I just realised how unsuitable I am for the business world where it is dog-eat-dog. I am a very agreeable person, always willing to do and contribute whatever I can, wherever I can. But my recent stint as an emcee made me think a fair bit. My 'okays' kept me there on site till 9 pm. And I brought home my script to type (though I prefer typing my own script, it should never have been my responsibility). I bore those 'ew-what-english-is-that!' glances when the script contained no traces of my contributions at all. Zilch. I got the 'no-no, do this instead' from various staff, when really, the problem lies with the company itself. Communication problems. But gracefully (as always) I did not delve any further into the obvious (it wasn't really necessary anyway) and just kept my manners in check.

I find it really hard saying 'no' to people. And I really should learn to curb this. Cos it will sooner than later get me in trouble. Sure, the DR 'saying Yes and go the extra mile' attitude is splendid and should (I stress) be applied in certain environments. But for the working world, uh-uh, not a good idea. Right?

Perhaps what the Uncle, one of the staff of Surbana, said is true. "If you don't know, they cannot ask you to do. But if you say you know, then that is yours already! 一定是你的了！" He was sharing with us that he used to be in charge of the cleaning department of all their branches. But after the boss knew that this uncle had green fingers, they got him to oversee the maintenance of the plants and all the environmentally aspects of all the branches. Although, I don't agree with this mentality at all, it does sound logical. Especially when there is no credit added when another load is put on. Perhaps for the older generation this is acceptable?

Anyway, I've got my peek into the working world. How there really are people holding rather major (considering the size of the organisation) roles, yet their capability and way of working is really not up to par. At all. Pleasantries when it comes to the more senior personnel. Not keeping track of the time and the staff on hand. It is quite sad.

EQ (read: emotional quotient, not EQ-EQ lol) is also important. Very important. It is obvious la. Watching a group of people work together, discussing about what goes first, which way, which side of the rostrum. How one person goes:

"er cccan we run through it once more. oh no no, not this. i think say this instead"

and another goes

"Good morning! (big smile) Are you well rested? Got a nice voice for today? Ah, amendments I see, well, can't avoid them! Minister's old already! Can't stand for too long ah!"

I knew the latter was being nice so I would do a better job and stuff, but even though I knew so, it won a smile from me.

Okay back to my first point, saying no, stop thinking for others cos they will never appreciate it; you are but an employee to them! Is it the right mentality to have? I mean, personally I've always felt that no matter how the situation is or how the people one has to deal with is, we should stick to our own principles and values. Perhaps there is a thin line in which we can stand and not compromise our values, yet not be trod on or taken advantage of. What is it then.

But still, thank God for this opportunity to earn a fair bit for an easy-to-do event. There was a minister (Dr Ng Eng Hen - one of the few names I'll always remember from reading over and over again) present. Channel News Asia reporters and camera person, some radio people. But Janine zai. :) God's grace!

And thank God for such a good boss. Driving me around, picking me up early in the morning to the site. He was impressed! Yay! Future events can bag already.

One last thing! For those who haven't already done so, please scroll down to the last post before it disappears from the page okay. AND AND AND! Teach me how to say no. Tactfully yet with authority. Janine is too nice a person. Really, its like my Achilles' heel. I always feel used.

Okay maybe another last thing. I've found love! Nathaniel Hawthorne writes like a lover. His craft is delectable. I'm in love. I've always thought classics like Hawthorne were boring. So wrong! He can beautify a flower so descriptively that you see the flower in your head unconsciously, and within a few seconds turn you against the flower, and see evil in its beauty.

Ah, love.
|