YEAR 2019
A year filled with 12 months, 365 days, 8760 hours, 525600 minutes, and 31536000 seconds.
Personally, the year has been a real exciting one so far in my life.
Why?
It was filled with ups and downs like any other year, but what's so special about the year 2019?
Well, these ups and downs have taught me lot, lessons I'll never forget.
***
What were the downs?
I was without a job for close to about 6 months. I'd left my previous one on March 01, 2019. When I left, I was hopeful of getting another job soon as I had a few years of varied experience behind me. I have worked as a field engineer, as a Network Operation Centre engineer, as a Project Manager, as a Governance, and most importantly as a mentor in every role I've played. Also, I was into telecommunications, infrastructure, data centre, storage and backup, banking institutes, service and product based industries. So with this large variety I was hopeful of getting somewhere soon. Alas, NO! I attended several interviews with companies, big and small, applied for all sorts of roles. Anything would do for me then. All I wanted was a job with a decent salary to get me going for a while. Had to pay the monthly EMIs, the credit card bills, and have some decent money to give it to my mother to run the house, get her the required medicines, general housekeeping and so on.
This meant all my sources of entertainment was cut down drastically. Some of you may be aware that I collect stamps, coins, postcards, amongst many other things. So this meant no more buying or just buy in minimalistic ways. For instance, I bought the Indian stamps on a need only basis. Stopped buying the regular Royal Mail issues, the stamps related to postboxes, Elvis Presley, Tintin, Asterix. Also stopped buying the postcard series that I love to collect. It's only because I owed (and still owe) a large amount towards the credits cards that I own.
Also, I stopped going out for food and drinks with friends. Why? Only because I didn't want to be a burden on them by letting them pay for me all the time. But, thankfully, there are a few handful of them who are (still) very supportive and understanding, and called me out for a meal or two regularly. They knew I was holed up in my house, in my room, the whole day. they just wanted me to come out to breathe some fresh air, mix around with people, get some exercise, anything, but just to prevent me from getting depressed. Thank you Som, Anirudh, Vikas, Furqan, Aishwarya, Krupa, Shaistha, Ramya, Roshini for the treats. IOU.
Talking about depression, I was really low this year. I used to attend several interviews. There were cases where I used to get rejected in the first or the second round. That was okay as they used to ask questions where I had no clue about how to answer them. But, there were a couple of them who rejected me in the very last round on silly grounds. I hear they rejected me for my lack of good communication skills. Had it been for technical reasons, I could have understood, but being rejected for communications I found it really absurd. I started feeling even low, started avoiding people, stopped running or exercising as I was really not in the mood to do anything. Also, my moods started swinging a lot and I got really irritable even with silly things. Refused to go out to meet friends even when they pleaded a lot to join them. I literally stopped smiling or talking to people, even with parents or other family members. Luckily, I did not resort to some habits that others would find comfort in. Anyhow, let me stop here and would not like to talk more as I know it's something not many people like to hear these things coming from me.
Also, in the same year, two people whom I adored a lot passed away, well due to part old age and part sickness.
Gupta Nani, or just Nani as I always called her was my mamama's close friend. She has been a family friend who known us since the 1950s or so. She has always been very close to us, especially my mother. She was a second mother to my mother. She was one the first visitors to see me when I was born in Jamshedpur. She was the one who brought me out to the public during the day of my naming and cradle ceremony (per mom). She always has and will have a special place in my heart and life. She was ailing for a while and when she was in the hospital in Pune, mummy and me were specially called to see her in person before the inevitable happens. It was really sad to see her in the hospital being so sick. She was always a very lively and cheerful person and seeing her like this really saddened and shook me. She passed away on 3rd June. I still miss her a lot, along with my mamama.
On August 10, my maternal granduncle, Pandari ajja passed away. A few of you know that I love to read P G Wodehouse or MAD comics or like to watch a few British sitcoms such as Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. It was because of ajja that I developed a taste towards Wodehouse, MAD, and British sitcoms. It was in 2000 when I finished my 12th/PUC and was waiting for my engineering college to commence. It was then when ajja gave me a Wodehouse book (a Jeeves and Wooster omnibus book) to read to while away the time. After that, it was no turning back as I have read quite a lot of books written by the Master. Every time I spot a book, read a few lines, Ajja you are always remembered. Ajja, you've also contributed in shaping me, in making me, who I am today. Thank you, ajja and I miss you as well.
***
And what were the ups?
