Scary

It's been a sad couple of days at work. On Tuesday, 9 people in our company, including a few in our R&D department, were retrenched. The company is moving into another phase of it's life cycle. It's moving from being research focussed to production/marketing focussed. Thus inevitably, certain personnel were no longer needed. Most of the Bio-compatibility department were retrenched. In a further cost cutting move, as we currently don't have an income and are living off money raised from the shares, all employees were reviewed with the intention of retrenching those that are not necessary for the company in the next 12 months. 4 other contractors will not have their contracts renewed when their current one runs out.

Apparently my name, along with others, were shortlisted. My manager gave me the heads up and assured me that it wasn't because of my performance but rather because I was the newest member of the Software Engineering team. He also said that I was the first to be taken off the list as both himself and the R&D department head were arguing for me. That's reassuring to know. Still, it's a chilling reminder that our jobs are sometimes not as secure as we think.

I've never been in a company where people were retrenched before, so this has been a bit of a learning experience. It was all so quick and brutal. The people were called into each department head's office and we just told the bad news. No ifs or buts. They then had to pack up and leave that day. There were tears, hugs and goodbyes. It was all so sudden and a shock to everyone. We had a company wide meeting that day where the CEO gave us reasons for the decision.

Through my previous dealings with other companies, it has reinforced my understanding that companies will do things that will ensure their financial successful. Employees, however valuable, will always be second priority. This is something we sometimes forget as I believe humans are generally loyal, whether to their partner or the company that has provided them with an income. We get comfortable and things get into a nice rythmn. But then it happens. It's almost equivalent to a personal relationship breakup when it happens. Like being dumped by your steady girlfriend/boyfriend of a few years. And it hurts. Thus I think the best attitude to have when it comes to work is to look after yourself at all times. Use the company for what it's worth and always be on the lookout for something better. Have no hesitation in leaving because let's face it, the company will have no hesitation in dumping you when you are no longer needed.

COMON!

A lot of people hate Lleyton Hewitt. That includes Sara. They thinks he's arrogant, unsportsmanlike and a brat. I, on the other hand admire the bloke. When he screams "COMON!", he's doing it to psych himself up more than to piss the opposition off. He is a bloke that always brings 110% to every game and wears his emotions on his sleeve. You can tell from his emotional screams that he's out there to try and beat you up until the very last ball. I admire this never say die attitude.

Last night's 5 set victory against spaniard Nadal after being 2 sets to 1 down and with a hip-flex injury, was sensational. The 4th set was pivotal. He won it 7-6. It was one hell of a dog fight. Hewitt doesn't have a big forehand, or backhand or serve. He's got heart. It almost seems like he plays his best tennis when he's down and out. It's just inspirational stuff to watch.