So I finally did make the move. After a very crazy August, where I spent a lot of time in airports and questioned myself repeatedly about the decision that I had taken – I find myself in a new place, surrounded by new people in an absolutely new environment altogether. The comfort zone is a really prized concept.
I don’t know how people do this frequently. This wrapping up one life and starting another, in a wink. I have so much baggage – literally and metaphorically, that even the thought of doing this again exhausts me.
Today is my fourth day at work at Zeenah PR, and there’s not a moment that goes by where I don’t think of the place I left behind. That’s the thing with change – you invariably end up comparing the two scenarios.
The new place is nice.
Its a smaller firm – set in a massive duplex villa.
The walls are painted bright red and yellow.
The windows are minaret-shaped.
The couches are violet.
There is no free lunch.
Saturday and Sunday are working days.
I am still using the web-version of Outlook.
I get to use my fake British accent and nobody guesses that it isn’t original.
The people are quieter. Very obviously different from where I came from.
There are no Bengalis at work (!!!)
The entire universe of what I know has changed – I don’t even know how many newspapers, magazines and broadcast channels we have here – which makes every day a learning here.
I have to be at work at 8 am.
The parents are going out of their way to ensure I am okay – I am very grateful.
I have to wear formals every day. So I get to shop!
I have a three-course packed lunch to carry to work.
I spot the sea while being driven to work.
I don’t really have anyone to talk to. I don’t talk very much.
Like today, as I sit silently in a little room, with five other people who form the PR team here, I cannot help but think of the nuisance I created at Edelman. It was like I owned the place. But then it was second home to me. I miss it dearly. But once I remove the ’emotion’ from the equation and think rationally – I haven’t had much to complain about, yet.
This is an all new ecosystem. Even though I’ve grown up here, spent 17 years in this country – workplaces are a different story altogether. I’m hoping I can get through the first few months – and then everything will fall into place. It always does.
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| View from the second floor |
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| The TBWA/Zeenah Office – Al Shatti Street |
Ap to couch pe hi baithe rahoge fir to?? 😀
3 course homemade lunch and you mention the fact that there are no free lunches!! chhi chhi!! 😛
Nahi, bean bag 😀
Haha! Are, what I meant was that Edelman me office se free lunch milta tha. But we get snacks here on Wednesdays (our Friday equivalent) 🙂
So nice and warm!
Comfort zones are bakwaas. It's good to be in the newness. I hope you're having a good time! 😀
@ RB: Thank you for always being encouraging. Means a lot to me.