Sunday, January 10, 2010

Leaving A Job

Last week, I made a decision to leave my current job. As soon as I made that decision, I informed my current employer that I had to started to apply elsewhere.

Some of my friends were surprised by the way I did so. They said that they would secure a job elsewhere before notifying their current employer.

I told them that, when I joined, I told my current employer that I believed in being transparent.

Among other things, this included letting my employer know first if I was not satisfied in the current role.

I also did this because of the limited size of my profession.

It is easy for things to go around. Information like this tends to be disclosed on an off-the-record basis between two or more parties. Sometimes, the information disclosed is distorted.

I did not want my employer to hear from another party about my impending departure.

Of course, this can only be done with certain employers, who will be willing to let you have some time to look for opportunities elsewhere.

I accept that some employers will not behave as professionally when an employee notifies them in advance about leaving the job.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Sunday, January 03, 2010

Visit The Doctor

Many people I know are resistant to consult doctors. Many of my loved ones join this list.

They end up going to work ill. They end up ailing at home and worrying those around them.

It is not that they cannot afford it.

They just prefer to self-medicate. To them, it is just a small problem.

Come what may, they just refuse to see the doctor.

A lot of times, that small problem ends up being passed on to others. It also turns out to be a prelude to other problems.

I am often accused of being a nag, when I insist they visit the doctor, or even of not treating grown-ups like they should be.

I end up doing all sorts of things to cajole them to do so. For example, I will threaten to call the ambulance if they don't do so.

I appreciate that sometimes these things can be irritating and the good intentions can sometimes back-fire.

The point at the end of the day really is this: please seek professional medical advice early if you are ill.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Saturday, January 02, 2010

Motherly Reminders



Afterthoughts:

This advertisement reminded me about three things.

First, it is an important reminder of what a wealthy life should be. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of that elusive pot of gold, many of us tend to lose the plot.

Second, it is an important reminder of the influential role mothers play in our lives.

I have been blessed with three mothers in my life: my grandmother, my godmother and my biological mother. While I acquired a different set of values from each of them, they have all taught me the necessity of looking out for those you love or care about.

Finally, it is an important reminder of why one should have adequate health insurance cover.

One of my mothers is currently battling cancer. Had she not been covered, we would have faced a lot of trouble paying her medical bills.

I now find myself often asking those I am with if they have suitable health plans, and I wish more people will ask this of those they consider important.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Friday, January 01, 2010

Focus on Revival

Unlike others who make resolutions, I usually set a theme or focus for the year and plan the year ahead. As the year passes, I set goals around this focus.

In the past 2 years, I have focused on development. As part of that process, I left my job of 5 years as a corporate counsel.

I went back to law school to do a law conversion programme and I got my licence to practise law in Singapore. I now work as an advocate and solicitor in Global Law Alliance LLC.

The change has been refreshing.

I no longer advise just one company but a whole array of individuals and entities. I have been introduced to areas of law that I was never exposed to in my in-house stint. I have made many new friends, some of whom are very close now.

It is not easy to put your life on hold.

A lot of sacrifices have to be made and you tend to deprioritise things you once considered important (for example, updating this blog).

You also come back to a lot of debt!

The next 2 years are going to be about revival. I wish to revive the things that I once wanted to do, to have and to pursue.

I hope you will take some time to think about your year ahead.

Happy New Year.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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