Virtual Ramblings

“You” are a Male
“You” are a Kannadiga
“You” are a South Indian
“You” are an Indian
“You” are an Asian
“You” are a Hindu
“You” are Brown
“You” are a IT Professional

When am I going to be “me” , Just “me”?
When am “I” going to be blamed for “my” mistakes ?
when am “I” going to get credit for “my” success?

Remember the question I asked some time back?

“People who do not affect us, people who really do not care much about us, people who were close to us once upon a time, people who have grown up and apart, why do they still matter to us so much?, why can’t we forget that people who have drifted apart?“

I think I am back to the same thought again today, I think I found the answer, “Time”, how effectively it makes us forget people, and reduced their need, their importance.

This put a even bigger question on my mind, are people really important?, people who did not stand the test of time, do they still matter to us?, is “mattering” just a function of time?, or time just hides the importance and people will be back to haunt us soon.

Topic of yesterday’s post lunch walk, was recession. Looks like all we can think of at work these days is how recession is going to affect us and India in general.

Bangalore is known as the IT capital of India, when we were in school there was nothing like IT industry, but this IT industry kind of started only in early 90’s and picked up by mid 90’s and was at peak in late 90’s. People in my parent’s generation, were very keen on getting into a government job, a 9 to 5 permanent source of income, then came the intermediate generation of 80’s where people really had no clue what to do, with no government jobs to take and not much happening in private sector. That followed with IT, drawing people from far parts of India to Bangalore. One thing this did was, the land values sky rocketed, the service industry which was never heard before, like office cleaners, consultants, HR firms providing profiles for jobs, caterers for ever increasing population, the hotel industry ranging from the road side vendors to 5/7 star restaurants, every one started making money. Banking sector also saw a boom, from a conservative India, where people thought saving is the ultimate aim, it drifted away and people began to live on credit, taking huge home loans, vehicle and personal loans, hence banking sector too made a lot of money, employing more people with a high pay packet.

Then came in the BPO, the call center brought in even more moolah, with the youth being pulled into the tech support arena. It became a good source of income to non engineers with a good degree, providing decent to very good pay packets. More money for the youth, meant more money being spent for recreation, movies, restaurants, pubs, coffee places, you name it people started spending more money. Flow of money revolutionized the market, the textile industry, lifestyle stores, even the retail grocery market started making huge profits, and started employing even more people, making the money flow even better.

The economy now seems to be more based on the cash flow, I mean no one seems to be saving too much, people seem to be investing more and more, and spending more and more. So the Indian economy is more or less changing fast into the US economy model. But what would really happen if the incoming money stops, what if IT does really slow down, and many people get back to conservative money saving mode? How badly will the economy be affected. Can the economy still survive with the money that has already flown in?. Can it continue to flow around keeping all of us in a good state?

I was of the opinion that no, we are going to see huge troubles if the IT generated income stops. I feel the chain will get broken and hence all other sectors might get affected. The business might slow down, and hence other businesses might get affected too, the real estate values might come down, and since many people already have huge loans, the banking sector is also going to see losses, service industry is going to get affected, and almost every one is going to see a dip.

My friend felt no, its not going to affect that much, according to him, the IT industry is still a very small part of Indian economy, and we have enough businesses to keep up the economy. Cities like Bangalore and Noida might get affected, because of the high technology population, but then rest of India is going to survive.

I do not think so, look at travel industry, I mean domestic airlines might see a dip, even the middle men in many areas might have to find a different job.

All this leaves me with just one question, what next, whats going to be the next big industry which is going to take the place of the IT world. Ideas anyone?

I think in this world, there are two kinds of people,

One who set themselves up for challenges, work hard, conquer them, and then try to move onto better challenges.

One who set themselves up for challenges, work hard, conquer them, enjoy the results, and continue to look for challenges in what they do.

I am talking purely about professional career here.

I and my friend S might have spoken about this topic like thousand times. She more or less belonged to the former category and me the later one.