Thanks to a lovely dearest friend of mine, who in September 2018, encouraged me, forced me, threatened me to start giving a thought about doing my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification on a very serious note. She would regularly give me a ring to check on my progress of thought, attending a course to gain the 35 PDUs or contact hours, submitting the application form, clearing the application audit process, selecting and booking the exam date, to preparing for the exam. Finally on 27th March, after a tensed four hour exam, I cleared it (after four previous attempts) and is now PMP certified! All I need to do is to keep doing some other courses that will contribute to 60 PDUs to keep this certification alive. After informing my parents about the results of the exam, I made sure she would be the next person to know about the results. After all, she was the reason why I'm now PMP certified. Although it was really early for her, I do really appreciate her effort in talking to me early in her day. In fact, the previous night I did torture and irritate her with my low levels of energy and being scared to approach the exam centre. This certificate, this achievement, is because of her and I owe it to her.
Also, thanks to her once again, I went on to do a CSM certification and finally during our regular small conversation with her, I was inspired to learn German language (for the third time!).
German was a language I have learnt in 2004, 2010 and now in 2019. I always stopped at the very basic level, A1. Couldn't progress beyond A1. In 2004, as I had just started to work with Airtel and it being a field work, meant not being able to attend classes regularly. In 2011, I was on a deputation to Reading, UK for a year just after I finished my course. And now, I am stuck as I was to relocate to another city, which eventually didn't happen. In 2020, I ought to take this further. One thing is that, in this course I met many lovely people. Made friends and I guess out of the whole lot it's just about 3-4 of them I'm in regular touch with. Thank you, Savitha and Krittika for asking me out for dinner and drinks once in a while and for keeping in touch even now. Thank you, Rabiul for working, like a few blocks away from my work place which this means we can catch up a bit more regularly as well.
Hey babe, thanks a lot for everything you've done so far!!! Thank you for being with me always, for being there whenever I needed someone to talk to, to open up to, to cry and vent out my frustration. Though I know we are miles, cities, countries, continents, time zones apart, but you were always there for me. As I always say to you, I'm there with you as well no matter what. We are in this together. And sorry, if I irritated you then and even now. You know how I can get to be at times.
It was during this phase I started attempting meditation at an Osho centre, though I will admit I went to about 2-3 classes and that's it. Couldn't continue further as when I let my mind wander, it would got to places where I was afraid of going. I used to have these flashes of being a failure, of letting down everyone, of being ridiculed by everyone. And hence I stopped meditating. But now as things are a bit better, I guess I should take it up again and learn to control my mind.
Also, in the same year I met Gaur Gopal Das in Pune when I was visiting Chaturshringi temple on that eventful day. I was really blessed to meet him that day, talk to him and have a quick photo taken with him. The warmth, the frequency, the vibes I felt when I was with him for a few minutes, it was marvellous. Later in June/July and September, I also attended two events where Brahmakumari Shivani ji spoke about inner peace and forgiveness, and Sadhguru who spoke about water conservation and other things. It felt really good and warm inside as I listened to them and is inspired to be a better and warmer person.
Finally in July, there was a breakthrough!!! I received an email from We Work recruitment/talent acquisition team regarding an opening they found my profile suitable for. As I was still looking for employment, I went through the profile, the roles and responsibilities, and I then expressed my interest to proceed further. In no time, I was lined up for interviews with the Technology manager, the Sales manager, and finally the CWeO of the organisation. Finally I was asked to join the organisation in September as a Client Solutions Consultant, Information Technology. This is yet again a different role. Here, I'm learning a lot of new things, meeting a lot of people from different organisations, understanding their requirements and scoping out their IT needs accordingly. This is something different and though I've done something similar in the past, but not in the same scale. Thank you We Work for trusting me that I can do the job and I hope not to let you all down or disappointed.
Talking about We Work, I have again met wonderful people. People who are also helping me to grow through their advices, their critics, their support. Thank you Geetha, Nisha, Priyo, Bijayini, Sakshi for being wonderful team mates. However, one person who really needs to be mentioned here is Zoheb. He is now working with someone and is into something I was always been passionate about, something I have always wanted to do for more than 15 years. He is helping someone who is into making chocolates! It is something I have always wanted to do, get into making them from scratch and give the people a product that different from others. Zoheb, I want to work with you in 2020 and I know that ITI chocolates will happen because of you.
