Everyone has his/her own preferences about professional and personal life. And there needs to be a balance between the two. If the balance is broken, things can get really bad.
Working at the university, slowly and slowly I started feeling that my personal life is getting eaten up by my professional life.
I did not get time to prepare lectures in the college because of the paper-work (which had to be completed in college). I can not even think of going to class without the lecture prepared. That would be injustice to the students, to my job and to myself.
So, I prepared lectures after coming home. I studied till mid night and sometimes even late than that. This repeated 6 days a week.
The whole scenario made me think :
1. Where exactly am I heading?
2. Am i getting closer to my family or am I getting away from them?
3. Staying awake late night daily can affect health too.
Another thing that started demotivating me was salary cuts.
The organization had a policy that the new employees can not go on a leave within the first month of their joining.
I needed a leave, and I took it. This resulted in a salary cut. I did not feel happy about it at all. And there were many other scenarios that could lead to salary cuts. :-)
But still.. my main problem was still that I was not getting time for my family and myself. Even when I was with my family physically, something about the job used to go on in my mind. This made me frustrated. I started losing temper at home and would then feel sorry about it.
I gave the whole thing a thought and in the very first week, it started getting clear in my mind that I wont stay in this organization for long.
I again had options here
Either I could move to some other educational institution.. OR I could get back to the software industry. Getting into another educational institution would be a risky step. Whereas, I can get stable again in software quickly. So, I started thinking about getting into software once again.
My colleagues always helped me and tried to convince me to stay. I was very happy to see such helping colleagues. They would make every effort to get a new guy understand the processes and get adjusted at the place.
But still, I felt that the reason for which I entered teaching will be dumped somewhere and my personal life will be ruined if the things go on like this.
Then one day, one of my best friends called me up and during the conversation, he asked me "Khush hain na" (Are you happy). I usually dont lie... So I straightaway said "NO".
He was shocked and quickly got into the details. He works in FIS too. So he asked me If I would like to joing FIS again then he can talk to the management on my behalf. I gave it a thought and it took me just some seconds to decide. I said "YES".
He talked to the higher authorities. And to my surprise and good luck, they agreed happily.
I will always be tankful to my friend for this.
The university had a policy of two month notice period. I did not server it and resigned with immediate effect. I paid two month's salary as a compensation and got my certificates and the relieving letter.
The monetary loss did not affect me at all because I again gained a lot during my stay at the university.
1. I got so many new friends.
2. I got an overview of the education system.
3. I got to know how it feels and what are the circumstances when you stand in the class as a teacher.
4. And the biggest benefit... i realized that my decision of moving to teaching was not wrong. I enjoyed each and every moment of it.
But it does not mean at all that I will not be faithful to my software job now. I will put in my 100% efforts here too. And will plan something like guest lectures in educational institutions. So, I will have the best of both worlds.. :-)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Fresh Starting in University
Having the appointment letter from the university with me, I drove towards the university campus. Upon reaching, I headed straight towards the HR department.
Its my day of joining here :-).
I reached a bit early and had to wait. I was filled with confidence that I am going to enjoy my job, because I love to teach. I was excited too.
The wait became a bit longer. Other persons who had the same date of joining started arriving too. I started interacting with them. Some of them had just passed out from the same university while some had experience of many years at different places. Some worked in BPOs earlier. I made almost 5 friends.
But the waiting period was not coming to an end. I started thinking about my interview at the university. When I got selected after all the rounds and also got the salary I demanded, it was the time to sign the acceptance letter and to hand over the academic certificates as security.
At that time, I dont know why, but I got a feeling that something wrong is going to happen. But I ignored the feeling thinking that it might be just a mind game as the mind may be showing its resistance to the change. I handed over the certificates, had a look at the acceptance letter. It was very long. As already many people had signed it and it was also getting very late in the evening, I signed without studying it thoroughly.
Sitting in the waiting hall, all this came in front of my eyes and that strange feeling that something is wrong made me a bit nervous. But I recollected myself and got over the feeling quickly.
Soon, an HR representative came and the formalities of joining started.
Upon completing the formalities (which took almost the whole day), I was alloted my department by the dean.
I came to know that I will not be going through any induction session as I joined late and the induction session got over some days back.
The teaching was to start from the next day.
I got my time table and started with the classes.
From the very first class, I got sure that my decision of switching to teaching was very correct.
