Work Wallahs

So here's what I've discovered about the difference between working for a local entity and a multi national type organization - bloody a lot thats what. The international set up is soooo systems orientated and even if you want to sneeze you have to fill in some on-line request and have it circulated worldwide for approval prior to to said sneeze. Whereas at the local shindig you can pretty much sign off on multi-million dollar deals with your own pathetic little know-how and say-so and everyone will accept it. So its a learning curve for sure - am hoping it'll soon be second nature for me.

On the upside its all very organised and you've got orientations, buddy systems and mentor systems and hand-holding and how to use everything from the coffee machine to your lap top but you're expected to digest it all on the first go - and CONCENTRATE or else - they're not repeating themselves. Whereas at most local outfits you can be still prancing around 3 years later claiming you dont know how to use the photocopying machine and some poor clerk will do it for you with a smile.

Further its all work talk only at these multinationals - all very earnest people walking about looking very clever and they dont bother with you or to ask if you're new - its heads down and beavering away and talking exclusively about work work work. So no conversations about Brad and Angie's kids or Tom Cruise's control over Katie here then. They'd probably faint if I asked them if they know whether Julia Roberts has delivered yet.

On the other hand they are very helpful in terms of work - and its a real team effort - no hogging knowledge just to look good in front of the boss. No politics and sucking up to boss etc. - its all work - if you know what you're doing you're fine - if you dont you'd better find out or else you're out - no matter how much you lick the boss. Local companies? - you know the score - the bigger a licker you are the better your chances of promotion.

There's this really cool quote on the one of the walls at my new place of work "The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common" - Thoreau. This is why children are so wise - common things to them are amazing and therein lies their genius and by looking at the world through their eyes we can perhaps also get a little bit of that wisdom.