Think about this for a moment: when introducing yourself to unknown people (outside of work, so imagine a date - or dating website -, first lesson of a language course, a party, anything social really), what do you talk about? Place you live, work you do, hobby's you have?
My theory is that about 9 out of 10 people will talk about work. And if you don't start talking about it yourself, the other person will ask you about this - most likely in one of the first questions.
Why is this? Why is the work we do such an integral part of our identity in this society?
The type of work you do clearly is a way of cutting out your place in this world. And for the other person, it is a way of deciding where on the social ladder to put the person you are talking to. And the more I think about it, and the more I'm in situations that this is happening in, it is starting to annoy me more and more.
Work is an easy identifier: everyone works or is trying to get work. So in a way it is a 'safe' topic as everyone can relate. Talking about other interests that you may have outside of work are most likely more difficult as a conversation opener: chances are that the person you are talking to doesn't have that same interest and it will take longer to find a mutual topic to talk about. But isn't half the fun talking and finding that mutual interest? And aren't those other topics so much more interesting to talk about and get to know the other person?
Showing posts with label random thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random thoughts. Show all posts
March 04, 2012
December 04, 2011
Some thoughts on work (1)
One of my colleagues asked me maybe a year ago "how I know so much about the countries I work on". At that time the question struck me as odd. Sure, I might know a fair bit about the geographical region I deal with in my job but isn't that supposed to be normal?
The question keeps coming back to me over the last few months, also because of comments other colleagues have made to me. Such as that I always read every document there is, know what it is about, and can comment intelligently about it. The first isn't true in my perception so these comments are always a bit mysterious to me.
But I think I know now why this is - why people see me in this way. What I do in my job links for a large part to something that is a part of my live and that I am immensely interested in and fascinated by: Asia, more specifically China right now and Japan in the past.
Just a few examples:
> I have travelled extensively in the Asian region, mostly in Japan. And would love to see more and more.
> A third of the books I've read for fun in my spare time this year were about China, with another third on that other topic which I find increasingly intriguing: sustainability. I don't read these books out of a sense of compulsory reading to keep up with my field. I read them because I enjoy them, I love reading about other people's experiences about these places, or about current developments etc.
> I follow several blogs about these countries and topics, because I'm genuinely interested.
> I happily go to debate evenings on any of these topics.
And to be honest, I don't think many of my colleagues do the same about their respective countries/regions.
So it's no surprise that I do actually know a lot. And that I can comment on a certain topic or development without having read the full 80-page report on it. That actually has nothing to do with how hard I work, but everything to do with having found a job which engages me fulltime with those issues that I find personally fascinating and worldchanging. It also doesn't mean that I've made my hobby into my work - because what I do for a living I wouldn't want to do for free. But it does feel like a pretty close ideal situation.
No wonder I'm having trouble letting go of this particular job. Though I also know that whatever comes next will ideally include the same topics and issues - and that shouldn't be too hard considering the growing importance of the region worldwide!
The question keeps coming back to me over the last few months, also because of comments other colleagues have made to me. Such as that I always read every document there is, know what it is about, and can comment intelligently about it. The first isn't true in my perception so these comments are always a bit mysterious to me.
But I think I know now why this is - why people see me in this way. What I do in my job links for a large part to something that is a part of my live and that I am immensely interested in and fascinated by: Asia, more specifically China right now and Japan in the past.
Just a few examples:
> I have travelled extensively in the Asian region, mostly in Japan. And would love to see more and more.
> A third of the books I've read for fun in my spare time this year were about China, with another third on that other topic which I find increasingly intriguing: sustainability. I don't read these books out of a sense of compulsory reading to keep up with my field. I read them because I enjoy them, I love reading about other people's experiences about these places, or about current developments etc.
> I follow several blogs about these countries and topics, because I'm genuinely interested.
> I happily go to debate evenings on any of these topics.
And to be honest, I don't think many of my colleagues do the same about their respective countries/regions.
So it's no surprise that I do actually know a lot. And that I can comment on a certain topic or development without having read the full 80-page report on it. That actually has nothing to do with how hard I work, but everything to do with having found a job which engages me fulltime with those issues that I find personally fascinating and worldchanging. It also doesn't mean that I've made my hobby into my work - because what I do for a living I wouldn't want to do for free. But it does feel like a pretty close ideal situation.
No wonder I'm having trouble letting go of this particular job. Though I also know that whatever comes next will ideally include the same topics and issues - and that shouldn't be too hard considering the growing importance of the region worldwide!
November 05, 2011
One of those weekends
I love weekends which just seem to fall together perfectly.
After a tiring Friday I was happy to hang out on my couch with cancelled plans for drinks. The rest of the weekend consisted of mostly vague plans also.
