"Always do what makes you happy and enjoy whatever you are doing. Then you will
be successful in life." These are my father's pearls of wisdom to his children
who are venturing out on their own and carving a niche' for themselves in this
world. I often find myself asking questions like, "DO I enjoy my work?" "Am I
happy?" "Is there any meaning in my existence?" "Where will I be 10 years from
now?" Sitting at my desk everyday, staring at the monitor, I do not realize how
soon time flies. Minutes roll into hours and then into days and then into
months, and years. And finally, before you even know it, it is time to check
out. Say goodbye! Finito! The End!
I was under the misconception that the sun would shine brighter this New Year,
and all my worries would disappear. Well, how naïve of me, right? At least to
begin with, I did not pull out a paper and pen and list out empty resolutions
this year which typically include weight loss, quitting chocolates, smoke 10
cigarettes instead of 15, pay your bills in time, make use of that tennis
racquet which sits prettily in your living room… Pulleease! Nothing of the sort
for me!
However, I did make one resolution this New Year. "ENJOY YOUR WORK"
Every morning when I get out of bed, I wonder, "why am I doing this to myself?
Am I crazy? The thought of getting out of bed and going to work depresses me a
whole lot. Instead, I feel like lying in bed with a cup of hot chaai and a
newspaper and watching Good Morning America. But I have decided all that is
going to stop soon. I will not reach work late and give sorry excuses as to why
I missed the 8:30 breakfast meeting. I am going to enjoy waking up every morning
to go to work.
As time ticks by, a small light can be seen at the end of the tunnel and
suddenly you feel rejuvenated. Things become clear. At least a lot clearer then
it was before. And you are ready to face the day and the tons of challenges life
has in store for you.
There is also that evil word "R" - most people abhor. But, one thing's for sure
"A little hard work never killed anybody." Right now, I am at the bottom most
rung of the ladder. I have so many places to go and explore. Each rung of the
ladder I climb, I learn something new, something exciting.
Being in a work environment has taught me so many things. It has taught me to
deal with things that I could have only imagined. Deadlines, stress,
competition, one-up-manship - concepts taught to us in school is slowly becoming
clear.
The bottom line is that it is not about money at all. It is about learning and
growing. It is about happiness and contentment. It is about satisfaction and
joy. Life offers you a myriad of pleasures. We have to go out and pursue it. I
am glad I did.
-LKS
