I have finally succumbed to Facebook. Registered about a week ago and I'm addicted. At first I thought it is just another networking tool like friendster (ok but more for youngsters) but then once I'm in it I realize that it is not that bad. Found a few friends whom I have not been in contact with for quite a while.
Anyway, now that I have explored the many wonderful applications in Facebook, life is back to normal. .. :)
In my earlier posting, farewell friends, I mentioned briefly about what's happening at the company where I'm attached to. Well, things are still the same and more and more of the 'old' staff are feeling somewhat demotivated. Many do not dare to voice out their feelings for fear of being transferred or put in cold storage. It happened to me and a few others and I know it can happen to so many others who dare to 'go against the flow'. Well, in my case it was not really against the flow, but more of questioning why it flows this way instead of that way.
A few of my friends left and I know more will be leaving too, if the opportunity knocks on their door.
Anyway, something wonderful happened to me last Thursday. I received a call from a Headhunter asking for my resume. It seems that they are looking for somebody to handle a portfolio that I'm quite familiar with and somebody recommended me.
It took me quite a while to get my resume done (gosh! have not updated it for more than 5 years). Sent the resume and now waiting for the results. Regardless whether I get the job or not, but I still feel good because somewhere out there, people still value my capabilities. They still know what I can do and have the confidence that I can do it well. It may sound pathetic but the fact is, that phone call really makes me happy. It's not so much because of the prospect of having a chance to get a new job but it is more of the fact that I still have my worth. That phone call somehow reassured me that I still have my value.
To be honest, even though I am not happy working here at the moment, but if given a choice, I do not want to leave. As I mentioned before, I don't mind getting old with the company. I have been here since it was still an infant with less than 50 people... about 9 years ago, and I don't mind going for another 9 or more years.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Farewell Friends
It is sad to receive bad news one after another (actually don't know whether it's bad or good news ... depends on which perspective we are looking at).
These past few months we have seen many of the 'old' staff left the company, and the number keeps growing. To top that up, two more tendered their resignation... one on Monday and another one yesterday.
I feel so sad because not only they are dear friends of mine, but they are also among those who I think contributed a lot to the company thus far. They are heading two important departments here, one is on the revenue and another on controls the financial matters.
In my opinion, they left because they are not happy with the current situation of the company(but of course, another reason is because the offer is quite good to just let it go). Since the new management comes in, many of the staff who have served the company ever since its infant days (including yours truly) feel that we are not being appreciated . The new management see us as a bunch of jokers, idiots who do not know how to do our jobs. Hence, the reason why they bring in so many people at the top posts... some are just newly created. No doubt some are quite good (even though not as excellent as they were portrayed to be), but some are still yet to prove themselves worthy of the remuneration package given.
It has been seven months since the new management took over but so far I do not see much progress been made... apart from hiring new people and transferring some staff to other departments. Changes to the structure happens so fast nowadays. If they think a person is not suitable for that department (maybe because he/she tends to voice out his/her opinion about how things should be done), then that person will be transferred (again.. including yours truly). Those who tend to voice out opinion are seen as pro old management and those who just follow instructions are noted in their good book.. regardless whether they can perform their jobs effectively or not. I think I know which category I am regarded as even though I have no such intention of going against the new management. Too bad for me, I guess. :(
The question is what happens to one's competencies? Doesn't that count anymore? Well.. let's keep our finger crossed that they know what they are doing. Let's hope for the best.
The new ones are yet to prove their worth. Even though we are just a bunch of jokers, we have contributed in making the company the way it is now. The company is able to survive on its own without help from previous parent company or any bodies, be it government or private. The new ones got it easy.. they come in with good packages and enjoy the benefits of our hard efforts while we had to sacrifice a lot.. no increments and bonuses for the first 2,3 years when the company was fist started....hmm.. it seems so unfair. I guess some people have all the luck. But don't forget, life is just like a rolling wheel, sometimes you are up sometimes you are down.
Most of us love the company and we don't mind growing old with the company. But from the way it is now.. I think it's time to update my resume. Gosh.. it has been more than 9 years.... :(
Meanwhile, to 2 dear friends of mine.. I wish you all the best for your future undertakings. It is sad to see you go. But then as I told you both.. in a way I am happy for you too... you are going for greener pastures.