I had a tough time when I left my first company; I am really of the old school of thought where one works for a company for a lifetime, if allowed. I had to quit because I was very dissatisfied with my job. I have been with this job ever since.

People, young professionals like us, [well we are not young anymoreJ], but people who just move out of college are generally very enthusiastic about work they do. With years of hard work put into studies, they want to show their talent in things they do. When they join a company, and within few months come to terms with reality, they realize that not every aspect of the job is challenging, and not all work that happens around the technology company is the kind of research they dreamt off.

I have been there, I have lived the days where I felt any stupid person can do what I do, I have seen people around me feel the same about the standard of work that happens in technology companies here in Bangalore. Slowly we begin to learn the “job”, even though we had the basic knowledge of how to do, we were so raw. I can really see the difference in professional me, when compared to me from days of college. The work still excites me is still the same, but the work items that excite me have changed so much.

Coming back to the topic, of moving on or sticking to a company, I guess both are right, it’s just what you choose.

Somewhere when we work in a company for many years, we get into a comfort zone, we tend to do the things in a way which is fit only for that company, we get used to it, and after that many years it might get tougher to get used to the other company outside. Mental ability too, I mean you keep on working on a particular product or a project, your knowledge gets very streamlined, so chances of survival when that product dooms might be very difficult.

I kind of agree with S, when she thinks in the above manner. She always told me that many settle in their comfort zone, and never try to come out of it.

I am not defending myself here, but still my ideologies are different, when you work so hard to build your legacy in a company, learn the tricks of trade over there, when you still enjoy to do what you are doing, should you really quit because you are used to it?, or you need to get out of the comfort zone?. I know the answer is not simple.

The Rupee appreciation in front of the dollar has hit the Indian job market badly, but still there is demand for talent, if you market yourself properly, and if I get to jump out of my current job, and join another company, I am sure I can look forward to a raise of at least 30-40% raise in my annual compensation. Isn’t that a good enough reason I should change?, also company I am currently working for is not doing that great in the market, so there is always clouds of uncertainty about the future, but then every technology company is not doing well right now, the doubt will be there in any other company.

Again it all boils down to the individual, one who likes to move on, would chose to move onto various other challenges outside, look for a constant challenges outside in different companies, go test new waters, learn and move onto newer companies.

I wouldn’t say that’s bad at all. It does sound very exciting. But there are people who like to stick on, learn more, dig deep, enjoy the success, search for challenges, and build a legacy within.

Debates never end, well that’s what I like about friends and friends with different view point, and they provide so much to think about.

“Information is power!”. I guess in the current age of information technology most of you might agree with me. We tend to develop knowledge on various things in life, by so many different means. Schools, parents, society, self study, talks. discussions media and so on. whatever information/knowledge we develop how well do we use it?. do we really exercise all of our knowledge, or rather should we?.

Let us live out the flaunting of the knowledge part out of this discussion.

In cubeland, I have this dilemma when it comes to stamping authority, When I am in a discussion, I tend to speak a little more than I should, may be its just my feeling, but don’t like myself sometimes for doing it. so what if I know the answer, why should I come out with it.
So whats the best thing to do in such situations?

• Wait till you are asked, and then come out with it [even though its a open discussion]
• Come out with it irrespective of somebody asks you or not.
• Dont give the answer even when you are asked,

The dilemma becomes even more difficult when there are opinions involved. Providing absolute answer is still easier, but what about opinions?, should one come out with it freely?. Not so happy with the way I come out my opinions, does not feel its right to be out with it so freely. May be its just a hint of trying to act pricey. But then whats the norm in such cases is my dilemma.

Let us not consider cubeland, lets take a more common approach. when there is a discussion happening amongst friends, and you know that they are talking nonsense, or if you have a strong point, do you come out with it?. I think one might come across as heavy headed when one always comes out with strong opinions in discussions. But when someone is really talking nonsense its hard to resist.

