Saturday, November 24, 2007

Four Years Later: Some Thoughts

Today is exactly my 4th year in my current job. As much as I don’t want to wax poetic about it, four years is no joke. And I can’t help but ponder on what has transpired over the course of four years, where I am now and what lies ahead.

This is actually my first job. I don’t know if this is an achievement of some sort, but I think staying for four years in your first job is something. I was one of the first few core members of a team consisting of two web developers (both of whom have gone on to follow other pursuits) and a web marketing officer.

From this small group, our fledgling company grew roots, spread branches, bore fruits and became what it is now. As one of the first few members of this company, I have been with it from the very start, felt its growing pains, stood by it, helped it expand and watched as it steadily flourished.

I actually made a much longer entry for this so-called 4th year anniversary post but I decided that I’d rather keep it to myself. I was a bit surprised that I had quite a lot to say and my mind was practically bursting with stories to tell and rants to vent out. But I don’t want to bore you all so I’d rather focus on probably the most important aspect of my four-year ongoing sojourn in this company: the people I work with.



If there’s one sound from the past four years that will be most memorable to me, it would not be the cacophonous chorus of fingers hammering incessantly into a keyboard while finishing an article. It would be the sweet sound of laughter, guffaws and giggles. Never a day passed when laughter did not reverberate within the walls of our office. One thing I realized while in this company: despite the frustrations, disappointments, hardships and discontent, the workplace becomes a much better place if you are working with friends.

I feel lucky that I have found more than just acquaintances here but friendships that will hopefully last even beyond the portals of the company. These are the people I have come to love as my second family, the people I look forward to seeing every day. These are the bunch of crazies whose idiosyncrasies and quirks not only amuse me but also teach me valuable lessons in dealing with people, in dealing with life.

Many of them have moved on to follow their own paths. And who knows, maybe I’ll also follow them and finally find myself embarking on my own big adventure. Change is inevitable; but while we are still together I would like to say a big thank you to each one of them: for being more than just an officemate, for being a friend, for being a family.

* * *

Now, exactly four years later, what lies ahead? Quo Vadis, Dex? :-)

3 comments:

Neil said...

Yes, four years is an achievement already. Moreso, because you're still friends with your colleauges.

I bet there's no such thing as professional jealousy in your office, eh? :)

Neil said...

Can we exchange links, Dex? Thanks.

dex said...

Hi Neil. Sure, I've linked you already.

Actually, professional jealousy and other conflicts do exist. I think that's inevitable in any organization. :-)