These past few months we have seen many of the 'old' staff left the company, and the number keeps growing. To top that up, two more tendered their resignation... one on Monday and another one yesterday.
I feel so sad because not only they are dear friends of mine, but they are also among those who I think contributed a lot to the company thus far. They are heading two important departments here, one is on the revenue and another on controls the financial matters.
In my opinion, they left because they are not happy with the current situation of the company(but of course, another reason is because the offer is quite good to just let it go). Since the new management comes in, many of the staff who have served the company ever since its infant days (including yours truly) feel that we are not being appreciated . The new management see us as a bunch of jokers, idiots who do not know how to do our jobs. Hence, the reason why they bring in so many people at the top posts... some are just newly created. No doubt some are quite good (even though not as excellent as they were portrayed to be), but some are still yet to prove themselves worthy of the remuneration package given.
It has been seven months since the new management took over but so far I do not see much progress been made... apart from hiring new people and transferring some staff to other departments. Changes to the structure happens so fast nowadays. If they think a person is not suitable for that department (maybe because he/she tends to voice out his/her opinion about how things should be done), then that person will be transferred (again.. including yours truly). Those who tend to voice out opinion are seen as pro old management and those who just follow instructions are noted in their good book.. regardless whether they can perform their jobs effectively or not. I think I know which category I am regarded as even though I have no such intention of going against the new management. Too bad for me, I guess. :(
The question is what happens to one's competencies? Doesn't that count anymore? Well.. let's keep our finger crossed that they know what they are doing. Let's hope for the best.
The new ones are yet to prove their worth. Even though we are just a bunch of jokers, we have contributed in making the company the way it is now. The company is able to survive on its own without help from previous parent company or any bodies, be it government or private. The new ones got it easy.. they come in with good packages and enjoy the benefits of our hard efforts while we had to sacrifice a lot.. no increments and bonuses for the first 2,3 years when the company was fist started....hmm.. it seems so unfair. I guess some people have all the luck. But don't forget, life is just like a rolling wheel, sometimes you are up sometimes you are down.
Most of us love the company and we don't mind growing old with the company. But from the way it is now.. I think it's time to update my resume. Gosh.. it has been more than 9 years.... :(
Meanwhile, to 2 dear friends of mine.. I wish you all the best for your future undertakings. It is sad to see you go. But then as I told you both.. in a way I am happy for you too... you are going for greener pastures.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Hijrah
Had just finished moving my things to my new place (with the help from the facilities guys, of course). As of yesterday, I am officially with my new department.
I am looking forward to my new task with this department. It is more relevant to my experiences and something that I love to do. I know it's not going to be easy as we have to start everything from scratch.. new mission, vision, directions, goals, etc.. but it's something that I think will be worth the effort.
In a way it's like hijrah. Go to a new place and do something new.
Hope things will be ok.
I am looking forward to my new task with this department. It is more relevant to my experiences and something that I love to do. I know it's not going to be easy as we have to start everything from scratch.. new mission, vision, directions, goals, etc.. but it's something that I think will be worth the effort.
In a way it's like hijrah. Go to a new place and do something new.
Hope things will be ok.
Mind Boggling, Eyes Popping Jigsaw Puzzle
Yes, that is what I would describe the jigsaw puzzle game which was held yesterday.
We were given 750 pieces jigsaw puzzle and one and half hours of time. Each team has 5 members.
When I signed up I was thinking 'how bad can it be, especially when you are not doing it alone'. Well, it was bad. The one we got was a picture of a building and even though we could separate the colors, they were all so confusing... especially when we were under pressure to beat the time. To make things worse, some teams had their own strategy. They had their 'secret weapons' to come and try to disturb us and make us lost our concentration.
The game was really fun... imagine adults behaving like kids...hahahaha.
The results.. were were in the 3rd place... out of 8 teams. Not bad, I would say.
We were given 750 pieces jigsaw puzzle and one and half hours of time. Each team has 5 members.
When I signed up I was thinking 'how bad can it be, especially when you are not doing it alone'. Well, it was bad. The one we got was a picture of a building and even though we could separate the colors, they were all so confusing... especially when we were under pressure to beat the time. To make things worse, some teams had their own strategy. They had their 'secret weapons' to come and try to disturb us and make us lost our concentration.
