Revisiting goodbyes

To me, saying goodbye at the workplace isn't easy, and most of the time, can get a li'l mushy.

But I haven't had many significant workplace goodbyes to qualify my earlier statement.

Here's a column I wrote two years ago, when I left my first full-time job, at Lifestyle, Singapore's largest-circulating monthly magazine.

The following story was published in the August 2010 issue:

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I was warned.

"No flattery, ah!" my already stern-looking boss said sternly.

According to managing ed Tan Shee Lah, this column is meant for me to thank, and say bye-bye to my fans (that's if I have any, in the first place).

And knowing me and my big mouth, my humble boss has already issued a gag order, so I cannot praise -- and possibly embarrass her -- in this column (that's if I have anything nice to say, in the first place - ha!).

So dear reader, you will not hear me sing praises of my boss. Instead, I will sing praises of this lovely place that's been second home to me, for the past four years.

I love this place where I've been allowed to break the routine with running, swimming, gymming, and pantry meetings for lunch, tea and ice cream.

And when  I do get down to work (what, you think I've got elves writing stories for me issit?), I actually enjoy my work, which makes chasing stories, juggling multiple projects and meeting deadlines a little easier.

Sure, we're all human and work can be hell. Amid pressing deadlines and a sometimes too-heavy workload, it's inevitable that we grumble and argue.

But at the end of the day, the job gets done and the griping, quickly forgotten.

After all, we share a deep sense of camaraderie in NTUC Media, built up from years of random office celebration (birthday parties and whatnots), BBQ and beer sessions after work, and company retreats.

Yes, work is important but people-relations are equally vital.

My principle is, go beyond being professional, and don't distance your colleagues. To me, colleagues can be friends. It's whether or not you abuse that relationship.

If the workplace is going to be second home to many of us, then we should be sincere and treat co-workers like friends and family.

Which is why at NTUC Media, when the going gets tough, everyone gets going.

Two years ago, when we organised a big-scare event at the Singapore Flyer (event management is one of our company's services), everyone in the company chipped in to help. It was hard work, packing goodie bags, communicating by walkie-talkie, and ushering guests around. But we were all happy to be involved. 

Recently, Lifestyle organised a series of Kluang trips for readers.

Again, staff from various departments happily volunteered to go along to lend a helping hand.

As I count down to my last day, I am beginning to, for the very first time in Lifestyle, drag my feet to work.

But I am very sure that everyone in NTUC Media -- bound by camaraderie -- will continue to keep this publication fun and friendly.

Which reminds me -- I should sign on as a subscriber...