I'm Shy, but I'm Working on it.

I just stumbled upon a new file-sharing website called Slideshare where I came across The Shy Connector (see presentation below).

I can really relate to this! I love the flow chart.

• I am a self-proclaimed introvert.
• I don't like making small talk and wish I could jump straight in for a good wholesome discussion.
• My idea of fun is not always going out and drinking or hanging out in the city.

I do try and do things that will make me happy by standing out and being different. (note: there is good and bad different).

One of my biggest issues is comparing myself to others but at the same time I continually try and find out who I am in that situation and not let others of society dictate what I need to be and do.

One of the biggest things I am learning is that you cant keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome.

So ... I have embarked on some small changes ones that are already affecting me and slowly changing for the better.

1. Temp.ing. - One of the hardest things to do is to change your job. I now do it all the time! Continually meeting new people, learning their names, assimilating to their office culture, learning new procedures. I have found that I can build rapport with people, people do like me and can see the value in what I have to offer. Its reassuring in light of the fact that I don't hold down a "steady and important" job.
   
2. Newsletter subscriptions - I get to know whats happening, who is involved and can rally others to come with me if I want company. Performances, talks, lectures, galleries and many other things.
   
3. Greater online presence. Ok, most people have done this but by having a blog where I can talk freely without judgement is great! I am also building my online-presence through: Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogger.
   
4. Solo Travel - Nothing forces you to be more friendly than being by yourself when you are surrounded by others who are also solo travellers. Youth hostels are the best way to meet people and to organise spontaneous trips and dinners.
5. Working out what I want to do - Its intimidating knowing that for every search i do, i find another 10 leads of what I might possibly be interested in. When i do know something that I want to do, I will do it. So sailing course in spring, here I come!
   

I'm not expecting to become a complete extrovert and in some instances I am already loud and outspoken. It's more of the confidence I am working on and as I get a better understanding of how the world works, I realise how much of everything is out there and I need to make sense of it all. Its sink or swim baby!

The Shy Connector

View more documents from Sacha Chua.

... IBM aka I'll Buy Mine

I'm working again as a temp. for IBM. I have worked for them on and off as a receptionist for nearly 1 year. IBM position themselves very well in the B2B market and any noob would kill for a job there. IBM are EVERYWHERE! I think without IBM society would not function. IBM is linked to banks, airlines, supermarkets, telcos, you name it.

I remember the day I was offered contract work with them, I was SO excited and pumped. I was going to be the Face of IBM Australia-New Zealand HQ for the next 2 weeks. A role where I can charm and be professional while being hospitable and welcoming. I pride myself on my customer servicing and when I can't offer exceptional service, I feel like I am letting myself down and feel slightly guilty.

With the prospect of the Global Financial Crisis, IBM A/NZ cut from their budget all tea, coffee, cups, stirrers and sugar. Now I can understand that when times are tough, you have to cut back, but I feel that time and time again, from what I hear in the business news that IBM is still making record profits and exceeding targets.

My question to the IBM exec's is this ... If you expect all your major clients to meet you at your office, why can't you offer them at least a cup of tea! I would feel mighty stupid asking someone to sit and wait 15min and all I could offer them was water in a non-existent cup!

To make things worse, a new vending machine has moved in. Not easy to access and really generic, no-name tea and coffee. I can offer someone tea and coffee now, either at the client or my expense but it will be a tepid slurry.

Its an unspoken courtesy to have basic tea/coffee/water for guests and clients, even if the rest of the staff have to go without.

... Whether the weather

Apart from someone pissing me off, the thing that affects my moods the most is the weather. The strange thing is that it's also very conditional. Even though I'd have an alright day, if the weather outside was ugly and grey, my mood would be a bit ugly and grey. If its sunny and shimmery over the harbour, I feel shimmery and squinty-eyed from smiling.


There are however, times that if it's pissing down outside and I know I am at home and not going anywhere, I love it. I also love to look outside my windows when there is a massive storm overhead. Its a bonus if its hailing or I am the first one to spot that its hailing!


Even though "the weather" is quite a boring topic, I still find myself talking about it and perpetuating conversation about it. When someone asks me how I am, I sometimes comment based on what I see or feel outside. I think about the weather and how it will affect me for the day, should I take an umbrella or a jacket or go to the beach?

It really is one of the best small-talk conversation topics! Sometimes though, I find that if a comment is delivered in a mundane way, it's really like someone is trying a bit too hard. I feel it's inevitable that if it looks like rain, someone will invariably mention 'looks like rain'. Quite a Captain Obvious comment. Same with when its a nice day. Someone will say 'Beaut' day isn't it?' What am I supposed to say apart from a 'yeah, it is'. Common! It's just too rhetorical.

I remember when I was young(er) and it was the lead-up to my birthday, I would hope and pray that my Birthday would be a glorious sunny day. The worst thing I could think of would be that it rained. Thankfully, I don't ever remember a birthday or a birthday party of mine where it rained, even in recent years.