My Views about Teaching
After interacting with the students on the first day, I felt that a teacher has a very responsible role. The job is not to teach academics only, but to transform the students into responsible citizens. The teachers need to make the students think on their own..
Before a student gets into a professional college, the role of a teacher is a bit different. At that time, the academics need to be taught very thoroughly. But once the students get into their graduation, they should be made capable to think on their own. So, the role of the teacher changes here. The teacher becomes a guide, a facilitator here. Teacher should try to generate the interest for the subject in the student's mind and should keep guiding them. The teacher should only show the path and guide but should let the students think and walk themselves.
The teacher should make the students curious to know more and more. And at the same time, should try that each and every student is moving ahead. Some students need personal attention, otherwise they lag behind.
Well... my views about teacing can go on and on.
But to summarize, I started enjoying teaching from the very first day.
My Teaching Style
My lectures included some humor and experiences of life in addition to academics. I personally feel that only academics all the time can make the session boring. A little deviation is good.
So, the starting seemed to be good. I was teaching, interacting and enjoying.
But, the "something wrong" factor (that came while joining) started appearing.
Its my day of joining here :-).
I reached a bit early and had to wait. I was filled with confidence that I am going to enjoy my job, because I love to teach. I was excited too.
The wait became a bit longer. Other persons who had the same date of joining started arriving too. I started interacting with them. Some of them had just passed out from the same university while some had experience of many years at different places. Some worked in BPOs earlier. I made almost 5 friends.
But the waiting period was not coming to an end. I started thinking about my interview at the university. When I got selected after all the rounds and also got the salary I demanded, it was the time to sign the acceptance letter and to hand over the academic certificates as security.
At that time, I dont know why, but I got a feeling that something wrong is going to happen. But I ignored the feeling thinking that it might be just a mind game as the mind may be showing its resistance to the change. I handed over the certificates, had a look at the acceptance letter. It was very long. As already many people had signed it and it was also getting very late in the evening, I signed without studying it thoroughly.
Sitting in the waiting hall, all this came in front of my eyes and that strange feeling that something is wrong made me a bit nervous. But I recollected myself and got over the feeling quickly.
Soon, an HR representative came and the formalities of joining started.
Upon completing the formalities (which took almost the whole day), I was alloted my department by the dean.
I came to know that I will not be going through any induction session as I joined late and the induction session got over some days back.
The teaching was to start from the next day.
I got my time table and started with the classes.
From the very first class, I got sure that my decision of switching to teaching was very correct.
My Views about Teaching
After interacting with the students on the first day, I felt that a teacher has a very responsible role. The job is not to teach academics only, but to transform the students into responsible citizens. The teachers need to make the students think on their own..
Before a student gets into a professional college, the role of a teacher is a bit different. At that time, the academics need to be taught very thoroughly. But once the students get into their graduation, they should be made capable to think on their own. So, the role of the teacher changes here. The teacher becomes a guide, a facilitator here. Teacher should try to generate the interest for the subject in the student's mind and should keep guiding them. The teacher should only show the path and guide but should let the students think and walk themselves.
The teacher should make the students curious to know more and more. And at the same time, should try that each and every student is moving ahead. Some students need personal attention, otherwise they lag behind.
Well... my views about teacing can go on and on.
But to summarize, I started enjoying teaching from the very first day.
My Teaching Style
My lectures included some humor and experiences of life in addition to academics. I personally feel that only academics all the time can make the session boring. A little deviation is good.
So, the starting seemed to be good. I was teaching, interacting and enjoying.
But, the "something wrong" factor (that came while joining) started appearing.
4 .. 3 .. 2 .. 1 .. Ignition
In this materialistic world, time never stops. And so, the days of my notice period at FIS started passing one after the other.
I dont know why, but I was not feeling like getting separated from the place. As I said earlier that I am emotionally attached to the place, that attachment did not change at all.
On the last day, when I was getting my "No Dues" form signed, I suddenly felt that I am not with FIS any more. But again... it was not a feeling of separation.
After the day got over, before leaving I stood in front of the office building and tried to feel that I am departing, tried to feel that my stay here is over. But even then I could not get that feeling. And I left for my home.
I would like to mention that I got so many wonderful replies to my "Last Day Email" that I was filled with emotions and did not have words to reply them back.
And to my surprise, I got a farewell party from my team. We went to Kasauli and enjoyed the whole day there. I was filled with gratitude.
