Hi guys, I’m almost 2 years into my first job and wanted to create this thread to both share my experiences to new people in the job market as well as get experiences from more seasoned veterans of the workforce. Unfortunately… most of the stuff I have to say is on the bad side but still hoping people can share opinions
Your colleagues are not your friends. Those that are, could turn into strangers or even enemies the next day.
When I first entered the workforce, I desired a harmonious environment where I would make lifelong friends and be able to talk with them to my heart’s content. I was so wrong. I made the mistake of not standing up for myself when a colleague got too friendly and he got told off by management. To this day, he refuses to speak to me or interact with me. I felt really affected by it when it happened, but looking back, no friend no friend lor.
Listening is the most powerful weapon you have in your arsenal for office politics
Its almost impossible to steer yourself away from office politics. You either pick a side or remain neutral. Those that remain neutral will also eventually be targetted for their perceived naievity and offend a few sides, making them eventually pick a side. Try to stay as neutral as possible. I know, its very tempting to talk about other people but please try not to make that mistake. Go to work every day with the mindset that everything you say, moreso if its via messaging app, can be used against you. I have found that staying neutral is still the best way to play this game. Listen to both parties, more often than not, they will tell you some information without expecting you to provide any back. When asked about a certain person, say you don’t have much interaction with them or have no comment. You can learn alot from listening
Your ambition may not match the company’s ambition
When I first got out into the working world, I wanted to “make my mark in the company”, to see it succeed and prosper. Granted, I joined an SME so I had those dreams. But as I worked, I realised that I had a very self centered mindset. I thought I could do it by myself. Steer the troubled ship through tough waters and into new lands. Oh how wrong I was. The sooner you accept that you are just a cog in a system, the better. For the company to succeed, the entire system has to succeed and each cog must work in sync with other cogs. Just one malfunctioning cog can turn the whole thing upside down. When I first started, I set standards very high not only for myself but for others. I was demanding work of a certain quality and openly airing my feedback. This made me become disliked by many in the company and I offended many people this way. The last thing you want to do in your new company is offend the people you will be working with… Sometimes, it is better to just tone down and ride the storm out and if the ship starts sinking, be prepared to jump. Granted, this is something I’m still working on as jumping is a scary thing, for me at least..
Always leave a paper trail. Anything not in black and white = not true
Whatever you do, always leave a black and white. Send emails after meetings etc. Always make sure that when shit goes down, you have the evidence to prove that you did your part. For me, there was a particular co-worker who did not provide what he promised, despite me asking for over 2 months. I gathered all the chats and emails and presented it to my boss, who got me the information I wanted. That colleague claimed that I didn’t send out the emails but I was well prepared and came with all the information I needed, hence I got what I wanted.
Well that’s probably it. Would love to hear your opinions, thanks !