Maybe the weather doesn't affect you as much as it does me, but as part of my quest for self-discovery, I realised just how important it is in my life! And you know what? Looking at the weather radar is increasing in popularity, so its not only me!

Radar - http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR033.loop.shtml

Files taken from -
http://thedestinationcenter.com/images/tourimages/12994200_1231543843.jpg - 11/08/09
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2270268883_7507054706.jpg?v=0 - 11/08/09

... How Does he Do it?

I am in awe right now about the Sydney Morning Herald's International Editor, Peter Hartcher. He knows about anything and everything! Albeit, it is his job and as editor of such a section, you would expect him to be privy to such information, but I guess I am just in awe of what his job is and how knowledgeable and opinionated he is about all issues.

Here is a link to all his most recent published SMH articles -
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/peter-hartcher

What I like most about his articles is how it is unpretentious and it's easy to understand. I feel smarter and better informed from reading his opinion articles rather than just reading a plain news item. It also helps that from whatever opinions I do hold, they are in alignment with mine (never a bad thing if you want an ego boost!)

I am currently reading his book, To the Bitter End. It chronicles the fall of Howard and rise of Rudd's Government. From what he writes, I'm prety sure to say that we are both biased towards Rudd. I guess it is this reason why I started to follow what he writes. I never thought I would read a political book, but then again, I never really saw myself as an opinionated political follower. Eeeek! I'm turning into my dad!

... Am I really Gen X or Gen Y??

I'm perpetually confused by this boxing in classification system. It's good in theory to categorise the different generations, but there needs to be something more substantial to it. Baby Boomers have been known by this term for quite a long time now but the newer ones are becoming arbitrary and not universally known I.E. Gen Z, the Tech-y Gen and iGen. (I somehow don't think that the babies of today will be iGen because something newer will be out and iGen is more like Gen - everyone (unfortunately)).

As the sub-heading concludes on my blog, I am "a Sydney-sider caught between Gen. X and Y ". I identify with many aspects of both but depending on who is interpreting the definitions. Some say Gen Y were born from 1980 onwards, others say from 1985. Well, one version includes me and the other doesn't.

In magazines, newspapers and spam from friends, there are a lot of the "You know you are Gen. X/Y/Z if you ... ". There is even a popular TV quiz show called "Talkin' 'bout Your Generation". To me, its like any other quiz show, you either know it or you don't and I don't think that just because you don't know who is Bob Dylan or Englebert Humperdink is means that you are excused from not knowing.

Gen Y currently has a bad reputation for overspending and not willing to buckle down and work hard. Gen Y is categorised to want to do it NOW and will be less likely to show respect for hierarchy. I just hope recruiters and public servants can see that we are not all bad eggs and that we do have our own personalities and are not just out to jump from job-to-job, getting higher and higher salaries.

I am more than happy sticking with a company if they show loyalty and respect to me, its a good environment to work in and that people don't just shut down my ideas just because I'm not a manager or partner. Don't judge me based on my birth year and don't assume all of us are the same.

How can you not?

Coming out of the "end of financial year" people are yet again, encouraged to take more leave. Now this sounds absolutely crazy to me. Really crazy! Why would anyone not want to take their leave or holidays? I thought Aussies were known for their relaxed ways? I guess I'm wrong or tides have changed.

I pity the Americans so much because they are known to be limited to maximum 2 weeks. It's the prime reason why I would never work there. I really don't know how they cope especially if they have family living overseas.




I would give huge Brownie points if my employer gave me 5 weeks annual leave, plus the option of flex-time. I am a traveller and an adventurer. I cannot imagine anything worse than not thinking and looking forward to a holiday or an adventure!

Anon.

I often wonder why Sydney-siders behave and act in ways to contribute to the anonymity of our city? We live in a great city, we have so much to offer, we're a diverse bunch and yet I find people just don't give a damn about other people outside of their own little world.

There are so many groups, clubs, blogs, online communities out there, you'd think this would promote a more community feel. It doesn't. With an increasing reliance on the web, people are becoming lazier to meet new people and to go out of their comfort zone.

I see people who have such a huge dependency on being connected, knowing the latest news, constantly listening to their MP3/iPod and always being online. These people forget that there is a person right next to them!

I will take ownership and say I am one of these people but I do try and not become a hiding anonymous. I wait for my bus without my music playing. As I get off the bus, my earphones are pulled off and I say thanks to the driver. If I am in the aisle seat, I try to ask the person next to me if they get off here (here being Wynyard) I order and wait for my coffee without any technology in my hand.

I don't like shopping as I'm talking or listening to music. I like to channel all my senses into shopping and its useful when you want the assistants to be attentive. When having dinner with someone and they are late/in the bathroom, its a sign of anxiety and nervousness to be fiddling with your phone. Just enjoy the moment and smile at someone!