And then it was time to come back to my home town for a fresh start :-)
I dont know why, but I was not feeling like getting separated from the place. As I said earlier that I am emotionally attached to the place, that attachment did not change at all.
On the last day, when I was getting my "No Dues" form signed, I suddenly felt that I am not with FIS any more. But again... it was not a feeling of separation.
After the day got over, before leaving I stood in front of the office building and tried to feel that I am departing, tried to feel that my stay here is over. But even then I could not get that feeling. And I left for my home.
I would like to mention that I got so many wonderful replies to my "Last Day Email" that I was filled with emotions and did not have words to reply them back.
And to my surprise, I got a farewell party from my team. We went to Kasauli and enjoyed the whole day there. I was filled with gratitude.
And then it was time to come back to my home town for a fresh start :-)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The countdown has begun..
Countdown ... what countdown?
Our company has a policy of 45-day notice period when somebody resigns. And this countdown started for me from 17th Dec 2008, when I resigned..
I have been working with FIS (Fidelity Information Services) as a Software Engineer from the last 2.5 years. At that time, its name was Second Foundation (I liked this name very much). Later, in March 2007, it went through an acquisition and got the new name. The deal went close to $20 million.
FIS is the first organization where I worked as a regular employee. So, I am emotionally attached to it..
During my two and a half year stay here, I went through many different circumstances, I met lots and lots of people, I worked with many of them, I experienced how different people have different life styles and different thought process. In short, I gained a lot :-).
This company gave me my first foreign trip too.
I would like to write more about my stay at FIS and Chandigarh. Lets keep it for some other post and continue talking about the job change now.
If I have gained so much from FIS, then Why am I leaving this company?
Because at some point in life, almost everyone comes to know if the job he is into, is really what he wants to do or not. And after this realization, some keep on with the same work (because they are experienced in that work) and some follow the inner urge and start trying to get into something that appeals them (which I am opting for). Both are correct at their own points. I do not condemn any option. So, by now its clear that I am going to opt for a different career, something other than developing softwares while sitting in front of a computer.
What is it that is appealing me?
There comes a smile on my face :-). I am going to Teach.. I am going to Teach Computer Subjects at a University in my home town. For all those who are into software, and may be for others too, this is a major transition. Almost everyone had a reaction like this "Oh my my... What are you doing Jasmeet", when I told people about my decision. That is where I would say that my decision got stronger, as I started feeling that people dont really respect teaching.
Lots of questions came in front of me while I was deciding this :
1. How will I save money for my future?
2. What about Job Security?
3. Is my decision correct? Do I really want to be a teacher or not? (LOLz)
Many of my seniors in office shared their experiences with me (I thank them for that, they care for me). They tried to make me visualize that after some years in Teaching, I may feel again that Teaching is not something that I am made for. They tried to make me think that I will feel shortage of money in future.
Now its the turn for my answers
1. Saving Money : I had to think a lot about this. I had to figure out where do I spend needlessly. I studied my current saving schemes and what else should I do so that I dont feel like a fool later. But yes, I was able to find an answer to it.
2. Job Security : Someone who wants to work... will get work. God is Great.. So..Now worries at all.
3. Do I really want to be a teacher : Right now, I feel this that Yes.... I want to be a teacher. And this feeling has been there with me from my college days. But still, I will not totally disagree to what my seniors said (I may feel after some years that Teaching is not that what I am made for).... Then I will again follow my heart.. I am always open to changes...
But I would mention here that my family and some of my friends really appreciated what I did and this made me feel contented.
Teaching has always appealed me. I always like to learn and share what I know with people. I like encouraging them. But thats not the only reason behind my decision. I will some other benefits too :
1. I will get time for myself, as this job will be a 9-6 type job (not like my current one).
2. I will not have to sit in front of a computer the whole day.
3. I will interact with different people.
4. I will be staying with my parents :-). I love them.
5. I will get home made food :-)
Well, every coin has two sides
1. I will get lesser salary which will grow at a slower pace (Yes, I am going to get lower salary)
2. I will have to work 6 days a week :-(.
Compare for yourself. For me, the benefits are way way ahead than the counterpart. So.. I am going to Teach now.
Our company has a policy of 45-day notice period when somebody resigns. And this countdown started for me from 17th Dec 2008, when I resigned..
