Rules for the Newly Grads

Congratulations! You just surpassed college. As you enter a new chapter of your life, there are a few things I would like to share with you about work. Most of these are based from personal experiences.

1. Do not expect your genius and hardwork to be appreciated. Less expectations, less disappointments. Your work life will be much simpler that way.
2. Your loyalty should be to your work and not to your employer. Learn new things. Acquire new skills. Expand your network. These will determine your success. Do not place it on somebody else's hands.
3. Come to work at 8, leave at 5. Your family and friends are far more valuable.
4. Never love your work. Love is too strong of an emotion to be attached to something very temporary.
5. Know the difference between a colleague and a friend. Trust carefully.
6. Learn to separate your work life from your personal life. And let it be well known to everyone around you.
7. Speak up. Be assertive. Let your voice be heard, but do it with tact.
8. Know your rights. It pays to read policies and procedures (and the law). 
9. Rejections happen. Sleep on it. Wake up, and move on.
10. Some people will bend and tweak the truth. If it's no longer healthy, leave.
11. Likewise, don't lose yourself. Stick to your principles. If something feels wrong, it is most likely wrong.
12. Never accept that last item on your job description that says " and other tasks that may be assigned from time to time". Demand for specifics, no matter how long they are.

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One Word

I heard a knock on a glass panel near me but I ignored it. The same sound was repeated and this time I realized someone was standing by my station. I turned around.

“I need a copy of the annual report from 2006 to2010, “ the French man from the next office said.  “I came here last week and took copies of 2006 to 2010 annual report. I need one copy each from those years again”. His voice was calm yet imperative.

I assured him I’ll ask my colleague for copies since she files all documents. “Once I complete them I’ll bring them to your office,” I added.

“Hard copies. I need hard copies of 2006 to 2010 annual reports,” he repeated like I didn’t understand his first sentence. (Paulit-ulit?!)

I replied, “Yeah. I’ll bring them to your office, Sir.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Then he left.

He left forgetting something, which I think is, important. He forgot to ask.

Please - a one syllable word that without a doubt can be said effortlessly.

But why did this person fail to ask politely? Was it his culture? His nationality? Or perhaps his position, a manager needing something from a staff?

I was once taught to always use the magic words in a conversation: thank you, I’m sorry, may I and please. These simple yet colorful words mean so much that one can actually create the mood of a discussion. Imagine someone asking you to do him a favor and use these phrases. 

“I’m sorry to bother you but may I ask for annual reports from 2006 to 2010? Please give me hard copies.” 

What a difference will it make! For one, you will feel valued because the person acknowledges that you have the ability to aid him. You’d, likewise, understand the importance of his need and would want to help enthusiastically.

Sadly this is not the case more often than not. I observed that most working people are always pressed for time; rushing to get things done, ignoring small, valuable things around them. But if you look at it, it’s not hard at all. One only needs to be sensitive of his environment, learn to care for other people’s feelings and recognize their potential contributions.

Saying “please” is as easy as counting 1, 2, 3. It’s a simple word that shows a thousand meaning; one word that may define someone’s character.

Is it really that hard to ask politely? Please tell me.

Photo taken from Google Images.

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Few But True

If I were to delete my Facebook friends and keep the close ones, and by close I mean those who I spend quality time with and I know I can count on through thick and thin, I’ll be left with less than ten contacts.

No offense to my FB buddies. But we all know that not everyone in our FB list is the closest pal we’ve got. Some are friends of friends, while others are mere acquaintances. What saddens me is to see most of my contacts have the chance to spend time with their real barkada. I envy them.

I wasn’t the popular guy in high school. Neither was I the smartest nor the athletic, heartthrob type. I was just an average student. And with being ordinary I had a few good, close chums who, admittedly, helped me get through HS. After graduation, I started to lose communication with them one by one. But thanks to modern technology and social networking I am rekindling some old friendships.

Things kind of turned differently in college. I was active and visible; I joined various guilds, won contests in and out of school, appeared in a few productions, and did absolutely well in my studies. I worked with several people, developed rapport and gained confidence with some.

It was in second year college where I worked in a small group of people for an advertising project. We were tasked to launch our own agency and part of the job was, of course, to think of a company name. We had several ideas then but we settled for MiDAS. We thought we can turn everything we touch into success, that we can achieve anything, and that nothing is impossible. We did pretty well during the launch. But what I didn’t see coming was the effect of the project to us. Because we worked well together, we decided to stick with one another for most of our other school assignments. We lost a few members along the way but welcomed new ones that made the team stronger and better. The working relationship, later on, developed into a deep, meaningful friendship.