In a way anything could happen.
[apologies for the smug post from here on!]
So far, it feels like one of those weekends that make me just really happy with life. I love my house and love that every now and then, while chopping onions in my kitchen, I'm hit with this realisation. I love where I live, and that I can be outside in a crowded pub when a friend unexpectedly calls at 10:30pm to go out for some beers. I keep realising that this city offers so much, but is also a great place to just chill with coffee, good food and a good friend in the sun on November 5 [admittedly, that is exceptional in this country!].
One of those weekends where I keep changing plans, filled with friends, good food, good beer & wine (and chocolate cake!). But also feeling at home, in my house with a book on my couch and an interesting recipe cooking away on the stove.
So really, this all makes the current work situation seem pretty unimportant, as long as the really good (and simple) things in life are there on weekends like this.
After a tiring Friday I was happy to hang out on my couch with cancelled plans for drinks. The rest of the weekend consisted of mostly vague plans also.
In a way anything could happen.
[apologies for the smug post from here on!]
So far, it feels like one of those weekends that make me just really happy with life. I love my house and love that every now and then, while chopping onions in my kitchen, I'm hit with this realisation. I love where I live, and that I can be outside in a crowded pub when a friend unexpectedly calls at 10:30pm to go out for some beers. I keep realising that this city offers so much, but is also a great place to just chill with coffee, good food and a good friend in the sun on November 5 [admittedly, that is exceptional in this country!].
One of those weekends where I keep changing plans, filled with friends, good food, good beer & wine (and chocolate cake!). But also feeling at home, in my house with a book on my couch and an interesting recipe cooking away on the stove.
So really, this all makes the current work situation seem pretty unimportant, as long as the really good (and simple) things in life are there on weekends like this.
August 27, 2011
Saturday
Amazing what some sun (after a long day of rain), a phone call with a close friend, a glass of wine and the prospect of yummy food can do on a lazy Saturday.
Feeling a lot better right now. Time to head into the kitchen for that lasagne.
Feeling a lot better right now. Time to head into the kitchen for that lasagne.
November 28, 2010
Deja-vu
Coming back to this blog after 6 months is kind of interesting. I guess over the past years it really has become kind of a diary, where I talk about the things I'm busy with and think about.
Yesterday, I wanted to use 'The Future' as a new tag. Or so I thought. It turned out the tag already existed and I used it a couple of times in the years before. In one post I talk about the prediction a friend made about me starting a PhD in the next few years. Hmm. In an earlier post I talk about finally having found a 'goal', having found an answer to the dreaded question 'Where do you want to be in five years from now'? Funnily enough, I've been asking myself that question lately but the answer that came up a few years ago wasn't included now. While I know it is something that is very important to me. Due to recent events I just need to become more creative in realising it. One to consider again I think.
A few minutes ago, I again thought I used a new tag, 'Africa'. But there it was also! This time about a previous IDFA-post, which has clearly been a constant over the last few years.
I find it quite interesting to read back, and see what I have been busy with over the past few years. And reading all of that, I don't think much has changed. Even if I do feel my life has changed (or is changing) since then....
Yesterday, I wanted to use 'The Future' as a new tag. Or so I thought. It turned out the tag already existed and I used it a couple of times in the years before. In one post I talk about the prediction a friend made about me starting a PhD in the next few years. Hmm. In an earlier post I talk about finally having found a 'goal', having found an answer to the dreaded question 'Where do you want to be in five years from now'? Funnily enough, I've been asking myself that question lately but the answer that came up a few years ago wasn't included now. While I know it is something that is very important to me. Due to recent events I just need to become more creative in realising it. One to consider again I think.
A few minutes ago, I again thought I used a new tag, 'Africa'. But there it was also! This time about a previous IDFA-post, which has clearly been a constant over the last few years.
I find it quite interesting to read back, and see what I have been busy with over the past few years. And reading all of that, I don't think much has changed. Even if I do feel my life has changed (or is changing) since then....
November 27, 2010
How to write
The title of my last post - again a month ago - and the final paragraph of that same post, talk about inspiration.
Because of the things I'm doing. Because of the people I'm meeting. Because of the conversations I'm having.
For the past 1,5 weeks I've been on a break from work. Much needed as it has been - again - far too busy and hectic for my own good. [Everytime I go back to work after a short break I resolve to keep my work schedule in check and to keep the work load manageable. I still haven't figured out a successful method to do that. Does anyone have a foolproof suggestion?]
For several reasons I decided to spend these short two weeks at home, and not travelling to Berlin, Spain or even somewhere further away. And I'm loving it!
