A decade later...

The year, 1999. 21 green horns straight out of Engineering, walked through the edifices of what we thought were our tickets to freedom. That day, amidst countless signatures and form filling exercises, an announcement brought great cheer too -- "Your salaries have been increased from our offer-time amount of Rs.x to Rs.y! An increase of 8000 Rupees per annum!" Maybe, by today's inflated standards it isn't that great an amount, but for a 22 year old awaiting his first salary, it was 600+ Rupees more every month -- not bad :-)

Those were exciting times. At least for a few of us, from middle class backgrounds, it was all new. We were asked to report at 9AM the next Monday at one of the city's 3-star hotels. I had never been inside a star hotel till then (I've lost count of how many times I've been to one, since). We were taught the nuances of public speaking, basic writing, telephone etiquette, etc. I can still recall the serene voice of Mr.Ram walking us through videotaped sessions, pointing out small details, which have kept me in good stead all along.

At the end of September when we got our first pay, one of my close relatives commented tongue-in-cheek, "Now, you'll never know what the value of money is -- you start with a 5 digit salary, while some of us have had to work more than a decade to get there." I know she had all the right intentions, and I am hopeful if she'll reverse her opinion when she'll see money hasn't changed many of us, after all.

Of the 21 people, many have gone their independent ways. I am in regular touch with at most 3 or 4 of them. However, I am certain the rest are doing great for themselves too!

The decade has passed like a breeze. There have been stupendous highs and depressing lows; but each of them have been a learning experience. Looking back, it is hard to believe we've possibly crossed 1/3rd of our career! But if the rest 2/3rds is as enjoyable, I have no qualms. As they say, "Bring it on!"