Also, I do need to mention that, there was another organisation who saw the potential I had and offered me to join them as a delivery manager or project manager but as a Contract. Though the stint was a very brief one, Mr. Vijayraj J, I would like to thank you and apologise as well I didn't last long as much as I wanted to. Thank you for the breakthrough and believing in me that I could deliver projects. Thank you for helping me in regaining that confidence that I'd lost in between. You've played an important role during a crucial time of my life and career.
Later when I was back on my two feet, with some money coming in, I finally decided and mustered up the courage to participate in a state level philatelic exhibition, KARNAPEX 2019, held in Mangalore between 12-15 October. I participated in two categories and submitted a single frame on Elvis Presley and a three frame exhibit on postbox (my primary theme). Needless to say, I was chuffed to bits when I heard that my Post box exhibit earned me a bronze and Elvis Presley earned a Diploma. This was my second such participation and the first one on a state level. Lots to learn and need to prepare better I want to be better and get a Silver and later a Gold.
***
Was there lessons I learnt?
Yes, there was.
A year filled with 12 months, 365 days, 8760 hours, 525600 minutes, and 31536000 seconds.
Personally, the year has been a real exciting one so far in my life.
Why?
It was filled with ups and downs like any other year, but what's so special about the year 2019?
Well, these ups and downs have taught me lot, lessons I'll never forget.
***
What were the downs?
I was without a job for close to about 6 months. I'd left my previous one on March 01, 2019. When I left, I was hopeful of getting another job soon as I had a few years of varied experience behind me. I have worked as a field engineer, as a Network Operation Centre engineer, as a Project Manager, as a Governance, and most importantly as a mentor in every role I've played. Also, I was into telecommunications, infrastructure, data centre, storage and backup, banking institutes, service and product based industries. So with this large variety I was hopeful of getting somewhere soon. Alas, NO! I attended several interviews with companies, big and small, applied for all sorts of roles. Anything would do for me then. All I wanted was a job with a decent salary to get me going for a while. Had to pay the monthly EMIs, the credit card bills, and have some decent money to give it to my mother to run the house, get her the required medicines, general housekeeping and so on.
This meant all my sources of entertainment was cut down drastically. Some of you may be aware that I collect stamps, coins, postcards, amongst many other things. So this meant no more buying or just buy in minimalistic ways. For instance, I bought the Indian stamps on a need only basis. Stopped buying the regular Royal Mail issues, the stamps related to postboxes, Elvis Presley, Tintin, Asterix. Also stopped buying the postcard series that I love to collect. It's only because I owed (and still owe) a large amount towards the credits cards that I own.
Also, I stopped going out for food and drinks with friends. Why? Only because I didn't want to be a burden on them by letting them pay for me all the time. But, thankfully, there are a few handful of them who are (still) very supportive and understanding, and called me out for a meal or two regularly. They knew I was holed up in my house, in my room, the whole day. they just wanted me to come out to breathe some fresh air, mix around with people, get some exercise, anything, but just to prevent me from getting depressed. Thank you Som, Anirudh, Vikas, Furqan, Aishwarya, Krupa, Shaistha, Ramya, Roshini for the treats. IOU.
Talking about depression, I was really low this year. I used to attend several interviews. There were cases where I used to get rejected in the first or the second round. That was okay as they used to ask questions where I had no clue about how to answer them. But, there were a couple of them who rejected me in the very last round on silly grounds. I hear they rejected me for my lack of good communication skills. Had it been for technical reasons, I could have understood, but being rejected for communications I found it really absurd. I started feeling even low, started avoiding people, stopped running or exercising as I was really not in the mood to do anything. Also, my moods started swinging a lot and I got really irritable even with silly things. Refused to go out to meet friends even when they pleaded a lot to join them. I literally stopped smiling or talking to people, even with parents or other family members. Luckily, I did not resort to some habits that others would find comfort in. Anyhow, let me stop here and would not like to talk more as I know it's something not many people like to hear these things coming from me.
Also, in the same year, two people whom I adored a lot passed away, well due to part old age and part sickness.
Gupta Nani, or just Nani as I always called her was my mamama's close friend. She has been a family friend who known us since the 1950s or so. She has always been very close to us, especially my mother. She was a second mother to my mother. She was one the first visitors to see me when I was born in Jamshedpur. She was the one who brought me out to the public during the day of my naming and cradle ceremony (per mom). She always has and will have a special place in my heart and life. She was ailing for a while and when she was in the hospital in Pune, mummy and me were specially called to see her in person before the inevitable happens. It was really sad to see her in the hospital being so sick. She was always a very lively and cheerful person and seeing her like this really saddened and shook me. She passed away on 3rd June. I still miss her a lot, along with my mamama.