I have been working with FIS (Fidelity Information Services) as a Software Engineer from the last 2.5 years. At that time, its name was Second Foundation (I liked this name very much). Later, in March 2007, it went through an acquisition and got the new name. The deal went close to $20 million.
FIS is the first organization where I worked as a regular employee. So, I am emotionally attached to it..
During my two and a half year stay here, I went through many different circumstances, I met lots and lots of people, I worked with many of them, I experienced how different people have different life styles and different thought process. In short, I gained a lot :-).
This company gave me my first foreign trip too.
I would like to write more about my stay at FIS and Chandigarh. Lets keep it for some other post and continue talking about the job change now.
If I have gained so much from FIS, then Why am I leaving this company?
Because at some point in life, almost everyone comes to know if the job he is into, is really what he wants to do or not. And after this realization, some keep on with the same work (because they are experienced in that work) and some follow the inner urge and start trying to get into something that appeals them (which I am opting for). Both are correct at their own points. I do not condemn any option. So, by now its clear that I am going to opt for a different career, something other than developing softwares while sitting in front of a computer.
What is it that is appealing me?
There comes a smile on my face :-). I am going to Teach.. I am going to Teach Computer Subjects at a University in my home town. For all those who are into software, and may be for others too, this is a major transition. Almost everyone had a reaction like this "Oh my my... What are you doing Jasmeet", when I told people about my decision. That is where I would say that my decision got stronger, as I started feeling that people dont really respect teaching.
Lots of questions came in front of me while I was deciding this :
1. How will I save money for my future?
2. What about Job Security?
3. Is my decision correct? Do I really want to be a teacher or not? (LOLz)
Many of my seniors in office shared their experiences with me (I thank them for that, they care for me). They tried to make me visualize that after some years in Teaching, I may feel again that Teaching is not something that I am made for. They tried to make me think that I will feel shortage of money in future.
Now its the turn for my answers
1. Saving Money : I had to think a lot about this. I had to figure out where do I spend needlessly. I studied my current saving schemes and what else should I do so that I dont feel like a fool later. But yes, I was able to find an answer to it.
2. Job Security : Someone who wants to work... will get work. God is Great.. So..Now worries at all.
3. Do I really want to be a teacher : Right now, I feel this that Yes.... I want to be a teacher. And this feeling has been there with me from my college days. But still, I will not totally disagree to what my seniors said (I may feel after some years that Teaching is not that what I am made for).... Then I will again follow my heart.. I am always open to changes...
But I would mention here that my family and some of my friends really appreciated what I did and this made me feel contented.
Teaching has always appealed me. I always like to learn and share what I know with people. I like encouraging them. But thats not the only reason behind my decision. I will some other benefits too :
1. I will get time for myself, as this job will be a 9-6 type job (not like my current one).
2. I will not have to sit in front of a computer the whole day.
3. I will interact with different people.
4. I will be staying with my parents :-). I love them.
5. I will get home made food :-)
Well, every coin has two sides
1. I will get lesser salary which will grow at a slower pace (Yes, I am going to get lower salary)
2. I will have to work 6 days a week :-(.
Compare for yourself. For me, the benefits are way way ahead than the counterpart. So.. I am going to Teach now.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Jasmeet Starts Talking by Introducing Himself
I feel a small Introduction would be the best way to start this blog.
I am Jasmeet, a simple, average looking boy, 24 years in age, working as a software engineer..
I have a selfish purpose behind starting writing this blog. It may not sound very good to you, but I am not writing this blog for someone else. Its for me. I feel that I need some place to express my views about almost everything I want to, and to preserve them. Expressing my views makes me feel good. It makes me feel light. And I have always been like this. If its in my mind, its on my mouth (or on my face at least). Some of us might think that its not good to be like this, but for me its great to be like this. i feel I am being honest.
I think this much introduction is enough. :-) Lets see what comes in the next post.
Cheers
I am Jasmeet, a simple, average looking boy, 24 years in age, working as a software engineer..
I have a selfish purpose behind starting writing this blog. It may not sound very good to you, but I am not writing this blog for someone else. Its for me. I feel that I need some place to express my views about almost everything I want to, and to preserve them. Expressing my views makes me feel good. It makes me feel light. And I have always been like this. If its in my mind, its on my mouth (or on my face at least). Some of us might think that its not good to be like this, but for me its great to be like this. i feel I am being honest.
I think this much introduction is enough. :-) Lets see what comes in the next post.
Cheers
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