Like any young man of the fiercesome Bøårsk tribe of northern Sweden, Erik always aspired to become a famous viking warrior. But as he grew from being an adolescent to a grown man, he grew tired of the same old raiding, looting and pillaging of neighboring tribes. Pretty soon, he didn't want to be involved in any more raiding parties, but he went anyway, because he didn't want to arouse suspicion among the other warriors.
During quiet days, Erik started to wander around the surrounding areas of his home village, each day venturing a little farther. He found he loved these little explorations. And then one day, when there wasn't much more exploring to be done around the village, he went to the coast and looked across the vast expanse of water. What lies beyond those waters? he thought. His curiosity grew stronger each day. Between raids, he started spending more time with the tribe's fishermen as well, and became fascinated with their boats. Even going on a few fishing trips with them. He asked them all sorts of questions on how to build boats, how to fish, how to navigate...he wanted to know everything!
He quickly became good friends with the fishermen. But then he said something that shocked them all. "I want to see what lies beyond these waters. Maybe there are faraway lands that no one has seen before." A stunned silence followed. One of the fishermen became upset, "YOU FOOL!" He pointed at the horizon, "CAN'T YOU SEE, THE WORLD ENDS THERE AT THE HORIZON. ONCE YOU GET TO THAT POINT YOU FALL OFF THE EDGE!! Also, before getting to that point SEAMONSTERS will eat you alive. We must never speak of such things again."
Having seen how he upset his friends, Erik decided to drop the subject. However, he wasn't convinced of seamonsters and of the horizon being the edge of the world. Besides, if they were right, he was one of the most fiercest warriors of the Bøårsk tribe, he didn't fear seamonsters. Also, he figured if the edge of the world was the horizon, he thought he could always turn around before he got there.
With each day this urge to explore the open seas became stronger, and he had his fishermen friends help him build a boat, he told them it was for short fishing trips. He started planning for his long trip. He estimated how much food he would need, the types of clothes he would wear on the voyage, the weapons he would take, he even planned to take a gift of a pig's head with him as a gift to present to the people he might meet in those faraway lands. He decided he would soon embark on his voyage of exploration. One night while the Bøårsk warriors were celebrating a succesful raid of a nearby rival tribe, Erik decided to share his decision with the tribe.
"Fellow tribesmen," he yelled, "I have made a big decision, I've decided to explore the wide open seas with my new boat." The crowd murmured, didn't he know of the dangers of seamonsters?! "I shall go next week. I know of the dangers, but I shall be well prepared. But, I realize that I may have a very small chance of survival. But do not be worried, Once I reach the faraway lands I believe may be across the horizon, I shall claim these lands in the name of the Bøårsk tribe, and we shall be the most powerful tribe in all of Sweden. Before I go, I shall make a sacrifice of a 1,000 cows to ødin. Do not try to change my mind, I've made my decision and it's final." The tribe knew that once Erik made a decision, it was fruitless to try and argue with him. His father thought he was foolish, but he was proud of his son's bravery. The next day, Erik started making preparations...to be c0ntinued.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Outsourcing ain't so bad.
Complains on this blog are lamer then 10 lama's.
There is more to the picture then meets the eye.
There is more to the picture then meets the eye.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Karluv Most - Charles Bridge -
i was asked to write this. i might as well post it here since i don't think it will be used anywhere else.
The Birth
Constructed under the reign of Charles IV the birth of the Charles Bridge is shrouded in legends and mysteries. Construction was started at 5:31 am on the 9th of June 1357. All the numbers are odd and, excluding the number 9, they are all prime numbers. Legend has is that the mortar used to bind the stone blocks was strengthened with egg yolks and science has shown that there are indeed inorganic and organic ingredients in the mortar.
Karluv Most - Charles Bridge - Karlbrucke - Pont Charles - Ponte di Carlo - Puente de Carlos - Kaarlen Silta - Podul Carol
The Charles Bridge is not the bridge to cross in a hurry. Not only because of the crowds, but because the spectacular sights require time. The centuries of stone require time to tell their story.
