Forthnights

Meeting the Boss

So barely a day after I finish my exams, I found myself sitting across the managing director of a small engineering firm, 50km away from home. I had cut my hair, put on my best cloths, borrowed a car, and travel all the way in homes of landing myself a job as well as financial sponsorship for my studies in the coming months. Truth be told, I didn’t really know what to expect, or how I should act. The pace of events left me with very little time to reflect on things. I only knew that this man had the power to provide me with what in needed; money.

Someone had opened doors for me, and I felt indebted to be able to even have this option to consider. But I was scared and nervous. From the sound of my last two conversations with this man, he was a strictly no nonsense guy. He had made no attempt to be extra friendly to me, even though I was referred by someone he knew. In fact, as we sat down on that long conference table, I could feel his scrutinizing eyes on me, evaluating my every move, reading my body language. Or was I imagining things? He spoke in a serious tone, just like our last 2 conversations. I tried my best to remain friendly and open, mindful of my own body language and gestures. I sat forward, maintained eye contact and nodded whenever he said something to me. He asked me questions mainly about my education and how I was related to his cousin-in-law (if there ever is such a thing). I could just tell he was thorough and methodological, because he was writing this down as I said it! The scariest sound is often silence. And every time I finished saying something, there was that long pause! Man, this guy was not to be messed around with.

I stuck to my guns, and adhered to the one golden rule in good conversation; listen more than you talk. So listen I did. I asked questions here and there and let him do the talking. The less I say the less likely I’ll make a fool of myself, and the smarter I will seem! Being the older man, I guess it was inevitable that he started giving me advice on the future, as well as to scold us young people for being job hoppers in this day and age. Grandfather mode aside, he was very frank with me, almost to the point of being savage; he told me of all the benefits of joining his company, like a flexible and un-bureaucratic work environment (there were like 4 staff there), an accommodation boss (him) , reasonable pay, generous bonuses, plenty to learn, and even to go for a P.E. (Professional Engineer) title under him. But he also warned that I would be tied down to him (from the financial bond) and unable to go for more ‘glamorous’ jobs. Late night and weekends in the office were expected during crunch times, productivity and efficiency was the bottom line. The fate of the company depended on a handful of people, and they were expected to perform. Pressure is high if you don’t know how to manage it. One man was expected to do the work of three.

It seemed both thrilling and intimidation at the same time. Here is an opportunity for me to join a genuine engineering firm, not some MNC with an engineering department; chance to be guided and mentored by a Professional Engineer; a prospect of one day becoming a P.E. myself and (hopefully) make it big. On the other hand, I would be working under the eyes of this stern and serious man; I would be expected to commit myself totally to my job without any expectations of any short term rewards.

When it came down to the sponsorship, this was what was on the table; an interest free LOAN, with a bond to his company. The loan is to be serviced by monthly repayments for the number of years I was willing to be bonded. Meaning if I was bonded for 3 years, I would have to repay that amount within that time. If I left suddenly, I would have to repay in full before leaving. In return, I would be hired by him, with the same pay and allowance like everyone else. I will be trained and nurtured, and if I was good, I would be promoted as the company grows. Being frank, he said he was willing to help me, but felt that I should find alternative funds too, so that I would not be bonded to him longer that I was willing to. I appreciated his honesty, but felt a little short changed. It was a good thing, but not quite what I expected. I didn’t realize I had to work for him AND repay my loan. But the more I thought of it, it was in fact my own misconception of what was being offered. This man wasn’t trying to take advantage of me, he was helping me, but on neutral terms, with no special favours. Fair enough.

After 40 minutes of conversation, I felt more comfortable talking to him. I guess he lightened up considerably too, since he seemed less critical of me. I would take a wild guess and say that my strategy of keeping my mouth shut worked a bit. He even offered this to me; start working for him this coming Monday till before I am due to leave for England. I would be able to earn money, and gain experience on how things will be like once I return.

It’s a lot to swallow, with what are most likely life changing decisions to be made. This road has been present before me. A route I never expected to arrive at. I don’t even know if it’s a good or bad thing. Do I take my chances? Do I go for it? I guess rationally, its clear cut. It’s a good opportunity take it. Its always the higher needs that confuse you. Is this what I want? Do I even want to be a P.E.? Or is it the money? Will this be something I enjoy doing? Is this something I am good at? A tough call, especially when you are young, and have no idea what is it you really want.

In the end, we shook hands, and I left though I had no idea how I’m supposed to feel. Happy? Dissapointed? Grateful? I guess, there was a mixture of all.

posted by Compulsive Blogger @ 4:43 pm Comments: 0