I am writing this note to inform you all that I have decided to relinquish my job responsibilities with —–. My sabbatical started on 1st July and was supposed to end on 31st March.
I had a great time during last 8 months. As they say in Cricket…”When you are going through a good spell, might as well continue for a few more overs”. And, I have applied this analogy to myself, choosing to extend the state of my indolence, indefinitely.
I have quit some companies earlier also, and I have realised that what you miss is not the people you work with because you stay connected with them even years after you have quit. However, what you miss is the good times you had with them…the memories you would cherish for the rest of your life. Missing those frantic last minute hectic work, quarter ends, Monday Concalls, Company Offsites, the galoti kebab I had with — in freezing January in Delhi, the meeting with that pesky client in Pune (funniest client I have ever met!), “fights” with other group companies, the contests that were run for the Team, — celebrating his birthday every month…..the list is endless. As I write this mail, these memories are being replayed continuously in my subconscious. Additionally, unlike previous times, this time I will miss my monthly salary also!
I have been away from work for so long now, that there is hardly any parting advice that I can give you all.
Still, I am thinking of leaving behind some thoughts / learnings / free gyan / philosophy, I have gained during my sabbatical….
Time & Health are depreciating assets. We lose a bit of time & health everyday. And we realise their importance when we lose them beyond the point of no return. So, spend as much time as your work life permits, with the ones who matter the most – starting with yourself. Do not miss out any event of celebration with family / friends. Birthdays, Anniversary, kid’s annual function, whatever.
In office, accumulate memories along with business. I am extending the “Going Concern Concept” of accounting (ask —) to illustrate that whatever, we set out to achieve in organisations, are moving goalposts. This characteristic of the organisations makes everyone look dissatisfied with all the past achievements. I am not at all asking you all to stop chasing those goals; in fact, we should put all our collective might in achieving them.
The point that I am trying to make is that in hindsight, the past achievements look diminutive in front of current ambitions. Hence, we should ensure that we celebrate every small & big success on that very day, in any small or big way. This way, we will create happy memories and create a happy environment. So, pat your back and call each other for every small success; thank your colleague for selflessly helping you when you were away; acknowledge and appreciate, once in a while, all the selfless acts of your team (like skipping lunches); pull each other’s legs, crack jokes….do whatever it takes to create happy memories in office, because in the end, only these will stay with you.
As you can imagine now, I have a lot of time these days to write such long mails. But you all are busy.
So it is ok, if you have just read the title and this last para. (That’s what I have done to such mails, myself!) I will not be coming to office any more, but I am always around as a friend, guide and now philosopher also!
I close, by wishing you all truckloads of success & glory, good health and happiness. — will be number one choice of customers soon and will rule the roost for years to come!
Cheers!