First Day @ Cadmium

When I got the offer letter from Cadmium Technologies& Solutions Pvt Ltd I recalled I have heard this name before. Some where else. Some other context. Even some of my friends and family members who are working with different industries also felt the same.But quite uncanny for a growing organization.
I decided to ask St.Google for answers. Wikipeadia gave one answer: >“Cadmium ( /ˈkædmiəm/ KAD-mee-əm) is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. The soft, bluish-white metal is chemically similar to the two other metals in group 12, zinc and mercury”. It also said:
” The most dangerous form of occupational exposure to cadmium is inhalation of fine dust and fumes, or ingestion of highly soluble cadmium compounds.[4] Inhalation of cadmium-containing fumes can result initially in metal fume fever but may progress to chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and death.[33]
Cadmium is also a potential environmental hazard. Human exposures to environmental cadmium are primarily the result of fossil fuel combustion, phosphate fertilizers, natural sources, iron and steel production, cement production and related activities, nonferrous metals production, and municipal solid waste incineration.”em>My wife came behind me looking at my laptop asked what I am searching.
I told “ The new company am going to join.”
“Okay !!” She started reading about Cadmium.
With a horrified face she asked “ Are you really going to join these people” .
“Yeah! I met coupla guys there. I think they are cool.” I tried to pacify her. But same time something was going in my mind also. “ Kind of name”. I said with a sigh. I decied to give it call. Lets see how it turns out to be.
First day it was fun. My train reached station by 7-15. It was 20mts late. My reporting time was 7-30. I literally ran to my office from station. I reached the office full sweating and panting. Everyone stared at me with a face who the heck is thi,s looking so terrible in the morning. I ignored stares and exchanged pleasantries with Praveen. Then the morning ritual called “The 7-30 Meeting” started. I watched curiously. People came towards a big white board and told what they are going to do that day. Then they wrote it on the board. Interesting..hmm…. After that the customary introduction began. Well, the guys seemed to be okay. They started reciting their names. Arun, Subin, Sujith,Das…..
Then Praveen told “ You will be briefed about the product by Ria”.
“Okay. Cool”
Ria came. She seemed to be a little hurry” The presentation went in superfast mode. With full zeal and zest. I finally told. “Let’s stop it for the time being. Once I start interacting with the clients we will sit again. That time with more doubts”
She said” Okay” and she vanished.
Later I came to know that we got another room at the level (-1). Ria, Mausumi, Arun, Manu , KP etc sat there. Its 9am and I was feeling the fire in my stomach. People were disappearing for a while and they appeared back. Later Anusha came and asked.
“You had your breakfast?”
I said, “No’.
“Okay. You can have it outside” and she suggested a nearby restaurant.
I came out of the office and found this lovely place called Café Planet. It gives a beautiful view through the open space. Beautifully designed restaurant. Nice service. I came back for lunch also from the same place. Costly, but good.
Then Nishanth came in. With his full hearted smile. He also tried to make me at ease. Post lunch there was a session with Praveen and then one with Anusha. By 4pm the cab came. They offered a ride to the station.

Slowly I started to jell in with the team. They also accepted me. Now almost 4 months down the lane sitting at my cubicle as one among them. Wondering how time has flown.

Better your work Habits

Have you ever felt that you are a wrong guy on a wrong boat? It is high time you give a call on it. The basic necessity for making a job interesting is to love your work. Check out these factors:
Everyone has his/her own skill set. Some will be good in coding some will be good in documentation. There will people with a passion for testing. Recognize your skill set. Go for it.
It very important to know what special knowledge you have. Improvising oneself is the key to success. Whether a programmer, an actor, a businessman whoever it is without improvisation and improving your knowledge you cannot survive in these Corporate Jungles. Personality development and better technical knowhow will be the key decisive factors deciding your career when you apply for a better post. Whether its inside the organization or outside.
Next thing you have to take a look is what kind of people you want to work with. The kind of work culture a company is promoting is as important as the domain they are working. For example someone is happy with a relaxed environment where responsibilities are given not targets. Some other will be a better performer with a rigid work target. So while you choose your company, choose it wisely.
Now tell me whether you prefer a company with a compassionate emotional approach or a practical corporate approach. Both has its own merits and demerits. The key factor is how you use the time inside your office. What is the output you will be giving?
No pain no gain. Always ask yourself how much additional responsibilities you are willing to accept. There won’t be a career growth until unless you start taking more and more responsibilities. Taking more responsibilities doesn’t means taking lot of dishes into your plate and not able to eat it. More responsibility calls for more time and justification of all the duties entrusted on you.
In a job always see how you can balance your professional life and personal life. A good balance between both will make you life Happy. Injustice to any one of them will make your life miserable. See to it you are investing “Quality” time for both. Doing office work at home and engaging in personal activities during office hours are both unadvisable.
Enjoy your work. Start building better work habits. Enjoy life