Recently I suggested a different way to get work done, bypassing the usual process as the current situation did not warrant a real project yet. In my eagerness to show that I am smart and filled with new ideas, I was excited that my proposal would be approved. Instead, I did not have much enthusiasm and landed in my face, realizing how silly it seemed though I was eager to support business cries to get things done. I was in my head with my churning thoughts, logically aligning ideas that the suggestion would seem like a stroke of genius but ended up like an immature act.
No one wants to do additional work or go beyond the usual process, to stay safe. This was the wall that I smacked into but in reality, I should have known better; than to act like an eager newbie than a grizzled old veteran. In the end, my natural inclination to act was not viewed as leadership or initiative but a trying-hard attempt to seize control from the higher-ups. It was my mind getting ahead of me, churning thoughts leading me into futile attempts against the wishes of tired old men afraid of new ideas.
I failed to see the world as it really is; instead seeing the possibilities that can arise with one's verve and bravado. Living in the true reality does remove one's inclination to strive and do something. Instead, one moves with a slow pace and tries to see how one can live in the slow lane even if this means doing uninteresting tasks like preparing a PowerPoint presentation instead of doping the actual effort of getting things done and completing projects. To GO LIVE is the ultimate goal of the project manager.
I looked at my old stack of company newsletters from a company where I worked in my mid-20s; re-reading articles that I wrote, being a member of the Editorial Board, being a mentor to young kids, deploying new accounting systems, training managers and staff on computer technology, attending seminars and being active in the office activities. I was finishing my MBA degree, about to be married, and just changed career; moving from the government as an economist researcher into the field of computer technology and project management.
Those were exciting times about 35 years ago, making significant changes to my life and career and I see I did not waste any opportunity that came my way. I worked in that company for roughly 10 years before moving to Singapore where I lived for 7 years. Those times in Singapore were also exciting times when I made another significant move. I recently posted a video of those times in Singapore which brought wonderful memories about 15 years ago.
Now in my current stage of my life, I still have my wits about me, with significant project management experience, where I just changed departments though still with my trade. It's been a long voyage across continents, to different cultures and companies. I have survived and thrived all these years, though some were filled with churning thoughts and anxieties, with so many changes occurring I realized that I have thrived in these changing circumstances. I am a global worker; moving with the tides where ever the economics would bring me.