The game was really fun... imagine adults behaving like kids...hahahaha.
The results.. were were in the 3rd place... out of 8 teams. Not bad, I would say.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Memangkecoh: Staff Game
I missed the fist game of our yearly Staff Games. The Congkak competition took place this afternoon and i was too busy to spare time to play/watch/support.
From what I heard it was really kecoh... Sad to say that our team did not win any points. It's ok guys. There are still other games and I'm sure we will be able to catch up.
Signed up for Jigsaw puzzle, scrabble, sudoku and treasure hunt. .... all the mind boggling games..hehehehe. wanted to sign up for bowling but I don't think I have the time to spare as I have to prepare for a big meeting/interview the next day.
From what I heard it was really kecoh... Sad to say that our team did not win any points. It's ok guys. There are still other games and I'm sure we will be able to catch up.
Signed up for Jigsaw puzzle, scrabble, sudoku and treasure hunt. .... all the mind boggling games..hehehehe. wanted to sign up for bowling but I don't think I have the time to spare as I have to prepare for a big meeting/interview the next day.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
What's Next?
Lately I have not really looking forward to to go work. When I mentioned this to a few colleagues at the office, I discovered that I am not alone. They also voice out the same sentiment. Some of them are demoralized and feel somewhat demotivated to work.
Being in HR department, I don't take this matter lightly. What staff feel is important to us. We believe that staff is our assets and happier staff means an increase in assets value (hence, increase in productivity).
Since the new management took over the organization, a lot of speculations are in the air. Rumours are spreading like crazy. Office politics, which was something quite rare before, has become the 'talk of the office'. Staff are wondering when is the new management going to make announcement about the restructuring. Very often we were asked if there will be any offer on VSS or better still, will there be any retrenchment?
Those who are at the higher position often asked us about the new management's directions. What are the mission and vision? What are we going to focus on? Are we going to maintain the current ones? Why there is no session held between the new managemtn and the HODs?
So many questions and so little answers to give. Why? Because we ourselves don't know.
But then one thing some of us do notice is that lately some people have shown their true colours. They use the opportunities available to get what they want. No doubt, some people are just lucky. But then, in my case, I would rather not have the luck than having to kiss people's @#$.
I still believe that we have to be honest in whatever we do. Our job is our amanah and we are paid to make sure that we carry out our amanah properly and sincerely.
But then the question of 'what's next' is still left unanswered.
Being in HR department, I don't take this matter lightly. What staff feel is important to us. We believe that staff is our assets and happier staff means an increase in assets value (hence, increase in productivity).
Since the new management took over the organization, a lot of speculations are in the air. Rumours are spreading like crazy. Office politics, which was something quite rare before, has become the 'talk of the office'. Staff are wondering when is the new management going to make announcement about the restructuring. Very often we were asked if there will be any offer on VSS or better still, will there be any retrenchment?
Those who are at the higher position often asked us about the new management's directions. What are the mission and vision? What are we going to focus on? Are we going to maintain the current ones? Why there is no session held between the new managemtn and the HODs?
So many questions and so little answers to give. Why? Because we ourselves don't know.
But then one thing some of us do notice is that lately some people have shown their true colours. They use the opportunities available to get what they want. No doubt, some people are just lucky. But then, in my case, I would rather not have the luck than having to kiss people's @#$.
I still believe that we have to be honest in whatever we do. Our job is our amanah and we are paid to make sure that we carry out our amanah properly and sincerely.
But then the question of 'what's next' is still left unanswered.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
How to Compete?
I'm cracking my head to help my HOD prepare proposal paper for increment to the BOD. Thanks very much Kak Ta..it's not even my portfolio... hehehe
With the recent change in ownership on 1st March 2007, staff are having a lot of speculations and uncertainties whether they will be better off or otherwise under the new management.
Staff has been asking about their benefits. Will the new management review the benefits? Will our salary be reviewed? When will we know whether we will get salary increment or not? So many questions and so little answer to give.
