first day at work
August 10, 2009Yesterday, I was carefree and young.
Today, I leave that behind as I enter proper adulthood.
I started my first official day at work today. I was feeling super excited in the morning, and was even one of the first to arrive at the office. (Don’t know if that habit will stick!)
I work at my dad’s company, which does construction, manufacturing, developing, and interior designing. Basically, we’re a one-stop centre for any development projects in Malaysia and internationally.
The special thing about us is that we use the IBS and slabs technology, no more the conventional red brick method, which uses a lot of extra material. This new technology is welcomed by many developers these days, and even the government is encouraging it. With IBS and slabs, we manufacture everything in the factory and when you want it, we deliver to your site and basically just arrange them like how we do with Lego.
Stack, stack, stack. In a few days, a house is built.
There are many more advantages of using the IBS and slabs technology (neater, straighter, more precise, faster) but I won’t bore you to death with the details. If you’d like to know more about it, just email me directly.
On top of that, my dad’s passion is property. Right from the searching for the right one, renovating it, selling it; he’s involved in every aspect. So, I learn a thing or two about trading properties, which as you all know, is a very lucrative investment.
I guess my family just likes anything to do with buildings.
I think your first day sets the mood for your career. If you find yourself being curious and nosy and asking lots of questions, people will know that you are serious about it, and you will find yourself actually liking it. Especially because I work for my dad, not many people will take me seriously. After all, I’m only there because of my blood relations; not because I’m a qualified engineer or anything. So, I’ll have to work double hard to prove to everyone that I can do it, and soon, I’ll master it.
I guess working for family has its perks. For starters, I got the job right away – no questions asked. Two, I get my own room. Three, everybody seems to love you.
But it does have its downside.
Firstly, I live with my boss. Every hour is working hour. At the dinner table, at the breakfast table, even when I massage his back, I have to talk business. The expectation is crazy high, the pressure is immense and you can’t be seen to be slacking off and waking up late, even on the weekends. And forget having sick days and not going to work. Ever. The moment he sees you out of bed, you’re automatically well enough to go to work.
Secondly, people pre-judge you. You’re the boss’s kid, for God’s sake. You can take advantage of everything. You get to come in late, go back early, have extra lunch hours, whatever you want – no one will say no. So, to really earn people’s respect, I have to be careful not to abuse my position. So far, so good. I just hope I can keep it up.
I know I’m really lucky to have this job just handed to me from the sky. But I have to keep reminding myself that my dad built his companies on his own, having almost nothing. He raised it to such a respectable level that I just can’t help but be proud of him and it motivates me to see that his blood and sweat don’t go to waste.
I spent today learning the basics of every aspect of my dad’s companies, and talking to the staff to get to know them. I brought candies and cookies as offerings, just in case. Haha.
I learned so much today, but I know there’s a gazillion more things for me to discover. I want to make the best out of my career, and I want to kickstart it in high spirit.
Wish me luck everyone!!
PS: I also realised today that from now on, I will never be able to wake up late. Ever again. Just like being in school again, without the uniform. Can’t say I’m too happy about this.
PPS: As usual, I think it matters a great deal what you wear, even to work. Especially on your first day. I chose a white Paul and Joe top. White because it’s pure and clean, and because it’s like a blank canvas (just like me) ready to absorb knowledge. And it’s extra special because it was a gift from my dear sister. Oh, and my mom’s handbag which I conveniently took when she was sleeping. I have a feeling it’s mine now.
haha you dad’s company use the IBS. Then I guess this one particular giant corporation may already lay their eyes on your dad’s company. I know they are going to implement IBS in all their development projects starting from 2012. What I don’t know is whether they’re going to have the experts by training their peoples, or they’re just going to take over companies that have the expertise. either way, your dad will be much much richer than now! hehe.
hehe..good dear..
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all the best k..take good care of yaself and enjoy your worklife..
Good Luck! π
well u studied law but u dun practice it? anyway congrats on the job. =)
I was about to ask you the same question. I thought you have a law degree? But it doesnt really matter if you practice it or not. As long as you’re earning some money π
Perhaps u’ll feel lot better by end of this month π
thanks everyone!
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yeah, ppl ask me about my law degree too. i knew i’d end up with my dad, so i guess all i wanted was a professional degree as a qualification and i want the skills a lawyer has (which i don’t know if i’ve grasped fully).. and i like reading so i thought law would be the best choice. but i really can’t imagine myself being a lawyer! sooo not me.
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din: thanks for the heads up. how do you know about the IBS system?
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peekablog: yes, that’s when salary kicks in! i’ll be all smiles then.
r u sure your mum did not try to find her lost handbag? haha!
BSC glass elevator!
I’m a share market player (not a big2 one la, just a small fry…hehe), and my interest are in property and construction stocks, so obviously I would do my research on property and construction counters before I buy any of the stocks. So that’s how I came across the IBS system.
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Don’t you think IBS is a very interesting system? since it’s pasang2 like Lego, let say after few months you get bored with the shape of your house, you can ask the developer to come and knocked it down, and build into different shape. haha! I don’t know if it’s possible or not, but that’s what the giant company that i mentioned aim for.
Ha. Loving the red bag on white top.
Good Luck V in your career . And yeah, IBS is the current trend for construction now, cheaper, faster and neater . I guess your father’s company will be targeted by all the developers by now, so start learning to wake up early every morning π
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PS : Its so bored learning IBS in building construction classsssssss π
oh i see…that’s very good, din! all the best with the stocks! you can be my information-giver soon haha
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yeah it’s super interesting…and it’s so simple too, anyone can build a house like DIY…hahah
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and i’m not so sure about being bored of your house after a while! like takde kerja wanna knock it down! hahah but i guess it can be done.
only you would notice that, adeline! π
thanks darling!
thank youu π
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yeah i can’t imagine having a whole subject on IBS….i would probably die of boredom.. i’m not involved in the technical engineering side, but i saw some of the drawings and stuff and i pening kepala.
hahaha itu baru SEDIKIT drawing ! you should see how we, the architecture students handled LOTSAAA drawings . Hmm maybe that’s the reason why I can’t feel my fingers after made the site model and IBS long-long-long essay !
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Please, you don’t want to be in the building construction class . But I hope you will, one day become a lawyer !
what exactly did u handle at the office there vivy? just curious. do u have to learn everything back since it has got nothing to do with law?