The Birth
Constructed under the reign of Charles IV the birth of the Charles Bridge is shrouded in legends and mysteries. Construction was started at 5:31 am on the 9th of June 1357. All the numbers are odd and, excluding the number 9, they are all prime numbers. Legend has is that the mortar used to bind the stone blocks was strengthened with egg yolks and science has shown that there are indeed inorganic and organic ingredients in the mortar.
The bridge was finished in the beginning of the 15th century and whatever was used to bind the stones was a success, because despite countless floods across the centuries the bridge still stands today. Even the waters of the river Vltava (Moldau), whose banks gave birth to the powerful Golem, were not strong enough to break free of the bridge.
It stood solitary across the river, the only connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and surroundings until 1841.
The Charles Bridge has been decorated by different means over the centuries, ranging from the severed heads of anti-Habsburg revolutionaries to gothic and baroque style statues and statuaries.
Thirty time-blackened statues of forgotten saints now stand on the bridge, each with their own story to tell.
The statue of John of Nepomuk is the oldest statue on the bridge. The statue was built where Wenceslas IV threw John off the bridge for refusing to reveal Queen Johanna’s confession in 1393. The martyr’s secrets drowned with him in the river. Countless hopeful, greasy fingertips have polished the plaque on the statue, which is said to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague when it is touched.
The statuary of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary was gradually modified over the centuries, having been mutilated by the Hussites and the Swedes. A Hebrew text was placed over the crucifix as a punishment for a Jewish man, Eliass Backoffen, who had debased the crucifix. An American rabbi cautioned the city of the offense this might cause and the city added a plaque explaining the historical significance of the text.
And many more stand mutely with their stories to tell.
The Modern Day
Centuries have passed and the bridge has lost little of its mystique. Walking over the bridge, which stands over the river like an imposing fortress, all the senses are brought to an alert. Vistas of red, green, white, and gold sparkle on both banks of the river. The coolness of its flowing waters can be tasted in the air.
The bridge bustles in the daytime. Music mingles with the sound of camera shutters as an old man gives Pinocchio a run for his money with a clown-faced, faded, red-nosed puppet with a guitar.
During the night and early morning the bridge is a silent romantic haven. Lit by gothic-style lanterns it stretches longingly over the Vltava. Standing close together to ward of the coolness of the night, you can watch the reflection of the city shimmering in the dark blue waters under the moonlight.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Last Line of Defense
Clouseau has been on vacation for the last week, and Archie has been in meetings for most of that time. Clouseau is responsible for the smallest accounts, and he usually doesn't have to do a whole lot, but now that he's gone my workload is close to unbearable. I already had trouble keeping up with my work as it is, and now with the extra work I'm nearing a breaking point. We need reinforcements and we need them quickly.
They're on their way, there may be a new person on Monday, but once they're here they'll need to be trained. And given Clouseau's level of competence I'll be expected to shoulder that load as well. Making matters worse, Alice Cooper finally found another thing to complain about (never mind the fact that she messed up on a couple things herself this week, but she's kind of a big deal so it's okay,) I won't go into the details, it's not a big issue but most likely she's going to escalate it to one of the managers anyway. Regardless, just 3 more work days until another brief weekend respite.
They're on their way, there may be a new person on Monday, but once they're here they'll need to be trained. And given Clouseau's level of competence I'll be expected to shoulder that load as well. Making matters worse, Alice Cooper finally found another thing to complain about (never mind the fact that she messed up on a couple things herself this week, but she's kind of a big deal so it's okay,) I won't go into the details, it's not a big issue but most likely she's going to escalate it to one of the managers anyway. Regardless, just 3 more work days until another brief weekend respite.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
City of a 1,000 Spires
I knew next to nothing about Prague and the Czech Republic before I moved here. All I knew is that the people spoke Czech, Prague was the capital city, and I knew about Martina Navratilova. It all happened so suddenly last year that I didn't have much time to study the country. With time, I've become a lot more knowledgeable about the city, but there's still a lot more to learn.