To top it all, the government has recently announced salary increase of 7.5% to 35% and a 100% increase of the cost of living allowance for all civil servants. Wow! how can you compete with that? It makes what we are proposing looks like a pittance. I guess after this everybody would be happy if they get to be a civil servant. Hmmmm....
With the recent change in ownership on 1st March 2007, staff are having a lot of speculations and uncertainties whether they will be better off or otherwise under the new management.
Staff has been asking about their benefits. Will the new management review the benefits? Will our salary be reviewed? When will we know whether we will get salary increment or not? So many questions and so little answer to give.
To top it all, the government has recently announced salary increase of 7.5% to 35% and a 100% increase of the cost of living allowance for all civil servants. Wow! how can you compete with that? It makes what we are proposing looks like a pittance. I guess after this everybody would be happy if they get to be a civil servant. Hmmmm....
Thursday, March 1, 2007
New Management
It's official. The new management, new owner, has taken over the University where I'm working now, effective today.
To be honest, I don't know what to expect. There are a lot of rumours going on but I reserve my comments at the moment. I, and the rest of the staff at HR department are not in the position to say anything yet. Besides we ourselves are in the dark of what is going to happen, we also don't want to create any unrest among the staff.
I just hope that the new management will bring the University into a different phase. A phase where we will be more competitive and able to get more recoqnition from others.
To be honest, I don't know what to expect. There are a lot of rumours going on but I reserve my comments at the moment. I, and the rest of the staff at HR department are not in the position to say anything yet. Besides we ourselves are in the dark of what is going to happen, we also don't want to create any unrest among the staff.
I just hope that the new management will bring the University into a different phase. A phase where we will be more competitive and able to get more recoqnition from others.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Lumut and Melaka
Phew, these last 3,4 weeks had been very very hectic for me. I had to organize 2 retreats:- 1 for the operations and management staff and the other one for the academic.
Boleh lah relax sikit for a few days before start balik dengan my next big task... Performance Appraisal Exercise.
Operations Workshop 2006 (2-5 Dec):
Swiss Garden, Damai Laut, Lumut
78 Participants
I would say it was a good session. We managed to squeeze some budget to include some teambuilding session (led by En. Rosli of Dale Carnegie). As usual.. I had to terkejar here and there. Luckily I had a good team of repertoire and secretariat to support me. Thanks a lot guys. Would not be able to make it without your help.
Most staff enjoyed the activities planned out for them. Some even mentioned that we should just concentrate on the teambuilding activities and forget about all the presentations. Well... that is not for me to decide. I am just carrying out the request/instruction given.
The karaoke session was also great. Tak disangka-sangka, ramai yang ada hidden talents. We really had fun. And as finale, the President managed to come back from his trip to Penang just before we were about to leave the karaoke room. managed to let the hotel staff to hold for a few minutes and let the big boss sing the finale song... 'My Way'. Never thought that prof could sing so well.
Infusing Thinking Skills Workshop (8-10 Dec):
Melaka Watercity Resort, Ayer Keroh
80 Participants
Based on the comments, most participants were satisfied with the workshop. The sessions planned for them enable them to learn and share what they know. However, I wish the same can be said about the Hotel.
Well, Melaka Watercity resort is a nice place actually. But, the food there is terrible. Even the service was bad. I was very disappointed with the food and services provided, so much so that I had to lodge official complaint with the management. Food tak cukup, tasteless and worst of all, more that 1/4 of our staff had diarrhea. Habis all the medicine yang we all bawak in the First Aid Kit.
Even though penat organizing all those programs but when I received the thank you's from my clients (i.e. the bosses who requested the programs), I feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite of some hiccups here and there, the programs still went quite smoothly and they achieved their objectives.
Boleh lah relax sikit for a few days before start balik dengan my next big task... Performance Appraisal Exercise.
Operations Workshop 2006 (2-5 Dec):
Swiss Garden, Damai Laut, Lumut
78 Participants
I would say it was a good session. We managed to squeeze some budget to include some teambuilding session (led by En. Rosli of Dale Carnegie). As usual.. I had to terkejar here and there. Luckily I had a good team of repertoire and secretariat to support me. Thanks a lot guys. Would not be able to make it without your help.
