Stay connected

One of the very many benefits of working for a big company is that resources and opportunities are many and you make quite a few friends along the way.

Recently I have been meeting up with a few of my work friends whom I have not seen for ages and we talked about everything from work to life in general. First of all it was amazing to see how everyone has changed in their physical appearance and then it was how our lives have all changed so much! We used to go biking, fishing, hiking, skiing or rafting together but now we are all so busy with our little lives around the family. But the conversation and personalities fortunately are still good as 5-8 years ago! Talking to them has really lifted my spirit and given me a better perspective of my own career goal and direction. I learned how other business units operate and compensate their teams and how progressive they are in terms of training and working on the latest technologies. My business unit definitely pales in comparison. :-( The reason for my tiredness and lack of motivation is not unfounded. I need to come up with a new plan for myself every year and have checkpoints to ensure my efforts are channeling to the focus I set for myself. Without which, I am just doing what the company wants me to do and I am not happy. Not all managers or department cares about their employees, you will be really lucky if you have such mentors in your life. So meeting with friends from other parts of the company will serve the same purpose. It's more than networking which is meeting new people, these are staying connected with your friends who can be your career mentors indirectly and friends for the long term.