Sights
Prague is probably the most beautiful city I've ever had the privilege to visit/live in. Everytime I walk around the center, I feel like I'm on vacation, and looking at all the old churches, buildings and the amazing sense of history makes me feel lucky that I'm here. Some of the more famous sights in the city include, the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock (see picture.) Many people dislike tourists, but sometimes it's nice to hear different languages besides Czech, and when I hear Americans, it feels like home again.
Entertainment
The city has loads of pubs and clubs, and it's tons of fun going out here and the beer is cheap as well. There are also lots of concerts. When going to the cinema, the movies aren't dubbed, but are subtitled, a big advantage! Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of good restaurants and all in all, the food is mediocre at best. However, the beer is great and is served in pints.
Crime
For a city this size, Prague has a low crime rate, which is a good thing because the police is notorious for being incompetent. The only thing one really has to watch out for are the pickpockets that frequent the center, but by practicing common sense one can significantly reduce the chance of being pickpocketed.
People
Czech people, and people from Prague in particular have become infamous for their grouchy demeanor. There's no such thing as small talk with strangers (believe me I've tried.) When speaking another language on the subway, tram or bus, one is likely to be glared at. I don't believe the people have much of a sense of humor either. The women have a deserved reputation for being very lovely and fashionable, but are unapproachable. Men often wear camouflage clothes and have odd hairstyles.
Cost of Living
Before coming here, I was told that the cost of living was a lot lower than western Europe and the United States. It probably is a lot cheaper to live here than western Europe, but I think the US is cheaper. I paid a lot less rent for my apartment, which was also larger, gasoline was cheaper, electronics and clothes are a lot cheaper as well. The only thing that costs less here is food and beer. However, for a capital city, relatively speaking, it's quite economical to live here.
Conclusion
I love living here. At the same time, a part of me is itching to go westwards again. The longer I stay here, the more I'm looking forward to the next opportunity. The novelty of living here is slowly losing its charm, but I'm still enjoying myself while I can. The day of my departure is still unclear, but I know it's coming closer with each passing day, and I'm looking forward to that day. But when it comes, I know it will be bittersweet.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Eef no one volunteers...I VILL SHOOSE VOLUNTEERS!!
With a cold, steely gaze El Presidente looked around the meeting room, carefully obeserving his workers one by one. It was Wednesday morning and the weekly breakfast meeting had just commenced. Having just returned from vacation in Croatia (some say it was actually a management course in Pyongyang sponsored by the North Korean government,) he was eager to re-assert his control in the office. No doubt, he thought, things were in disarray while he was gone, and all his underlings were running amok, it was time to show them all who's boss.
There was a palbable fearful atmosphere in the room, pale faces were looking frightfully at El Presidente's hard glare. Their short lived freedom had ended, and things would soon go back to normal. They feared the things that he'd say, bad news was on the horizon.
At last, El Presidente began to bellow across the room. He knew that by speaking in a loud voice, he would make his workers respect him. DEAR EMPLOYEES (he began, in his trademark thick Czech accent.) VE HAVE MODIFIED COMPUTER SYSTEMS. VE MUST TEST THESE SYSTEMS, BUT ONLY TIME VILL BE WEEKEND. MEANINGK THAT VE MUST HAVE THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THESE TESTINGS. VE REQUIRE 5...HOWEVER, IF NO ONE VOLUNTEERS...I MUST CHOOSE VOLUNTEERS!!
Having finished his announcement, he flashed a self-satisfied grin and nodded his head contemplatively. There was a stunned silence. Surely, he can't force anyone to work over the weekend? But then again, this is El Presidente, who's mood can change from compassionate...to vengeful and cruel in a matter of seconds. No one would dare refuse dear leader.