Most staff enjoyed the activities planned out for them. Some even mentioned that we should just concentrate on the teambuilding activities and forget about all the presentations. Well... that is not for me to decide. I am just carrying out the request/instruction given.
The karaoke session was also great. Tak disangka-sangka, ramai yang ada hidden talents. We really had fun. And as finale, the President managed to come back from his trip to Penang just before we were about to leave the karaoke room. managed to let the hotel staff to hold for a few minutes and let the big boss sing the finale song... 'My Way'. Never thought that prof could sing so well.
Infusing Thinking Skills Workshop (8-10 Dec):
Melaka Watercity Resort, Ayer Keroh
80 Participants
Based on the comments, most participants were satisfied with the workshop. The sessions planned for them enable them to learn and share what they know. However, I wish the same can be said about the Hotel.
Well, Melaka Watercity resort is a nice place actually. But, the food there is terrible. Even the service was bad. I was very disappointed with the food and services provided, so much so that I had to lodge official complaint with the management. Food tak cukup, tasteless and worst of all, more that 1/4 of our staff had diarrhea. Habis all the medicine yang we all bawak in the First Aid Kit.
Even though penat organizing all those programs but when I received the thank you's from my clients (i.e. the bosses who requested the programs), I feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite of some hiccups here and there, the programs still went quite smoothly and they achieved their objectives.
Saturday, August 5, 2006
Teambuilding Program
Going for Teambuilding Program in about 2 hours' time and my hubby is not very happy about that. He kept reminding me not to overdo the activities as I had just recovered from my operation.
Well, I can't miss this. Had been planning this program with our new Head ever since I got back from my medical leave. I know this is going to be fun. And if things go well, we are going to adopt this module for all other departments.
A bit scared of the physical activities, though. There will be water activities, which is something that I'm not so keen as I can't swim. And then there will be flying fox...again something that I have never done before and quite scary to me as I'm afraid of height. But then.. there's always the first time for everything. We never know what it feels until we try it.
As long as I take my medication and be careful of what I do, I think things will be alright.
Well, I can't miss this. Had been planning this program with our new Head ever since I got back from my medical leave. I know this is going to be fun. And if things go well, we are going to adopt this module for all other departments.
A bit scared of the physical activities, though. There will be water activities, which is something that I'm not so keen as I can't swim. And then there will be flying fox...again something that I have never done before and quite scary to me as I'm afraid of height. But then.. there's always the first time for everything. We never know what it feels until we try it.
As long as I take my medication and be careful of what I do, I think things will be alright.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Back to Work
I'm back to work after 3 weeks of MC. It seems that there are so many things that need to be done. Sabar je lah. Buat yang mana terlarat je lah. Don't want to worry too much.
Luckily when I was not around my assistant was able to handle most of the simple and routine works. Kalau tak teruk jugak. Tambah-tambah the new boss ni (oh yes, our dept has a new head starting from 1 June 2006, just before I went for my operations.. which is a big relief for me as I tak larat nak jadi acting head lama-lama...not for HR!) expects a lot of things from us. And then he has a lot of plans that we need to carry out.
As usuallah.. after long absence from work.. it takes time to get back to full gear again. But then.. don't think I can do that. Have to speed up terus. Time seems too precious now.
Luckily when I was not around my assistant was able to handle most of the simple and routine works. Kalau tak teruk jugak. Tambah-tambah the new boss ni (oh yes, our dept has a new head starting from 1 June 2006, just before I went for my operations.. which is a big relief for me as I tak larat nak jadi acting head lama-lama...not for HR!) expects a lot of things from us. And then he has a lot of plans that we need to carry out.
As usuallah.. after long absence from work.. it takes time to get back to full gear again. But then.. don't think I can do that. Have to speed up terus. Time seems too precious now.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Family Day
What a tiring day.
I know I shouldn't be going out too soon after the operation, but I cannot help it. I wouldn't miss going to my company's family day as I was among the group of people who initiated the preparation for the day when the idea was first initiated.
It's so good to see so many people enjoying themselves. Too bad that I was not able to stay for long as I realized that I got tired easily. I still have the stitches on, by the way. However, still managed to get my daughter to join the colouring competition, even though she didn't win anything. And, also managed to see the guys having fun in the swimming pool with their water polo games.
