The Workplace: ‘I was regularly making mistakes’

By Aadil Yousf Bhat

In Kashmir, it is common for young men to want to be doctors or engineers. I had also started preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Common Entrance Test (JKCET) but while going to coaching classes for the entrance test, it became clear to me that this was not my cup of tea. Within 15 days, I had made up my mind to go for journalism.

Writing had become my passion by then and I had started to feel good while writing or voicing my opinion. I jot down opinions on everything and keep myself busy tracking developments in politics. I decided to let my parents know what made me feel good and finally, on July 17, 2017, I told my father I wanted to pursue journalism and mass communication. He immediately called up his friend and asked for information on colleges offering this course. By evening, I came to know that there is no reputed college for this course in Kashmir. I had never been away from home and the only option was to go out. While browsing on the internet, I came to know about Chandigarh University.

I took admission there. Majority of my classmates wanted to be news anchors and I wanted to be the same. While meeting seniors and alumni, I came to know about the public relations field. It looked interesting and I started to learn about the field. Many suggested electronic media for me and others said print, but I was firm in my belief that PR was my field.

I did not get to enjoy college-life much as I remained class representative for two and a half years with tons of responsibilities on my shoulders. But that hard work is bearing fruit now. Time management, punctuality, and a little bit of professionalism are the result of my college life.

'I was getting nervous'

My skills and professionalism were yet to be judged. With an excellent academic record, the pressure was mounting on me to get placed. Then, during my fifth-semester exams, I was called by a Chandigarh-based company for an interview. I was quite nervous about the interview. After I cleared the first round of interviews, I was called for a second one.

I was very nervous about the second round as a member of the board of directors was there. She described certain scenarios to me I was supposed to say what I would do in each. The interview went well but her expression suggested they might not take me.

After one week, no intimation came and I was getting nervous. But, unexpectedly, I got a call after some days and they informed me about my placement there. I was to join on January 2, 2020.

On January 2, my bosses were out of the station and I was handed over to my team and team leader. She gave me a little information about their functions and assigned me some work. With a desktop on my table and small cabin space, I was happy to start. The day went well and I thought it’s easy to work in the corporate world.

Then, the second day came and work was handed over to me, to be completed by the end of that day. While doing it, I made certain mistakes and my team leader came and said that’s why freshers fail in adjusting to the corporate world because we take work like posting a picture on Facebook or Instagram.

I felt very nervous and like I had made a mistake by joining the organization. I went back home. At home, I kept asking myself if it was really tough for me to fit in the corporate culture. Other members of my team kept saying there was no need to worry, such things happen.

I was regularly making mistakes and the team leader had stopped responding altogether. I felt like they were going to terminate my job. I called up my mom and told her I was coming home. She asked if everything was alright. I told her this place is bad and people are bad. She called up my father and dad called me after that and told me to come home and take rest and that we would decide what to do later.

My roommates kept boosting my confidence, telling me I can face all challenges. The whole night I sat in the balcony wondering about the time ahead. Then I took my phone and checked what I had done wrong. Upon checking, I found some mistakes that I rarely make and was surprised. “How could I do this?” I thought.

Wiping away my tears, I gave myself a pep-talk. I told myself these were early problems of just joining work as I had come straight from the classroom.

Overcoming the fear

So, the very next day, while entering office, I promised to myself that I would put my heart and soul into my work and will meet a hundred per cent of my targets. My team came and gave me the day’s task. I was again enthusiastic and told myself: “Aadil, make sure today is a good day”. But while working, I made a mistake again. This time my team leader was so angry, she called up HR and said I needed rest and that I was not feeling well. I said: “Give me one last chance and I will complete it and will not make any mistake.”

I took a nap for half an hour and said to myself that if I cannot to do the work, I will leave the organization myself. Finally, the day ended and while checking my work, the team leader said that that was what she had wanted all along and I had done it.

I felt like I had climbed Mount Everest! I was so happy, I had tears streaming down my face. My team kept telling me it was all right and insisted I get something to drink. Our office boy came with a cup of coffee and urged me to take it saying it relaxes your mind.

I still make mistakes but that is expected because I am still new here. You might be new to your office too. So, before joining any organization make sure that you are confident and passionate and do not let yourself down in front of routine challenges.

It is January 28, 2020 today. If I had to sum up my journey, I would say it has been fine. Just a start was needed. Before choosing your career, you should do a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) and skill analysis of yourself. If you do that and also have proper guidance, it becomes easy to choose what you want.

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