Growing up is a funny thing. And it almost feels like it comes outa nowhere. I had this convo with someone and we were laughing how we still feel like kids in our early 20s. But when do we feel ‘grown up’? Like when does that happen? Is it now? When we’re hitting our first jobs or is it later down the line when things feel more settled? No idea. I’m waiting to find out and I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
Finishing uni (during a pandemic) and landing a job (remotely) after having interned there (again, remotely!) feels kinda cool. But I’m relieved it’s behind me! My friend couldn’t quite believe how she had managed to earn her bachelor’s – and master’s! – degree all throughout covid. And that’s with taking her bachelor’s abroad. It’s been a really weird long, but short-at-the-same-time, few years. I had my graduation ceremony about a month ago and it hasn’t hit me that I’m actually done with formal education. Finito.
But we’re all excited to start this next chapter and to begin something new. After more than 16 years in education, I think it’s safe to say that we’re school-ed out! My friends and I are all taking such different paths. It’s funny how we started off at the same place (same high school and in some cases same primary school too!) to then go in totally different directions and go on to do a whole range things.
My friend just landed a job as a research analyst for a non-for-profit while another is working for a swanky PR biz – setting the record among us for landing a job within the shortest space of time – two weeks! Yup, you read that correctly. Another has just finished her master’s in something super technical and medical-related that I’m not going to embarrass myself by trying to remember it. She’s not set on a specific path but know she doesn’t to be in a lab – not now anyway! My bet is she’ll go into data science. Another wants to work at an art museum, after completing her chem degree. Where she got her inspo, I have no clue!
But are we really ready to hit the workforce?
I honestly don’t think anyone ever feels 100% ready to start their new jobs. Whether they’ve been in the workforce for 10 years or whether it’s their very first one. New things are daunting. Beginnings are always hard. And that’s how it’s meant to be. If it weren’t hard, there’d be little to no growth. Which is why you’ve just gotta dive into it. Head-first! If your first job feels like a challenge – congrats! You’ve chosen growth over comfort.
My friends and I are excited to have our independence (sort of!); to be part of a team and to feel like we’re contributing. We don’t just want to work in our silos. We want to be noticed and we want to notice others. Teamwork makes the dreamwork! We’re looking forward to a challenge and some routine, at least I am! Though trust me, I’m making the most of my routine-less days. Packing them with as much (or as little) as I want. But that’s all gonna change come Sep but I’m ready for it though.
How I’m feeling about remote work
Who would’ve thought that working from your makeshift office at home would actually become the norm? Next to none. Sure, things like ‘flexible work’ were already in existence, especially when it comes to the tech biz who are miles ahead of us all anyway. But for the most part, you were in the office 9-to-5 (or longer!) no matter what.
Dear reader, I’d love to know what your take is on this and whether you work remote or from home and how your experience has been!
It’s mind-boggling to think how much has changed in 2 years. And that how things were done for donkey’s years has gone and uprooted itself. I interned remotely for two months and signed a graduate contract all without actually having met my colleagues (or fellow interns) in-person and without scouting out the place! Though I’m assured it’s a good ‘un.
This hybrid situation means I’ll be working at least 2 days a week in my bedroom! My would-be 1.5hr commute will now be 1.5secs. Lovely. Except I’m glad this ain’t happening 5 days a week. I want to be around people, get to experience the buzz that comes with actually working in the city and authentic networking that comes about from the chats by the water cooler or coffee spot. The impromptu stuff. Not the zoom stuff.
Trust me, however early you try to be on zoom, it makes zero difference since the meeting will begin at its designated time slot. There aren’t brownie points for lingering in the waiting room an extra 10mins. This might even have the reverse effect of bugging the meeting host when they get a notification of such.
During my internship I still made sure to show up early to each meeting but it didn’t always go noticed. Which is fine. Being late is my pet peeve so I’ll be early come what may but I’m excited to show up early in the office when I’ll get the chance to have all that small talk which btw is hugely important. It builds rapport and allows you to get to chat to more senior people than you perhaps would if you simply showed up with everyone else.
From my two-month online experience, it’s loads harder to make a connection and a long-lasting impact. It takes a lot more effort though one positive is that it’s easier to slot some time with some of those senior people. All you gotta do is stalk their calendar and pop in a zoom meeting. And voila! You’re good to go. This becomes a lot harder to do when you’re in the office.
One thing I am so mindful of is to take regular breaks of fresh air! And to separate my work life and my life life. Because when it’s all from home, the lines can get blurred. Really blurred.
My friends and I said we’re making a commitment to have a proper social life and to get out more so that we don’t get stuck inside for days. Cuz I can totally see that happening. Let’s see how that goes!
In the meantime, I plan to enjoy my summer to the fullest and can’t wait to see what it has in store for me.
Disclaimer: This blog is not investment or financial advice. It is my opinion only. This blog is not a personal recommendation to buy/sell any security, or to adopt any such investment strategy. Always do your own research before you commit to any investment.
Knead Your Dough 
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