Tag: workaholics

Master of none

“Carl! How’re ya?”

Carl looked up “Hi, Mark. All good, tha — ”

“Quick favour. Can you conjour up a poster for us? Nothing too fancy—we’re organising a last-minute event, and need designs ASAP.”

Carl sent the memo he’d been proofreading for Jason, and then turned to Mark smiling. “Sure. I’ll be happy — ”

“Cheers, life saver. Drinks on me, Friday!”

Carl had spent the morning proofreading his team mates’ work, before tackling Jason’s memo. It took him all evening — amidst discussions, brainstorming sessions, and distractions—to finish Mark’s designs.

By 7, he’d done everyone’s job but his.

Tomorrow, perhaps.

*Ping* “u thr?”

Dreamer

Corporates had lured Kamal since high school. Observing suited men and women stride into glass-decked buildings, he’d yearned to join them. Watching them drive away in Audis, he’d envisioned driving his parents, the construction workers, in a posh car.

With ambition for impetus, he chose engineering. Strove hard, outperforming himself every year. And entering a multinational company as employee, he’d sensed himself realising his dreams.

— — —

Four years on and Kamal still pays dues. With his meagre savings he’d own a second-hand Vento in three years. Dreaming of a corporate career, he’d miscalculated the costs of an education loan.

Suppose we juxtapose

Vacancies with on-the-job training:
for the self-starters
the go getters
dreamers and doers.

Theoretical certification necessary.

Corporate lifestyle

corporate highrise buildings

“Varnished with fast food and short attention spans, corporate lifestyle massacres mindful living.”

Swallowing the last of his pizza, Nikhil shared the article on LinkedIn—another attempt to boost his credibility. Sighing, he then returned to finish the rest of the reports. He had to submit them by the end of day. He hadn’t intended his mid-morning break to turn into a lunch break as well.

As he tried to concentrate on the numbers, up popped a notification. A manager from a rival company had responded to his post. Within minutes, Nikhil was searching for Italian restaurants. She liked pasta.

All in a day’s work

It was the year’s fifth meeting. HR manager, Jay, was inducting new recruits, a wide grin stretching on his otherwise unremarkable, freckled face. He waited while the group shuffled, some excited, some anxious, and some adjusting chairs. When they’d settled, he unlocked his arms, leaning on the table, instead.

“Welcome!”His eyes moved from one to another. They returned his toothy grin. Over the next hour, his ecstatic voice described the corporate guidelines. And as they exited, his voice resounded: “Good luck!” Jay’s grin disappeared as soon as the door shut.

Corporate hiring had become mushrooming—in thousands, disgusting and useless.