2011 - the year that was

" I again emphasize, 2010 has been the best year for me. I wish 2011 to be still better, and if not, I am going to MAKE IT :)"

These were the closing lines of my blogpost exactly one year back where I summarized my learnings of the year. So, it is again time I ponder over 2011 that sees the last sunrise today, and what has been my take-away from this one.

2010 had indeed been special and I had hoped 2011 would be better. But it couldn't happen. Rather, it went the opposite way. Whereas the last year was so eventful, this year had been confined to the same routine of office to home and home to office. It has been 17 months now at The Smart Cube and am still the same here. En-route, I have been promoted as the Senior Analyst, but that was always on the cards. The best thing that had happened was that I cleared CFA Level 2. The worst thing - I still do not have a job in Finance domain.

Talking of takeaways, I think each day and each minute of your life teaches you something. Whether it is for your good or your bad, learning curve increases always.

• Patience is the best virtue - but should be accompanied by smart work. It is good to wait for better results, but shrewdness is the much needed aspect to survive in today's competitive world.

• Work hard, but make it known even if you can't make it count. Your top management should know your effort and the hard work. Even if you have not put in so much, exaggerate it in pubic.

• This is in context to CFA Level 2. Practically, I just got 20 days to study for this. There was not even a minute chance to clear this days before the exam, yet my hard work paid and I got through. So, put your honest hard work in those areas where your fate lies in your own hands exclusively, means where no one else is there to decide your destiny.

• Human being is the most selfish living organism in this world. When they need help, they would be utterly sweet towards you, and the moment their job is done, they won't even recognize you. Hence don't overdo anything for anybody.

• Never trust anyone in the office. Be a diplomat (not possible for me though)

• Brand name of the college you graduate from is the foremost important point, rather than how well you perform in any college. Even if you are a 5 pointer from IIT/IIM, you are a genius. And even if you are a perfect 10 from XYZ college, you are useless.

• Learn to be vocal. You are getting paid for the hard work you put in. Your company is not obliging you by paying. Hence, raise your voice if you face any issues there. And more so, maintain the work life balance.

• Futures and Options market is more addictive than alcohol/tobacco. And majority of the time, you end up losing your hard earned money.

I hope 2012 goes better. And who knows where would I be exactly one year later. I can easily predict that 2012 is going to be the 2nd most happening year of my life (after 2010).

Happy new year to all. God bless you!!