I spent three days at IDFA, seeing 10 incredibly different documentaries from all over the world:
* about people surviving in a tough environment
* about people trying to change their life but failing
* about people trying to change their life and succeeding
* about decisions - by governments, by large companies - changing the fate of communities
* about forgotten parts of the world
* about places we all know
* about the past
* about the future
I also had a friend from abroad visiting for a week, just after she had broken up with her boyfriend. It was fantastic having her here for so long (usually it's just a day or two we have to catch up) even if the reason wasn't so nice. It also meant many discussions on relationships and what we want out of life.
During this time I've been slowly reading Stones into Schools - a sequel to the earlier book Three cups of tea. It follows the endeavours of an American with his team of Pakistani and Afghan men to build schools in the most remote places of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Like the first book, it really shows how you can make so many things possible in an environment which seems without hope. Amazing stories.
It has also been good to not be at work and to not be distracted with all the chaos surrounding it.
So now I'm staring at my screen trying to think how to write down all the stuff that's spinning in my head. Without actively spending time on it - though I had planned to - I think I have a better idea of what's ahead. And I'm excited about it. But there's more and I want to do something with it.
But maybe I should just let it spin for the moment, and see what happens....
Because of the things I'm doing. Because of the people I'm meeting. Because of the conversations I'm having.
For the past 1,5 weeks I've been on a break from work. Much needed as it has been - again - far too busy and hectic for my own good. [Everytime I go back to work after a short break I resolve to keep my work schedule in check and to keep the work load manageable. I still haven't figured out a successful method to do that. Does anyone have a foolproof suggestion?]
For several reasons I decided to spend these short two weeks at home, and not travelling to Berlin, Spain or even somewhere further away. And I'm loving it!
I spent three days at IDFA, seeing 10 incredibly different documentaries from all over the world:
* about people surviving in a tough environment
* about people trying to change their life but failing
* about people trying to change their life and succeeding
* about decisions - by governments, by large companies - changing the fate of communities
* about forgotten parts of the world
* about places we all know
* about the past
* about the future
I also had a friend from abroad visiting for a week, just after she had broken up with her boyfriend. It was fantastic having her here for so long (usually it's just a day or two we have to catch up) even if the reason wasn't so nice. It also meant many discussions on relationships and what we want out of life.
During this time I've been slowly reading Stones into Schools - a sequel to the earlier book Three cups of tea. It follows the endeavours of an American with his team of Pakistani and Afghan men to build schools in the most remote places of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Like the first book, it really shows how you can make so many things possible in an environment which seems without hope. Amazing stories.
It has also been good to not be at work and to not be distracted with all the chaos surrounding it.
So now I'm staring at my screen trying to think how to write down all the stuff that's spinning in my head. Without actively spending time on it - though I had planned to - I think I have a better idea of what's ahead. And I'm excited about it. But there's more and I want to do something with it.
But maybe I should just let it spin for the moment, and see what happens....
October 26, 2010
Inspiration
First of all - WOW. I can't believe it has been over 6 months since I last posted here.
Now that I have said that, hopefully I'll stick around for a while this time.
I feel like starting to write again. There's a lot going on - lots of fun projects, many potential changes will happen professionally - and I feel like I should start writing this blog again.
Some examples:
* I'm helping Cheruchan with launching No Impact Week NL next month.
A week in November to challenge people from all over the Netherlands to live with as little impact on the environment as possible. It will be my second time to experience this week myself. And I'm very excited about it - can't wait to find out what new discoveries this will bring me. And my colleagues and friends who I'm trying to tag along in this.
* With some friends, I'm setting up a new Toastmasters club in my town. Lots of fun. Which is why we are doing this as well. Humour, flexibility, enthusiasm, and no rules. Result: great speakers and hugely entertaining evenings.
* Professionally, I have a fairly uncertain year ahead of me. This was quite a shock two weeks ago when I found out. But the more I think about it, the more confident I become about this situation only offering me new opportunities. I can't wait to find out what is next.
I feel inspired - so many things going on which make me feel very excited about the future. Very good feeling.
Now that I have said that, hopefully I'll stick around for a while this time.
I feel like starting to write again. There's a lot going on - lots of fun projects, many potential changes will happen professionally - and I feel like I should start writing this blog again.
Some examples:
* I'm helping Cheruchan with launching No Impact Week NL next month.
A week in November to challenge people from all over the Netherlands to live with as little impact on the environment as possible. It will be my second time to experience this week myself. And I'm very excited about it - can't wait to find out what new discoveries this will bring me. And my colleagues and friends who I'm trying to tag along in this.
* With some friends, I'm setting up a new Toastmasters club in my town. Lots of fun. Which is why we are doing this as well. Humour, flexibility, enthusiasm, and no rules. Result: great speakers and hugely entertaining evenings.
