Career Spark...

In 2008 when I had applied for the post of Marketing Executive with The New Indian Express, lest I knew about the two-wheeler mandate. To apply for this job was an impulsive decision, didn’t put much thought process into it. After spending 10 long years managing home and children, my only determination was to get into a corporate career. Basically, I was a timid and reserved person. Since my eye was set on the career which would fast track my growth, I never applied mind if my skill sets would fit into the career I chose. I was called for an interview with Mr.Chatterji, then General Manager TNIE at Chennai. Interview went on really well, but towards the end, he had put a bomb that, this job requires two wheeler riding. Born and brought up at Kotagiri ,The Nilgiris, we were not exposed even to bicycle riding. I wasn’t prepared to lose this opportunity just because I had a challenge in two wheeler riding. Hence, I explained the fact to Mr. Chaterji that all these years I never had the necessity to be on my own, but if given a chance I would learn it in a month’s time. I got the appointment order with a rider of a months time to learn bike riding. I Came home determined and with a strong will, as I had made a promise to the GM, I wanted to make sure I stand by my words.

Next fifteen days my focus was only on riding. As we were at Dindigul then, we had bought a second hand Scooty Es and I parked it at Arapalayam two-wheeler stand. I joined The New Indian Express, Madurai on 1st Jan 2009, having gained the confidence that I can somehow manage the riding. My team leader had put me with another executive Ms.Mary for the first 15 days, that was a great relief then as I need not ride in the crowded streets. She used to take me around for the market visit. Things were moving fine for a week alas, one fine day she had then put in her papers. Next day was a nightmare, I was asked to go to West Masi street the most crowded street u can ever get. Inside I was trembling but I thought fear won’ help me in any way. Took my scooty and went for calls. Day 1 , 2 ,3 …. Was improving slowly each passing day. I used to leave office around 7 o clock in the evening, reach araplayam to take bus for Dindigul. I was doing well until an eventful day dawned. As usual I took my Scooty and was heading towards Araplayam, unexpectedly a dog came my way …. baaang I fell on the middle of the road. Thankfully there were not many vehicles then so escaped with minor injury. Got first aid from the local doctor took an auto to reach the bus stand. Only my husband knew about the accident, I was putting a strong face in front of my parents. The whole night I could’t sleep because of pain and shock. Husband wanted to take leave for the next two days. But I had a strong intuition that if I take a break then, I would not continue that marketing job which was very tough in the beginning.

When we come out of the comfort zone to pursue our dream, there would be lot of struggles. We wouldn’t have been used to these challenges, so our mind would always look for excuses to give it up. I had put in so much of thought on that night. I had only two choices, one is to take leave for next two days which I was sure that would be the end of my career, two to bear/hide the pain and start the day as usual.

I chose the latter, that was the starting point of my career in media. This choice had built my self-confidence, I realized my never say die attitude with this. I slowly started realizing my latent skill sets which fit in so well for the marketing career. Sometimes most of us have a wrong self-image, only through these kind of incidences, we identify our potential. If we still have self-doubt let’s keep sieving for the best in us. I am very sure unless Mr. Chatterji hadn’t given me the opportunity and if I hadn’t had the determination to honor my commitment I made to him, I wouldn’t have been in this media field by now...