On August 10, my maternal granduncle, Pandari ajja passed away. A few of you know that I love to read P G Wodehouse or MAD comics or like to watch a few British sitcoms such as Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. It was because of ajja that I developed a taste towards Wodehouse, MAD, and British sitcoms. It was in 2000 when I finished my 12th/PUC and was waiting for my engineering college to commence. It was then when ajja gave me a Wodehouse book (a Jeeves and Wooster omnibus book) to read to while away the time. After that, it was no turning back as I have read quite a lot of books written by the Master. Every time I spot a book, read a few lines, Ajja you are always remembered. Ajja, you've also contributed in shaping me, in making me, who I am today. Thank you, ajja and I miss you as well.
***
And what were the ups?
Thanks to a lovely dearest friend of mine, who in September 2018, encouraged me, forced me, threatened me to start giving a thought about doing my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification on a very serious note. She would regularly give me a ring to check on my progress of thought, attending a course to gain the 35 PDUs or contact hours, submitting the application form, clearing the application audit process, selecting and booking the exam date, to preparing for the exam. Finally on 27th March, after a tensed four hour exam, I cleared it (after four previous attempts) and is now PMP certified! All I need to do is to keep doing some other courses that will contribute to 60 PDUs to keep this certification alive. After informing my parents about the results of the exam, I made sure she would be the next person to know about the results. After all, she was the reason why I'm now PMP certified. Although it was really early for her, I do really appreciate her effort in talking to me early in her day. In fact, the previous night I did torture and irritate her with my low levels of energy and being scared to approach the exam centre. This certificate, this achievement, is because of her and I owe it to her.
Also, thanks to her once again, I went on to do a CSM certification and finally during our regular small conversation with her, I was inspired to learn German language (for the third time!).
German was a language I have learnt in 2004, 2010 and now in 2019. I always stopped at the very basic level, A1. Couldn't progress beyond A1. In 2004, as I had just started to work with Airtel and it being a field work, meant not being able to attend classes regularly. In 2011, I was on a deputation to Reading, UK for a year just after I finished my course. And now, I am stuck as I was to relocate to another city, which eventually didn't happen. In 2020, I ought to take this further. One thing is that, in this course I met many lovely people. Made friends and I guess out of the whole lot it's just about 3-4 of them I'm in regular touch with. Thank you, Savitha and Krittika for asking me out for dinner and drinks once in a while and for keeping in touch even now. Thank you, Rabiul for working, like a few blocks away from my work place which this means we can catch up a bit more regularly as well.
Hey babe, thanks a lot for everything you've done so far!!! Thank you for being with me always, for being there whenever I needed someone to talk to, to open up to, to cry and vent out my frustration. Though I know we are miles, cities, countries, continents, time zones apart, but you were always there for me. As I always say to you, I'm there with you as well no matter what. We are in this together. And sorry, if I irritated you then and even now. You know how I can get to be at times.
It was during this phase I started attempting meditation at an Osho centre, though I will admit I went to about 2-3 classes and that's it. Couldn't continue further as when I let my mind wander, it would got to places where I was afraid of going. I used to have these flashes of being a failure, of letting down everyone, of being ridiculed by everyone. And hence I stopped meditating. But now as things are a bit better, I guess I should take it up again and learn to control my mind.
Also, in the same year I met Gaur Gopal Das in Pune when I was visiting Chaturshringi temple on that eventful day. I was really blessed to meet him that day, talk to him and have a quick photo taken with him. The warmth, the frequency, the vibes I felt when I was with him for a few minutes, it was marvellous. Later in June/July and September, I also attended two events where Brahmakumari Shivani ji spoke about inner peace and forgiveness, and Sadhguru who spoke about water conservation and other things. It felt really good and warm inside as I listened to them and is inspired to be a better and warmer person.
Finally in July, there was a breakthrough!!! I received an email from We Work recruitment/talent acquisition team regarding an opening they found my profile suitable for. As I was still looking for employment, I went through the profile, the roles and responsibilities, and I then expressed my interest to proceed further. In no time, I was lined up for interviews with the Technology manager, the Sales manager, and finally the CWeO of the organisation. Finally I was asked to join the organisation in September as a Client Solutions Consultant, Information Technology. This is yet again a different role. Here, I'm learning a lot of new things, meeting a lot of people from different organisations, understanding their requirements and scoping out their IT needs accordingly. This is something different and though I've done something similar in the past, but not in the same scale. Thank you We Work for trusting me that I can do the job and I hope not to let you all down or disappointed.
