There was a Time

We had a good meal and chat last evening with friends, and we reminisced about the past. It provided me with thoughts on who I was ....... and perhaps in a later blog what I am now.

So here goes: There was a time, when

1. I had only blue, gray and white shirts in my cupboard.
2. I cared immensely about the brands I was wearing.
3. I looked at my own career and compensation versus others.
4. I was inspired by some of my managers and hated a few as well.
5. I often smiled but hardly laughed (some may even say the smile was cynical).
6. I hated board games but could play chess once in a while.
7. I liked to have Bhelpuri and Sevpuri every day post work.
8. I was very good at "Digger", a computer game installed on only one office desktop at Procter and Gamble.
9. I worked with Apple's first spreadsheet programs in 1986 (Vizzycalc I think)
10. I coded in Basic and Cobol and spent hours trying to get a single circle right during my MBA days.
11. I was more interested in basketball than in education until I landed my first full-time job.
12. I read a lot more newspapers and books.
13. I was predominantly an introvert and would have to be dragged for family functions.
14. I was so defensive that it became harder to learn anything new.
15. I networked more for professional gains than anything else.
16. I made many acquaintances but few friends.
17. I travelled all over the world but did not actually see a city.
18. I disliked eating fish and was asked to choose a fish at a banquet to be cooked for me.
19. I travelled first and business class in my first few trips overseas and then had to move down to economy.
20. I turned down job offers because I did not want to move from Mumbai.
21. I slept at bus stops, on top of a small truck, and on the veranda of a government guesthouse when I couldn't find a place to stay.
22. I liked technology but meandered through different roles in HR, Sales and Marketing, General Management etc.
23. I disliked authority but had to put up with it
24. I did half-marathons (walk/jog not run)
25. I discovered that every company/organization always has a dark side or a soft underbelly.
26. I was disillusioned by Senior Management ensuring they could always have their cake and eat it too.
27. I thought I was well paid but found out otherwise when I wanted to leave.
28. I found out Vision, Mission etc. are nice words for the general population but most people work out of their own selfish interests.
29. I was considered rude, arrogant, well you get the point.
30. I refused to attain any program which would require delving into my personality.
31. Sat up whole night to read over 150 appraisals so I could be better prepared for a promotion meeting
32. I worked summers during my college days little realising that it would give me experiences for a lifetime.
33. I would fuss over every email and powerpoint.

Well.... the list could get longer but who has the time to read. Until next time, have a good weekend