I lost a friend at work today...
Hang on, rephrasing this. I lost a so-called friend at work today.
Heartbreaking at first, but thinking back of it, it wasn't a loss. It was my narrow escape from a so-called friendship which never existed in the first place. And what I gained was more valuable than any amount of money or success the corporate world could ever give me.
Here's a "friend" whom I'd never thought would let me down. One whom I used to think had the integrity and deserved the respect, and whom I'd regarded as a friend, and not just a colleague or teammate. One of the first friends I made in this organization. And in a matter of hours, thoughtless words and shameless actions can change everything. And it makes one think.
Could it be true when they say that in the corporate world, the term "trust" is non-existent and mere fallacy? And why are the few people who gain your trust; the very ones to hit you right between the eyes, when you least expect it?
So much for one-too-many hours spent in team-building events, trying to foster friendships and relationships, all on the company's dime. Washed down the gutter by people who give up their integrity just to stoop down and do everything conceivable for the sake of recognition... and a few extra wads of cash. Even if the checklist included backstabbing, taking credit for others' work, and putting others down.
Amusingly enough, if that's one thing that thrives regardless of a company's financial standing, success, direction or growth, it's gotta be office politics. And we wonder why people never have enough time to get work done. Perhaps if less time was spent on politics... hmm.
I refuse to list the gazillion ways in which a company could benefit if less time was spent on politics. It's not like we can eliminate it anyway. The workforce is chock-full of one-too-many people who would rather talk their way up, than work their way up. Probably 33% of the workforce actually work, whilst the remaining 67% spend their working hours living off credit stolen from the 33%. And of course, bootie-polishing skills are a must for one who aspires to make the 67%. The same majority are the ones who put to shame the "Winning With Integrity" slogan, carrying out their wrong and needless acts guiltlessly and with much gusto to boot.
The ones who chatter happily over lunch with their teammates, then trample over them the very next moment. A teammate who'd critisize others, then ironically commit the exact same crimes, and then some. Who guiltlessly backstabs the very bosses who gave them the promotions, the increments, and the support when they needed it the most. A never-to-be-underestimated bunch which ooze believability with every word they utter, not a single syllable of which is true.
The whole "I lost a friend today" thing was just a teensy weensy negligible slice of the pie. What I gained and learnt about the corporate world, no university degree could ever teach me. I realized that a year's worth of work experience could make a person grow more than two years' worth of postgraduate studies. I realized the harsh reality of the corporate world in which many companies strive with the very best intentions to preach and to practice integrity, and honesty, and respect; only to have attempts made futile by people who lack the values in themselves. And these people bubble over with self-righteousness which could shadow the planet Jupiter, and are always waiting to offer so-called words of advice on honesty, work-ethics, doing what's right, integrity, determination, you name it. And they even try to make you take the blame for their mistakes. Then act all concerned and give you a word or two of advice, right in front of your boss. I kid you not.
Hypocrisy should be penalized. It's so ridiculous it doesn't even hurt anymore.
