Welcome to Season 2 of Dear MxM. We now have a new day to address your questions: Fridays.
I have always been working in the vernacular medium in Mumbai, but now I want to switch to an English publication. However, I find a class system in the media, as people think that regional media professionals are no good. Please advise how I should approach such people.
I would disagree with you on this since we have seen several moves from the vernacular medium into the English space. In fact, I would advise you not to move from the vernacular medium (provided you are with a good group and work on leading brands) since this space is seeing more growth than the English market as the markets are expanding.
Additionally you also benefit, since this is known to be a hard sell arena and the good professionals get picked up by groups.
Hence, please do reconsider your move, and see what opportunities exist within the regional space, rather than jumping into English media, unless of course, you have other considerations to do so.
I recently switched jobs and while the new job is very lucrative and challenging, it has a 6-day week. So while I am happy about my job, I am unhappy that a lot of my personal time has gone. Sir, I am not able to reconcile myself to this. Please advise.
Yes, I understand, since one tends to get used to the 5-day week scenario. I would imagine you need to look at it from an overall perspective since, in all probability, the new job gives you and the family more security and other value additions. Hence, I am sure even the family will support you in this decision.
Also, more and more companies are moving into the 5-day week space and very little activity happens on Saturdays, so I won’t be surprised if your firm also decides to move, which also works well since the company stands to save on overheads such as power and so on.
Initially, it’s a mind game and you need to condition yourself and put in that extra bit, and not look at it as a major drawback. Remember, the more positive you are, the easier it is to tackle these little changes in your life. Think of the good part and soon, the 6th day won’t make such a difference. From an HR perspective, I certainly think a 2 day weekend is important and actually improves productivity and sooner or later this will be the key to overall company growth.
I am planning to take a year’s break to travel. My boss has done that but I am worried whether my job will be safe. Please advise.
Wow! That’s some luxury indeed. A travel sabbatical is new to me but sounds good. However, one year is a long period and for a company to guarantee you employment post that is not easy in today’s environment. The markets are competitive and there is talent available, hence proceed with caution, unless you have such confidence in your indispensability and relationship with the company you work for.
I am not sure if this travel includes some higher learning, if so, then it may be good to bring back that into your job, but bereft of that, it would seem tough in my opinion for a firm to approve this off-hand. I wish you all success with it though.