People at Work & Play

Business Standard carries an article called “Mid Life Madness” which speaks of  successful corporate executives leaving the comfort of their well paying jobs to venture on their own in uncharted territory.

The key drivers vary from person to person. For some it is the lack of further opportunities for growth, for some one else it is the need to be different and prove to him/herself what they are capable of, for others it means wanting to be their own boss - as the old cliche goes, masters of their own destiny.

Irrespective of the reasons, such a decision does call for a certain amount of courage, self-belief and preparation. It sounds nice to hear that some one you know has started on their own and are doing well. Do remember this has not happened by chance. Planning and preparation is crucial for success. Very seldom does someone hit the jackpot without any planning.

Ultimately, it is a state of mind.

“If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t! If you want to win, but think you can’t, It’s almost a cinch you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost; For out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow’s will; It’s all in the state of the mind. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger and faster man, But sooner or later the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can.” – Walter D. Wintle.

One of the strengths we have in India is supposedly our knowledge of the English language. This is an advantage we have over China, which I am afraid is fast catching up with thousands of Chinese being taught English by teachers outsourced- from India !

Yet my recent interactions in the corporate world sometimes make me wonder whether we are losing this traditional strength.

“How was your team outing?” I asked a young executive. “It was cool” he said ” We had an orgy”. The conservative in me told me that the boy was using an expression he had picked up off the street.

Another young man told me cheerfully ” Earlier I never used to eat non-veg. or drink. After I took this job in Bangalore, I have started non-vegetarian and once in a while I am beering. I am now alcoholic.”

A lady told me: ” I had a choice between jobs in Pune, Chennai and Bangalore. You can now here see me. I chose the latter”.

When I asked a person whether he was married, he said ” No more” which surprised me. It turned out he meant to say “Not yet” !

You get the idea.

Dr. Paul Brians is a Professor of English at Washington State University. I greatly appreciate the work he has done to educate people in the use of the English language.

I strongly recommend his site on Common Errors in English. There is a rich wealth of material there. Don’t try to read it all in one day. Bookmark this site and drop in whenever you wish to check a doubt.

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