Choices

‘It is easy enough to be pleasant when life rolls by like a song. But, the one worthwhile is the one who can smile when everything goes dead wrong.’

These were the words written for me by a  mentor years ago.

It was just the other day when I graduated from College and was in a dilemma either to pursue higher education or join the corporate world. My decision was quick as the prestigious fact always lingered on my mind ‘You are a Campus Recruit after all’ and hence, I chose to join the Corporate World. As a fresher, I was enthusiastic and determined to do my best in the tasks assigned to me. I had illusions and fears of the corporate world being a very rigid atmosphere. Fear and anxiety often crossed my mind. Neverthless, I chose to portray an evergreen smile.

My illusions were soon replaced with an outburst of an overwhelming response where, I was welcomed into a friendly atmosphere and every individual at work to be addressed on a first name basis. I always strived to overachieve my targets and be the best in class.

Time has rolled on. With seven dutiful years of corporate experience and an MBA, what was the end of the whole experience?

• You scale up the career path, 60% of the time if you are in the good books of your boss and only 40% vests with justified and fair managers
• Nepotism and favoritism prevalent in abundance
• Managers coax the subordinates with sugary words and offers to pep up their spirits temporarily
• Hardwork contributes 50% and 50% is on smart working
• You could or need not be respected if you are a family oriented woman and finally,
• If you speak the truth, your manager will reward you handsomely during your appraisal which could be advantageous or disastrous.

Inspite of all this, I chose to adopt and follow only the good and best things of the corporate culture. I’d just like to highlight a few.

• Respect every individual. If they disrespect you, they have lost their identity as
• we have nothing to gain or loose. A smile always means friendship to anyone
• Never misjudge else, you will be judged. Accept people for the way they are
• Be candid and diplomatic when speaking to peers, subordinates and supervisors. Always, remember ‘Truth Conquers All’
• Never say Die. Never give up even if times are bad. Always believe that you are precious to the team and organization. Create a sense of belonging for yourself and focus on the tasks assigned.
• Believe ‘You are the best’ . A sense of self motivation helps you cope with stress and pressures of the day.
• Stay fit by taking some time off to exercise or meditate. It helps create clarity for the mind.
• Never carry your work home. This is just not material work however, don’t carry your work stress and pressures home. Accept that there will be some bad days and some good days. However, trust yourself that you can handle the bad days with a smile and pleasure.

I chose to adopt the above values while at work and it helped me immensely. I understood that I was an individual and it created a felling of self confidence and ambition was at its peak.

Through my journey into the corporate world, alongwith gaining knowledge, I used to wonder what if I applied and synthesized these values into my being. My being as a whole. I was once again recently in a dilemma when I had to choose from careers. A career from being a  Top Corporate Professional or a Full Time Mom. There were pros and cons to both. However, the latter proved to be more rewarding and refreshing in terms as:

Designation : Full Time Mom

Growth and appraisal : Every year you grow older and wiser and watch your infant from a toddler to a matured individual.

Salary : Love and more love

Others: No training required, you learn with experience. If possible bring your best practices to the table by bringing up your child.

I’ve realized that life is full of choices. We might not always make the best choices however, it is the attitude with which one respects their choice and adopts to it. This is my attitude and now I see myself reaching my goal of moving ‘On straight on, on the path of victory.’