* Professionally, I have a fairly uncertain year ahead of me. This was quite a shock two weeks ago when I found out. But the more I think about it, the more confident I become about this situation only offering me new opportunities. I can't wait to find out what is next.
I feel inspired - so many things going on which make me feel very excited about the future. Very good feeling.
February 28, 2010
No news is good news?
I just noticed that my last post is from two months ago. Wow.
And it's true - I haven't been inspired to write at all. Even though there's a lot in my head I can't find a way to get it down on paper (well, screen) in a way that makes sense.
Some things that I have been occupied with:
Den Haag. Trying to make this 'my' city and discovering what it has to offer.
Sustainable living. And realizing that it's not so easy as it seems. And also: do I want to make those choices that are necessary to do so?
Politics. Local elections coming up this week (and yet to figure out what to vote), a government that fell apart last week and trying to figure out if this is a good thing.
Traveldreaming. If all goes well, as of next month it'll be London, Berlin, Paris. Not bad huh.
Work. Office politics and internal reorganizing has been taken to the maximum over the last few weeks. Not great. At all. Am learning how to be okay with less control. But it's tough.
My last post was on the beginning of a new year.
Weirdly, I have a feeling that this year is going to be a year of stability and domesticness. And maybe not writing here for two months is a reflection of that. Life is good - I have a great new house, a new city to explore, steadily building up my career without any major changes expected.
Boring? For the readers out there, yes - but I'm sure I'll have my share of drama at some point this year.
And it's true - I haven't been inspired to write at all. Even though there's a lot in my head I can't find a way to get it down on paper (well, screen) in a way that makes sense.
Some things that I have been occupied with:
Den Haag. Trying to make this 'my' city and discovering what it has to offer.
Sustainable living. And realizing that it's not so easy as it seems. And also: do I want to make those choices that are necessary to do so?
Politics. Local elections coming up this week (and yet to figure out what to vote), a government that fell apart last week and trying to figure out if this is a good thing.
Traveldreaming. If all goes well, as of next month it'll be London, Berlin, Paris. Not bad huh.
Work. Office politics and internal reorganizing has been taken to the maximum over the last few weeks. Not great. At all. Am learning how to be okay with less control. But it's tough.
My last post was on the beginning of a new year.
Weirdly, I have a feeling that this year is going to be a year of stability and domesticness. And maybe not writing here for two months is a reflection of that. Life is good - I have a great new house, a new city to explore, steadily building up my career without any major changes expected.
Boring? For the readers out there, yes - but I'm sure I'll have my share of drama at some point this year.
October 13, 2008
Primary school
Strangely, I have an exam tomorrow so I have spent the day at home on study leave to prepare for it. I had kind of forgotten about it, until I registered two weeks ago and the lady on the phone wished me luck studying. Uhm.... oh right.
What I am studying? INCO-terms, export marketing strategies, customs documents, letters of credit and other forms of documentary credit, and so on as long as it has to do with export. It sounds more complicated than it is and I am pretty sure I'll be fine tomorrow.
And with that attitude I started going through my course book and old exams this morning, until I came to the calculation assignments.
"You are sending 1000 flowerpots and 1500 chairs to the US. Your transport costs are E2500. Your agent receives a 15% commission. The exhange rate USD-Euro is 1-0.87. What are your total costs in USD?"
Why??
I still don't get why every exam holds three of these questions but it took me a while to get out my math skills from 8th grade and work it out properly.
*Sigh*
What I am studying? INCO-terms, export marketing strategies, customs documents, letters of credit and other forms of documentary credit, and so on as long as it has to do with export. It sounds more complicated than it is and I am pretty sure I'll be fine tomorrow.
And with that attitude I started going through my course book and old exams this morning, until I came to the calculation assignments.
"You are sending 1000 flowerpots and 1500 chairs to the US. Your transport costs are E2500. Your agent receives a 15% commission. The exhange rate USD-Euro is 1-0.87. What are your total costs in USD?"
Why??
I still don't get why every exam holds three of these questions but it took me a while to get out my math skills from 8th grade and work it out properly.
*Sigh*
December 30, 2007
Little vegetables
Over the last few days I've been listening to a cd called Hang on little tomato.
Everytime I see the cover and this title I have to think of something that happened over 12 years ago. Strangely enough, it's one of the memories that stand out most of my year in Hobart - my hostbrother talking to his food and saying: "you just sit there, little broccoli".
(Honestly, he was quite normal the rest of the time! Well, as normal as teenage boys can be.)
Everytime I see the cover and this title I have to think of something that happened over 12 years ago. Strangely enough, it's one of the memories that stand out most of my year in Hobart - my hostbrother talking to his food and saying: "you just sit there, little broccoli".
(Honestly, he was quite normal the rest of the time! Well, as normal as teenage boys can be.)
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