Workhorse

Today, I complete 2 years at my job. Dont bother with questions on where and what I work as. Details are not important. Suffices to say I am a banker, and I am happy right now, that I chose this job in the May of 2004, when I could have taken up a very tempting offer in the oil industry. When I had made the decision, I wondered if I would ever look back and wonder... or regret. But regardless of other regrets in life, I can very comfortably say, this was one of the best decisions I made.

At times, I have loved my work. At times, I've hated it. But surprisingly, work isnt the first thing that comes to mind when I think of this bank and my 2 years here. It is undoubtedly, the people.
The friends I made at our month-long training sessions. Some I am still in touch with, some I am not. But that doesnt take away from the wonderful 2 months spent in their company. Some of them have appeared at strange places and strage situations in my life, and I am thankful for that. From NY to Jo'burg to Shanghai to Mumbai... I'll have someone to host me if I were to land up at these places, and that is all thanks to the bank.

My first boss. And I wont comment on him or his work. All I am thankful for, is the opportunities he gave me. The things he let me do. The places he let me go. One of the shrewdest people I know, I have learnt more about diplomacy from him than anyone else. I remember going to him a year back, to discuss my international assignment, and tried to convince him that Dubai would be a better choice than HK. He didnt agree. So I was off to HK. And I cant thank him enough for it. It was not just a great move professionally, but even personally, it was an experience I wont forget for a long time.

My colleagues here. And as cheesy as it sounds, some of them are my very close friends now, rather than just colleagues. One of them moved to NY last year, and I miss her dearly. And when I got a hand-written postcard from her last week, I missed her even more. But well, people move. Friendships stay.

Very sappy, this post is getting. Plis to forgive. I am in that kind of a mood wonly. What to do?

2 years in this team, learning, knowing, working. Meeting people. Seeing them come, seeing them go. Change of colleagues. Change of bosses. Change of projects. Change in me.
Well, it is time, to move on.
2 weeks later, I join a new team here. A very different profile, which I am looking forward to, and quite excited about. (yesyesyes, now you can stop being curious :p)

Save the congratulations, wish me luck instead :)