I know I shouldn't be going out too soon after the operation, but I cannot help it. I wouldn't miss going to my company's family day as I was among the group of people who initiated the preparation for the day when the idea was first initiated.
It's so good to see so many people enjoying themselves. Too bad that I was not able to stay for long as I realized that I got tired easily. I still have the stitches on, by the way. However, still managed to get my daughter to join the colouring competition, even though she didn't win anything. And, also managed to see the guys having fun in the swimming pool with their water polo games.
Friday, June 2, 2006
New Bloke in Town
Thank God. Our head of HR reported duty this morning. I feel so relieved. At least I don't have to act on behalf of the department anymore. From now on it will be handled by somebody else.
I was called by the President just now. He thanked me for covering for the post and asked me to extend my assistance to the new Head as much as possible.
Had the chance to go through details of the department with our new Head. Well, he seems OK. Really hope that we will be able to work well together.
In the afternoon, I was called by the COO. He inquired about our new Head and what I think of him. Well, of course I told him it's too early for me to comment. But, my instinct says that he is OK.
The COO, on a personal note, told me that he wished I am the Head instead of somebody else. But, as usual, I told him "you know what my answer would be. I don't want it."
Let's hope everything will be OK after this.
I was called by the President just now. He thanked me for covering for the post and asked me to extend my assistance to the new Head as much as possible.
Had the chance to go through details of the department with our new Head. Well, he seems OK. Really hope that we will be able to work well together.
In the afternoon, I was called by the COO. He inquired about our new Head and what I think of him. Well, of course I told him it's too early for me to comment. But, my instinct says that he is OK.
The COO, on a personal note, told me that he wished I am the Head instead of somebody else. But, as usual, I told him "you know what my answer would be. I don't want it."
Let's hope everything will be OK after this.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Work, Work and Work
Oh my God... I have been swarmed by work. So many things to do and so little time.
I'm feeling the pressure of being the Acting Head of HR. So many issues need to be solved. Bosses pulak duduk asyik panggil. I have told the President so many times to get a permanent Head of Department. I'm just not willing to take up the responsibilities... not in HR. I am not ready to sacrifice my time and myself for the sake of the company.
According to the President, we might get somebody early of next month. I really hope so as I need to go for my operation. I have already postponed it once and I don't think I can wait any longer.
I'm feeling the pressure of being the Acting Head of HR. So many issues need to be solved. Bosses pulak duduk asyik panggil. I have told the President so many times to get a permanent Head of Department. I'm just not willing to take up the responsibilities... not in HR. I am not ready to sacrifice my time and myself for the sake of the company.
According to the President, we might get somebody early of next month. I really hope so as I need to go for my operation. I have already postponed it once and I don't think I can wait any longer.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Additional Tasks
Our head of HR is resigning and the President asked me to be the Acting Head while waiting for the new Head to be recruited.
I was, of course, reluctant, to take up the responsibilities. I am quite new to the department and there are a lot of things that I am still trying to get myself familiarize with. I am not even well-versed with some of the procedures. Lagipun HR is not a very favourable department and from what I can see, the staff has a somewhat negative impression about the department.
But then, I don't have a choice. The top management still insisted that be the Acting Head jugak. They promised that they will try to recruit the new Head ASAP. I really hope so because I just have a feeling that it's going to be tough on me. Banyak sangat issues that we have to address:- the integration, salary review, disgruntled employees, etc, etc.
I just have a feeling that I'm going to be extremely busy after this. Even my own tasks are already a lot. Now have to cover for the Head. What to do...
I was, of course, reluctant, to take up the responsibilities. I am quite new to the department and there are a lot of things that I am still trying to get myself familiarize with. I am not even well-versed with some of the procedures. Lagipun HR is not a very favourable department and from what I can see, the staff has a somewhat negative impression about the department.
But then, I don't have a choice. The top management still insisted that be the Acting Head jugak. They promised that they will try to recruit the new Head ASAP. I really hope so because I just have a feeling that it's going to be tough on me. Banyak sangat issues that we have to address:- the integration, salary review, disgruntled employees, etc, etc.
I just have a feeling that I'm going to be extremely busy after this. Even my own tasks are already a lot. Now have to cover for the Head. What to do...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)