Talking about We Work, I have again met wonderful people. People who are also helping me to grow through their advices, their critics, their support. Thank you Geetha, Nisha, Priyo, Bijayini, Sakshi for being wonderful team mates. However, one person who really needs to be mentioned here is Zoheb. He is now working with someone and is into something I was always been passionate about, something I have always wanted to do for more than 15 years. He is helping someone who is into making chocolates! It is something I have always wanted to do, get into making them from scratch and give the people a product that different from others. Zoheb, I want to work with you in 2020 and I know that ITI chocolates will happen because of you.
Also, I do need to mention that, there was another organisation who saw the potential I had and offered me to join them as a delivery manager or project manager but as a Contract. Though the stint was a very brief one, Mr. Vijayraj J, I would like to thank you and apologise as well I didn't last long as much as I wanted to. Thank you for the breakthrough and believing in me that I could deliver projects. Thank you for helping me in regaining that confidence that I'd lost in between. You've played an important role during a crucial time of my life and career.
Later when I was back on my two feet, with some money coming in, I finally decided and mustered up the courage to participate in a state level philatelic exhibition, KARNAPEX 2019, held in Mangalore between 12-15 October. I participated in two categories and submitted a single frame on Elvis Presley and a three frame exhibit on postbox (my primary theme). Needless to say, I was chuffed to bits when I heard that my Post box exhibit earned me a bronze and Elvis Presley earned a Diploma. This was my second such participation and the first one on a state level. Lots to learn and need to prepare better I want to be better and get a Silver and later a Gold.
***
Was there lessons I learnt?
Yes, there was.
- Life is always full of ups and downs. Just embrace these changes and go with the flow (PS: I'm still trying to go with the flow, though)
- Learn to be calm and don't react unnecessarily (Again, still trying not to react!)
- Always believe in yourself
- During this phase, it is only your parents who are by your side. Be patient with them as they matter a lot. Only they love you unconditionally. The others are there when the times are good or happening.
- During this phase, you know who your friends are. Friends who are really concerned about you, will always be there with you, no matter what. Thank you for being there with me - my best friend who's in the UK and who would like not to be named, Aishwarya, Som, Anirudh, Vikas, Furqan, Krupa, Shaistha, Ramya, for all the treats. Rajat, Shyam, Suhas, Manoj for referring me to everywhere possible, and sorry to disappoint for not clearing the interviews.
- Life goes on. So don't stop because if something failed. Just keep moving on. Stop if you must, stop if you're tired, stop if you need to rest, but don't stop for ever and give up.
- One important thing I learnt was there are cases where money plays a crucial role. If you don't have money, then there is nothing much you can do. So save as much as you can whenever you can. Stop buying things that are not just expensive, but something you'll not be using much. Need to start saving now on. Just remember, NO MONEY, NO HONEY! It's a different thing that I never had any honey in the past and not sure of the future, though many say that 2021 will be different and a favourable year for me in a personal way.
- Try as much as possible to reduce all the loans and debts. This is one of the best way towards savings.
- When it comes to learning, try and keep yourself abreast with the latest technologies and be in tune with the demands of the market. That way you are always one step ahead of others. Decided that in 2020, I shall be take up a cloud certification course and learn about Python and a visualisation tool such as Tableau or Power BI. If not in dept as a developer, but at least as someone who knows and has some experience on it. That's an investment on self and this is the best investment ever! Also, have been thinking about doing a Master's in the UK or Europe. Let's see what destiny has in store for me.
Well, that's it for now. Thank you, 2019, for making it an eventful year for me. Initially I thought it was the worst year possibly for me, but later I realised that there is certainly something good in what's happening and something better is bound to come my way if I learn from some of the lessons of this year.
Thank you reading till here. Have a fabulous 2020 and beyond, you all.
I know I write a lot in the same way that I talk. Can't really help it! :P
Cheers! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020!!!!! Let's welcome the start of 2020s with a positive bang and thought and I'm sure the rest of the years to come will be a fabulous one for you, for me, for her, for him, for them, for everyone. Together let's strive to make the place a better one to live and not a bitter one.
Vinay
2332 hrs
31 DEC 2019
31 DEC 2019