Next, to show his insolent subjects that he's tough but fair, he opened the suggestion box. NOW I VILL READ SUGGESTION BOX! Beginning with the first suggestion, which requested that employees that don't take sick days should be given a bonus. LEESTEN DEAR WORKERS, he bellowed after reading the first suggestion, IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR PAY, PERHAPS YOU SHOULD LOOK ON OTHER JOB! He took out the second suggestion out of the box, he started to laugh and shake his head. ALLRIGHT, THESE ONE NOT VERY VALID, BUT THIS IS SUGGESTION BOX SO I READ SUGGESTION! THESE PERSON WANT TO HAVE ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGIST BECAUSE OF STRESS RELATED TO JOB! IF YOU CANNOT HANDLE STRESS PERHAPS YOU SHOULD BECOME LIKE PERSON THAT DELIVERS THE NEWSPAPER OR SOMETING...I MAKE JOKE! Everyone laughed nervously.
At last it was time for the final suggestion. Dear leader, it said. Your mercy and compassion knows no limits. How do you tolerate those who go against you, and are disloyal to our great company. He smiled, and spoke in softer tones. "Vell, dear workers, because I see myself as your father, and you as my dear cheeldren. Sometime you go against me, and you must be punished, BUT ALVAYS REMEMBER I CARE FOR YOU. If you show loyalty to me and this company you vill be revarded. HOWEVER, he yelled wagging his finger, IF YOU BETRAY ME AND THIS COMPANY...YOU VILL PAY DEARLY!"
Having clearly made his point, he told everyone to go back to their cubicles. Mission accomplished, he thought to himself.
There was a palbable fearful atmosphere in the room, pale faces were looking frightfully at El Presidente's hard glare. Their short lived freedom had ended, and things would soon go back to normal. They feared the things that he'd say, bad news was on the horizon.
At last, El Presidente began to bellow across the room. He knew that by speaking in a loud voice, he would make his workers respect him. DEAR EMPLOYEES (he began, in his trademark thick Czech accent.) VE HAVE MODIFIED COMPUTER SYSTEMS. VE MUST TEST THESE SYSTEMS, BUT ONLY TIME VILL BE WEEKEND. MEANINGK THAT VE MUST HAVE THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THESE TESTINGS. VE REQUIRE 5...HOWEVER, IF NO ONE VOLUNTEERS...I MUST CHOOSE VOLUNTEERS!!
Having finished his announcement, he flashed a self-satisfied grin and nodded his head contemplatively. There was a stunned silence. Surely, he can't force anyone to work over the weekend? But then again, this is El Presidente, who's mood can change from compassionate...to vengeful and cruel in a matter of seconds. No one would dare refuse dear leader.
Next, to show his insolent subjects that he's tough but fair, he opened the suggestion box. NOW I VILL READ SUGGESTION BOX! Beginning with the first suggestion, which requested that employees that don't take sick days should be given a bonus. LEESTEN DEAR WORKERS, he bellowed after reading the first suggestion, IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR PAY, PERHAPS YOU SHOULD LOOK ON OTHER JOB! He took out the second suggestion out of the box, he started to laugh and shake his head. ALLRIGHT, THESE ONE NOT VERY VALID, BUT THIS IS SUGGESTION BOX SO I READ SUGGESTION! THESE PERSON WANT TO HAVE ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGIST BECAUSE OF STRESS RELATED TO JOB! IF YOU CANNOT HANDLE STRESS PERHAPS YOU SHOULD BECOME LIKE PERSON THAT DELIVERS THE NEWSPAPER OR SOMETING...I MAKE JOKE! Everyone laughed nervously.
At last it was time for the final suggestion. Dear leader, it said. Your mercy and compassion knows no limits. How do you tolerate those who go against you, and are disloyal to our great company. He smiled, and spoke in softer tones. "Vell, dear workers, because I see myself as your father, and you as my dear cheeldren. Sometime you go against me, and you must be punished, BUT ALVAYS REMEMBER I CARE FOR YOU. If you show loyalty to me and this company you vill be revarded. HOWEVER, he yelled wagging his finger, IF YOU BETRAY ME AND THIS COMPANY...YOU VILL PAY DEARLY!"
Having clearly made his point, he told everyone to go back to their cubicles. Mission accomplished, he thought to himself.
outsourcing 101 - a beginners guide
good morning my name is all too human. i work in outsourcing.
