Today was my coworker Pankaj's last day at my work, and that made today a very sad day for me. I have seen 10% of my coworkers quit since I have started (in only 4 months). It is part of the reality of Indian Pharma companies. It is troublesome in a work-sense, but this time it was not just a smart and experienced coworker leaving - it was a good friend.
Pankaj is my equivalent from the other main department, another group leader in formulation (I am in analytical). We work as a team in almost all of my projects. We met back when I visited India for work a year ago, and have worked closely since I arrived here to work. He was so good in patiently explaining to me about how things are done at this company, and taught me a lot about formulation as well. But more importantly he has been a good friend, talking to me when other people just stare. He sat next to me when others avoided me like I had the flu. He joked with me about the boss, about our clients, and made me feel like I was just another friend - not an outsider.
It will surely embarrass him to read this! Sorry Pankaj.
My coworkers didn't take this as hard as I did. They are accustomed to seeing coworkers and friends leave. However, I still only have a handful of good friends in this country, so it is tough. In addition, the pharma world is a small one in India, like it is in the US. Others at work may end up working with Pankaj in a few years, but I will likely never see him again.
On the lighter side, it is EXPENSIVE to leave a job. Even thought the new company pays for relocation, they won't reimburse for all the parties! When you announce you are accepting a new job, you throw a party. Then you take out your group of friends for a nice dinner - and pay. Then on your last day, you throw a party at work for your department and close coworkers. A bus party is also required. In the US, others would throw the party for you, but I like it better the Indian way. It dissuades people from leaving, just a little bit. :)
Another funny thing. During the work party, as expected, everyone close to the departing colleague gives a short speech. The unusual thing is that people give negative as well as positive feedback to the guy leaving. In the US, there would be a separate forum (or none at all) to discuss the faults of the guy. It is so strange to have a guy get a new job, he buys food and beverage for all of his coworkers, only to listen to them tell him what his professional and personal flaws are! But I am starting to appreciate the honesty of this country.
I just hope that everyone in my circle of friends at work doesn't leave too soon...
Pankaj is my equivalent from the other main department, another group leader in formulation (I am in analytical). We work as a team in almost all of my projects. We met back when I visited India for work a year ago, and have worked closely since I arrived here to work. He was so good in patiently explaining to me about how things are done at this company, and taught me a lot about formulation as well. But more importantly he has been a good friend, talking to me when other people just stare. He sat next to me when others avoided me like I had the flu. He joked with me about the boss, about our clients, and made me feel like I was just another friend - not an outsider.
It will surely embarrass him to read this! Sorry Pankaj.
My coworkers didn't take this as hard as I did. They are accustomed to seeing coworkers and friends leave. However, I still only have a handful of good friends in this country, so it is tough. In addition, the pharma world is a small one in India, like it is in the US. Others at work may end up working with Pankaj in a few years, but I will likely never see him again.
On the lighter side, it is EXPENSIVE to leave a job. Even thought the new company pays for relocation, they won't reimburse for all the parties! When you announce you are accepting a new job, you throw a party. Then you take out your group of friends for a nice dinner - and pay. Then on your last day, you throw a party at work for your department and close coworkers. A bus party is also required. In the US, others would throw the party for you, but I like it better the Indian way. It dissuades people from leaving, just a little bit. :)
Another funny thing. During the work party, as expected, everyone close to the departing colleague gives a short speech. The unusual thing is that people give negative as well as positive feedback to the guy leaving. In the US, there would be a separate forum (or none at all) to discuss the faults of the guy. It is so strange to have a guy get a new job, he buys food and beverage for all of his coworkers, only to listen to them tell him what his professional and personal flaws are! But I am starting to appreciate the honesty of this country.
I just hope that everyone in my circle of friends at work doesn't leave too soon...
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