....They want to and some of them also want to know how to convince their parents to let them be.

I met a parent who told me of the so called unconventional careers his daughter and her classmates had chosen and how they knew all about the courses and the money involved, even their earning graph. The new world order with many more avenues available, has of course helped. This is an entire generation which appreciates what it takes to achieve their dreams. And, achieve them they will. The mathematics is all in place.

Many of them have their own enterprises in some conventional, some unconventional careers and are already employing people while they are still in their twenties.

I am in awe of these younger generations which are uber cool, technologically updated, confident, know where they are headed and a sheer pleasure to interact with.

We must give them their space and definitely their due. Parents and teachers have started understanding that they don't need to guide the young ones, instead they need to work out the best path to walk with them. 'With' being the keyword here....

It's always a pleasure being witness to change. Which all of us will always be.