*cue most people thinking: what the hell is outsourcing? sounds boring. just smile and nod. smile and nod. please don't let him talk more about is job*
and well... normally they are lucky, because i change the subject. but well... today dear unknown reader [the voyeur to my exhibitionist], today you are not so lucky. today i need not actually see the grimaces on your faces as you read. but then again perhaps you will smile [and nod], after all you chose to read a blog title the daily outsource.
alas, if you wish to know no more of the harsh realities of outsourcing i cannot force you to read on. but you will miss much, your understanding of the world will be severly maimed. it would be like eve refusing the fruit from the tree of knowledge.
famous all too human words of wisdom #32 - "Too understand the concept, one must first understand the word". The American Heritage Dictionary defines outsourcing as, "To send out (work, for example) to an outside provider or manufacturer in order to cut costs. "
which is why you often get a foreign sounding human when you call a company's helpline.
and it breaks my heart when companies advertize their service line saying, "you will be helped by native people working in the country." it doesn't matter, its not as if they will pop by to help in that case.
So why do companies outsource? according to the above mentioned dictionary they do it to cut costs. and they are right. a company decides that their employees are too expensive. an outsourcing company then offers to do the same job more efficiently and for less money, while making a profit themselves. So its cheaper and with the added perk that they can always blame [founded or unfounded its just nice to have a scapegoat] the outsourcing company for any mistakes. Plus the outsourcing company will work harder to keep the client happy and therefore probably improve whatever process they take over.
So there you have it. you now know what outsourcing is. so the next time you meet someone that says they work in outsourcing. smile and nod and do not insist they tell you more. and if they keep their mouth shut about their job, then you've met a friend for life.
*cue most people thinking: what the hell is outsourcing? sounds boring. just smile and nod. smile and nod. please don't let him talk more about is job*
and well... normally they are lucky, because i change the subject. but well... today dear unknown reader [the voyeur to my exhibitionist], today you are not so lucky. today i need not actually see the grimaces on your faces as you read. but then again perhaps you will smile [and nod], after all you chose to read a blog title the daily outsource.
alas, if you wish to know no more of the harsh realities of outsourcing i cannot force you to read on. but you will miss much, your understanding of the world will be severly maimed. it would be like eve refusing the fruit from the tree of knowledge.
famous all too human words of wisdom #32 - "Too understand the concept, one must first understand the word". The American Heritage Dictionary defines outsourcing as, "To send out (work, for example) to an outside provider or manufacturer in order to cut costs. "
which is why you often get a foreign sounding human when you call a company's helpline.
and it breaks my heart when companies advertize their service line saying, "you will be helped by native people working in the country." it doesn't matter, its not as if they will pop by to help in that case.
So why do companies outsource? according to the above mentioned dictionary they do it to cut costs. and they are right. a company decides that their employees are too expensive. an outsourcing company then offers to do the same job more efficiently and for less money, while making a profit themselves. So its cheaper and with the added perk that they can always blame [founded or unfounded its just nice to have a scapegoat] the outsourcing company for any mistakes. Plus the outsourcing company will work harder to keep the client happy and therefore probably improve whatever process they take over.
So there you have it. you now know what outsourcing is. so the next time you meet someone that says they work in outsourcing. smile and nod and do not insist they tell you more. and if they keep their mouth shut about their job, then you've met a friend for life.
Monday, August 4, 2008
love letter
most affairs happen at work. it seems the office is the ideal setting for romance. and our office is no different.
after a meeting i returned to my desk and grabbed my notebook from my drawer. i noticed a letter in my drawer. it had my name written on it with a drawing of a heart. i picked it up thinking it was probably a letter from my colleague Lina. and she's a woman and women always draw hearts and flowers everywhere. so i open it- casually albeit a little curiously - and find that the note is signed by sandra and a lipstick kiss.
wow. this is not from my colleague Lina (not her real name, she's not swedish either). to be honest i'm a little shocked. guiltily i throw the letter back into my drawer and shut it in there. just to be sure i lock it in. you never know.