Let me give an example, say we are discussing sport, and people support a person just because he is from their state or they assume that because he from a religion, he is going to be corrupt, I cant stand such arguments, thats when I bring out stats and silence the others, but then since most of the people do not like arguments it invariably has to be me who confronts people in discussions, and I unnecessarily end up as the one with always strong opinions.

Should I learn to let go things?
Should I give up and just let them talk nonsense?

I still remember this teacher from college, he used to teach us mathematics, and he was good at it, and I generally used to be couple of chapters ahead of whats being taught in class, and he knew about that pretty well, so whenever he made a point or threw a challenge at the class, I used to keep quiet, I never spoke a word, unless he spoke to me in person. So what he used to do was, he would put up an open question, and look me in the eye, and announce, ok I know ****** has an answer, and he does not want to give it out, and egg me on to finally come out with the answer, and then he would ridicule the way I over study and should take it easy. I used to hate it, but then, every time he provoked me, I would easily fall into the trap and come out with my solution.

Definitely a dilemma I have been in so many occasions. Have you ever been in such dilemma?.

I have heard this so many times, all over the place, all over the media, in so many books, and from so many people. “Live in present”, forget the past, don’t worry about the future, just live in the present.
This sounds so tempting and obviously correct, why should one try to remember the bad past, or even the good memories when you know thats gone, it cant happen again?, why should one worry about the future, when there are so many uncertainties out of your control. We all want to do this don’t we?, don’t care about the future, forget the past, live in the present.

Lets consider our work, lets say I have a very troubled work relationship with my company or my boss, and suddenly I am given an opportunity to join another firm, now the new job pays me less, so should I forget the past and just see that I will make more money by staying in this job?. Forget about the past just consider the current pay and stay with the company and enjoy the present?.
Assume I am bored at work, and even though I have a high paying secure job, which I am sure will pay for my bread for a long time, should I get tempted to join a better paying firm which does not have a good future? or uncertain one?. Anyways I would enjoy the huge jump in current pay, will love the present, so does it mean stop worrying about the future?.

Lets consider relationships, when you are amidst a good relationship don’t you want to carry the learnings from the past?, don’t you want to make sure you don’t commit the same mistake again?, or would you like to just let the things be and let it go the way it chooses to?.
Don’t you want to see where the relationship is headed to?, will this relationship matter to you after say a month or so, don’t you want answers to such questions?.
Or one should forget about your as well as the other person’s past and enjoy your present?, don’t care if you see some dangerous signs from other’s past? or for that matter from yours?.
don’t worry about what it would end up in, enjoy something which is really beautiful now?

I guess I took couple of extreme examples, lets take something like a holiday. We all get vacation, may be a national holiday. What should one do on these holidays for fun?.
The last holiday of yours ended up a disaster because you didn’t get tickets to the show you wanted, so should one plan ahead and book tickets this time around, so that you do not end up like last time. [thought of both past and future here]
Or one should just turn up at the show, so what if no tickets, try to see what else can be done, plan it on the fly, take the day the way it takes you, giving to the present, just enjoy the day as it comes.

Somehow I feel I haven’t taken this in the right stride, its not about future planning, or even memories or learnings from the past, its just about enjoying the present to the fullest, you take your learnings and also plan your future, and finally when we decide to do something, when you are going through with it, that time don’t think about anything else but that particular thing. Enjoy it to the maximum. Standby your own decision and enjoy the present.

When you decide to stay at the job, may be whatever is the reason for it, enjoy it, don’t crib about the boss, volume of work, or the quality of work, just enjoy it. You can think about the rest later. Same with respect to a relationship, when you are in a particular relationship, at a particular stage, why not enjoy it fully, then when you really have to decide if it is good or bad, think about it then, and enjoy the decision making too.
So coming back to the holiday plans, when you have booked the tickets and end up in the show, enjoy the show, why worry about what if you have not booked and stuff. so If you dont get the tickets then forget it, whatever next you decide to do, enjoy that as well.

