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[kenny]

Lessons at work, right attitude count

It is not just the job which matters - having pleasant colleagues is crucial, too

One lesson I have learnt is that it is not just the job which matters - having pleasant colleagues is crucial, too.

I entered the workforce with a diploma after national service.

Initially, as I was new, I had to do mundane and simple tasks. The more challenging tasks came only after I had proved myself.

Not having a degree also meant that I had to start from the bottom.

At first, I used to gripe about it. But I gradually took it in my stride and set out to excel in everything that I did.

A positive attitude towards work is important as it helps make working life enjoyable.

The job attachments during my polytechnic days also played an important part. I was exposed to the working world at the age of 19.

Through two attachments, I had the opportunity to observe how organisations work.

Most of the time, those on attachments had to start from scratch - once I even had to clean the office fish tank.

These lessons do help in character-building. One has to do small tasks well in order to move on to bigger things.

School textbooks can teach only the technical and basic skills of the job, but mastering the emotional side usually comes with experience.

Working life is not a bed of roses, but it does not have to be all about thorns, too.