Neko

Now playing: The High Dials - The Lost Explorer

Last Thursday, I saw a former colleague visiting our office. Actually, I saw him in the cafeteria smoking with 2 other guys presently employed in our company. I remember he quit his job because he was so pissed and irritated with “the system” of the company.

He used to tell me about his greavances and even encouraged me to join their mass resignation. I understood his concerns, but for myself, I wouldn’t go to the point of resignation. It would be too idealistic for me to do so. Let’s just say my idealism died a long time ago. And because, face the facts, wherever you go, whatever your job may be, there will always be people or bosses who will piss off an employee or two (or even a group).

But I listened to him then, and even advised him to accept the fact that nobody pleases everyone.

Yes, I enjoyed the companionship of my colleagues, and even some of my bosses. And I confess that I love my job. And I know that not all employees are as “open-minded” as some are.

And so the mass-resignation did not push through. Nobody followed him, but he still continued. A few months later, one after another, veteran callers were disappearing. Some got laid off because of their absences, some because of calling issues, and some simply wasn’t able to stand the pressure of work.

Being in a call center, with its fast-paced, pressured life, is not as easy and glamorous as others may think. It is draining, in all sense of the word. But, it’s just up to the person if he can take up this challenge or not.

So, going back… Ironically, the person my x-colleague hated most was with me that thursday morning. We were just on our way out of the building. I saw his surprise especially when she told him that I was promoted.

Yes, I know that of all the people, I am and could be, the most unlikely to be in this position. Knowing that I heard too much from the agents, and I have only been in the company less than a year.

So, seeing each other that day, we weren’t as enthusiastic as before. For one, I was feeling guilty of something that I did not do. The first thing that came to my mind was he must have thought that I told his worst-hated person what he told me long time ago. I can almost see it in his eyes. And I so much wanted to tell him that whatever we talked about will never be spoken by these lips; will never be written by these hands; and will never be known by anyone. That’s who I am. I keep the secrets of both sides to myself.

I have fallen in a place where I know the comments of the agents and I know the plans of the leaders and bosses. But I stay quiet, and just observe. I have never betrayed anyone’s trust. And I remain as a true co-employee as being true to a real friend. Because I hold on to the beliefs that..

“Your job is not everything” and
“There is Life outside the office”

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The song above is not in the samples in the High Dials’ myspace. I actually heard them first over my fave online Indie Radio ~ Monday playlist.

photo credit: “Lunch time at work” by Sloworking2