I know its easier said than done, in fact I have never been able to achieve this , so in a sort of way this is me giving advice to myself. A kind of self advice.

Wish it was easy,
As easy they show in movies,
The first look, the first smile,
A little reluctance, A little pursuit,
Throw in few more days,
There you have a hit,
A willing lady and a more than happy gentleman,
Romance at its best,
Love easily conquered.

A rare attraction,
Was it beauty or brains?,
No time to think.
Days together to move forward from a Hi,
More conversations, a little respite,
Just when you think, “ah, there she is!”,
Mind kicks in, logic rules the self,
Attraction, whats that really?,
Love, does it really exist?.
Movies appear fake,
Illusions, that’s what Love’s become.

The feeling of getting stuck,
but, An urge to move forward,
Thoughts of non-existence
but, with hopes for a future endeavor.
How is it going to end, no clue.
Which side am I gonna take, no idea.
Am I gonna conquer, or end up being conquered.
The question remains…..

Wish it was easy!
Wish!

A good news for you guys!. I will be on a short break from blogging for couple of days, you people are spared from reading my nonsense ramblings for at least couple of days.

I am not sure, how I will handle this short hiatus myself, but hoping to be back by Thursday.

When I will be gone, I thought will put a question on your mind. I have been really wondering all last week,

“What is one thing I would never blog about in open.“

What about you guys,
whats the thing which you consider too personal to blog about, or inappropriate for the blogs.
Or a Thing which is too close to you to talk about in public.
Or a really sensitive matter not worth to be discussed.

This has been like this for quite some time,
Not that this is something new,
After all these years,
A questions still remains in my mind,
Why do I do it,
Why?

Lots of things change,
Friends grow apart,
People loose touch,
Relationships detour,

Novelty brought people closer,
Similarity bred friendship,
Attraction led to relations,
Affection kept people in touch,

Sometimes, It makes me wonder,
Why not take the next step?,
Is this time to take the risk?,
Should I look beyond?

Then the thought shifts,
Makes me think about the stopper,
Not that, I am afraid of commitment,
Then, what is it,
What is it that, I am afraid of risking,
Wish I knew the answer.

When In doubt, chose the shell,
My moto seems to be simple.
Close the doors, also the windows,
Not to stop yourself, just to stop others.
Give yourself a breather,
Breather so you can think.

The dilemma resurfaces,
Am I afraid of losing the ‘Be’
Or afraid of the ‘Become’
Should I just ‘Be’
or Should I want the ’Become’.

Inspired by a post by Dreamcatcher

I had posted a simple question few days back, It went as follows..

Do you feel the views expressed in this blog, in my posts are fake, or not completely real?

I have had several answers from my blogger friends on this one, I did not respond to any of those, I was still not sure what I was thinking when I posted this question, and what I myself thought about this..
It all started with me reading few of my own posts, and I was wondering how people perceive my posts, In most of my posts I found few elements either too idealistic or too rebellious, or in general out of norm. It made me wonder, do people dismiss most of them thinking it as unreal. I guess not many thought they were fake. Thanks guys for letting me know.

Jason said…

real.. Maybe coz i would want them to be real and i’d like to believe they are!
But i wont be surprised if you tell me its all fake.

Rambler: This is a little confusing actually, does it mean you kind of doubted the reality behind the posts.

Saumya said…

No, not fake

Rambler: Guess you know too much to think its fake

DreamCatcher said…

Reality is an illusion……and no body absolutely no body has the right to judge the difference. And at the end, we live in a free country

Rambler: I almost thought you said “Whatever” :), yes its an illusion, but for others, for the self, I believe it needs to be true to self.

Shreyasi Deb said…

what? why? come on…

Rambler: I guess you now know the why part

Liane said…

No…
Why do you ask? I’m curious now. lol

Rambler: Liane, good to know, I guess finally this one broke your silence

Absolute Vanilla (and Atyllah) said…

The real question is, what do you feel they are?

Rambler: As a reader I would have doubts, as myself I would never doubt any of them