Brisbane to Perth- the big move

My husband finally got a call for that contract job based in Perth and having crossed the interview process to reference check,he is all restless and walking up and down contemplating and calculating his future in Perth. He would be able to deliver his long due word to his parents settled in perth to move in with them. His mind has now become a cyclotron of ideas and he is already on the move, though we are only going to know for sure tomorrow. When I asked if he was happy with the prospect he says he has mixed feelings. While he is excited about his job that will be more on the field than a sedentary office job too cozy and sometimes cloistered with corporate politics and advancement games, he is worried about his jump.

Here is what is messed up about a coveted job in any field and changing jobs. It is hard to trust anyone especially when you are someone from outside and its worse if you don’t know how to network. He does get along well with people and I really admire his ability to see through their games. He is doing his best to survive the corporate jungle where everyone in hierarchy is waiting to chuck someone out or stunt other’s growth. The people from the contract job too seem to care less on how precarious the situation is becoming for the candidate especially if they are not planning to select him while asking for references. The reference colleagues are now mulling, rubbing their hands in glee “ Ha! Now wait and watch my friend.” Your luck if your position tangents their scheme. It could be a fierce competition to get rid off or just the power to use the chink in his amour. Next project or pay revision just tip the boss off saying he is not planning to stick on why him? The contract job pays well but it has no stability, on the other hand you could be left with the stable job that you might have to fight tooth and nail to advance in.

I keep wondering why the corporate world punishes its employees in this manner. Why does it encourage such a self-centered environment to thrive? Why can’t it reverse the cycle by rewarding those who allow others to grow? Why does it always fail to foster comradeship and genuine friendship? Why is it just obsessed with eliminating people for most pathetic reasons and less concerned in giving an opportunity for a family to survive? From my end trying to land a job the fort is impenetrable and for those inside are just fencing the whole time while holding on to the parapets.

I believe the school should teach students more to be street smarts. Or is it really something that can be taught? Probably not.. may be more field games and competitions. Am I now over the line if I say ragging and bullying help?! It sure is a handicap being naive.

Coming back to us, we are just keeping our fingers crossed hoping it will all happen for good. I did visit Perth last Christmas and couldn’t find anything wrong with the city. The populace is dense with Indians less jealous of each other’s presence and not sure if the natives are disgruntled by the Indian Mynah evasion. The weather is a weird hot and cold mix . Brisbane will always be my favorite as it was the city that made me feel welcome. Unit8, 22a Kumbari st spot on googlemaps was my castle of dreams and hopes. And it never failed to disappoint me. The vast green verdure and the deep blue sea..the relaxed air of people kite surfing and picnicking at open air barbecues.. has a beatific whisper that says life is more than just running behind stuff. Alas now we have to wake up from our yearlong honeymoon and mature into family. My mind too is now on the move.