We supported one another in every undertaking – school projects, student elections, competitions, financials, family problems, dealing with partners and ex’s, dealing with professors. We lied, encouraged, inspired, fought for one another. We’ve seen one another eat, sleep, brush teeth, stumble, get broke, cry, disappoint, fail, get humiliated, fall in love, fall out of love, fall in love again, laugh, fight  back, succeed. Name it. Once I thought that we were the dream team. We accomplished things because we know our strengths and weaknesses. I can’t claim that we were the best but I know we were strong. Yet, just like in any aspect of life, change is inevitable.

We still kept in touch after graduation. We hanged out for several occasions, updated one another of our job applications, shared news about our alma matter and stuff like that. I tried to arrange a get-together during our anniversary but everybody started to get busy. Very busy. At some point we lost communications. I reached out, reminded them how much I miss them and tried to set a reunion once in a while. I’d say I tried my best but I grew tired. And to see some of them go out and enjoy their time together without inviting the rest was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Somehow I felt it was just me who wanted to keep the group together.

MiDAS was my refuge. It was like a new found family. I know I could count on them for whatever. I did what I could to keep it alive and bonded but some things are out of my control. No matter how hard I try to reach out to them, if they are not willing to exert effort, it’s just useless. Oh, yes! For the past years since graduation there is one day in a year where MiDAS would be complete – post Christmas celebration. For me, it has just become obligatory rather than a whole-hearted gathering. Why only once a year?

But despite a depressing reality, life goes on. I can no longer live in something that doesn’t exist anymore. I have to blame myself though for being sentimental. But I have learned to know where to stand in somebody’s life. MiDAS was a college group. And college ended three years ago.

Less than ten FB contacts aren’t bad after all. No, it’s not bad at all. As long as I know my friendship is being valued, as long as I know I can count on that person, as long as they are true, I couldn’t be more thankful. 

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Mouth off

(Late posting)

I've always known that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  Yet I was reminded of it today after learning that somebody cursed in public.

This person was reprimanded by a superior and, perhaps out of rage, uttered the ever popular Filipino vulgar word putangina in front of several staffers. I felt pity more than shame for what he did. Not only did he create a negative impression for the team, he also revealed his level of professionalism and temperament. Yet, admittedly, he prompted me to be more careful with my actions and cautious with my words.

What we say is not only about what we feel towards something or someone.  I’ve come to understand that what comes out of our mouth is more of a reflection of our personality. It is an extension of our character, of what we are capable of doing, of our intelligence and ability to adapt in different circumstances. Truly, words are powerful. And once it’s said, it cannot be taken back. Words can build friendship but it can also create enemies.  Words boost morale yet can discourage a spirit.

Today’s incident was a learning experience for me. It is important to consider our words well. Sure, we can joke around and yell and say sentiments out loud.  But before we do that, we might want to consider the people around us and think of the possible consequences.

Credit

I was one of the many who watched Captain America on its first day of showing yesterday.  And after the two-hour solid movie, I decided to stay for the stinger. I knew there's gonna be a short clip at the end.  As I waited and watched the credits, something hit me.


I have observed that many moviegoers right away stand from their seats and leave the theater after the last scene. Which means that majority ignore the names that roll up the screen. I am guilty of this, too. Well, not until I realized that all those unfamiliar people deserve some respect.


I don't know them (except for the lead) but I thought, behind this movie are hundreds of other persons who worked their butts off to make the film a success.  They might have missed an important celebration, slept less than eight hours, wounded themselves during the filming, skipped a meal - all for their passion of making movies. Yet, many do not realize that. 


It also reminded me that once I have done a few short films as requirements back in college. Sure, they are not comparable to those blockbusters that appear on silver screen.  But I know the experience of revising a script hundred times, carrying equipment and wardrobe from one place to another, shooting a scene repetitively under the heat of the sun, spending sleepless nights editing videos. And as part of the production team, all I wanted was for people to appreciate the film and acknowledge my efforts.


So from now on, I'll make sure to finish the closing credits down to the last person. Those names are reminders that the film we just enjoyed was a collaboration of ideas, time and energy from many individuals whose goal was to give us the best entertainment. They deserve some credit.