once my blood slows down to a steady supersonic level. and the blindfold of panic falls to the floor. a smile settles on my face. this is a practical joke. it must be. unlocking my drawer i pull out the letter again, this time to actually read it.
bladibladibla... like you...you're so great... the usual love letter stuff... signed, sandra. p.s. who is that buff guy who always walks with you to get a coke from the machine (its a ritual ok).
aha!
that bastard.
after a meeting i returned to my desk and grabbed my notebook from my drawer. i noticed a letter in my drawer. it had my name written on it with a drawing of a heart. i picked it up thinking it was probably a letter from my colleague Lina. and she's a woman and women always draw hearts and flowers everywhere. so i open it- casually albeit a little curiously - and find that the note is signed by sandra and a lipstick kiss.
wow. this is not from my colleague Lina (not her real name, she's not swedish either). to be honest i'm a little shocked. guiltily i throw the letter back into my drawer and shut it in there. just to be sure i lock it in. you never know.
once my blood slows down to a steady supersonic level. and the blindfold of panic falls to the floor. a smile settles on my face. this is a practical joke. it must be. unlocking my drawer i pull out the letter again, this time to actually read it.
bladibladibla... like you...you're so great... the usual love letter stuff... signed, sandra. p.s. who is that buff guy who always walks with you to get a coke from the machine (its a ritual ok).
aha!
that bastard.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
tick-tock goes the vampire clock
the clock ticks. and every day it can't go fast enough for me. everyday in my cubicle i long for home like i haven't been there for years. but now time is catching up with me. and i'm nowhere near where i want to be. nowhere.
an office job. a cubile. and not even a lot of money.
i blame the teachers.
i blame the parents.
i blame Joseph Campbell.
and Bon Jovi for reminding me that it is my life.
i blame everybody that ever gave young people hope; anyone that said everything will be fine if you just "follow your bliss". i wonder how many of us said, "well golly, i'd love to have a cubicle and work 40 hours a week in the operations of an outsourcing company!"? even "my dream is to be an accountant!" sounds exciting compared to that. perhaps i'm in this very place because i never believed them. or maybe because they were wrong. liars.
the job is not entirely without redemption, however. the experience is essential and the opportunities are numerous. it is a sort of limbo where people are suspended in a sort of half-life while they wait for something better. it isn't quite hell and it isn't quite heaven, but both could still be reached from this place. unfortunately while living half a life you lose a whole one, as the full seconds tick by. Murdering you slowly, but always faster than you want.
an office job. a cubile. and not even a lot of money.
i blame the teachers.
i blame the parents.
i blame Joseph Campbell.
and Bon Jovi for reminding me that it is my life.
i blame everybody that ever gave young people hope; anyone that said everything will be fine if you just "follow your bliss". i wonder how many of us said, "well golly, i'd love to have a cubicle and work 40 hours a week in the operations of an outsourcing company!"? even "my dream is to be an accountant!" sounds exciting compared to that. perhaps i'm in this very place because i never believed them. or maybe because they were wrong. liars.
the job is not entirely without redemption, however. the experience is essential and the opportunities are numerous. it is a sort of limbo where people are suspended in a sort of half-life while they wait for something better. it isn't quite hell and it isn't quite heaven, but both could still be reached from this place. unfortunately while living half a life you lose a whole one, as the full seconds tick by. Murdering you slowly, but always faster than you want.
Hi Chucky...Bye Chucky
In old sitcoms, often there'd be a memorable character that would only show up on a couple of episodes and then they'd be written out of the script. That's kind of what our experience with Chucky was like. He was quite memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.
Like Clouseau, Chucky is a Belgian, so I was hoping the 2 of them would hit it off quickly. It started out promising enough, Clouseau was excited, so was I, he could talk about all that Belgian stuff he loves so much with our new co-worker. They seemed to be kidding around with each other, going to lunch, and everything. When I was training him, I was happy that he seemed to be eager to learn our procedures, he was making flowcharts and making printscreens. The future of Benelux team seemed bright, indeed. However, I should've seen some of the warning signs for what was about to come, it was obvious he was obsessed with money and kept bragging about his hot Tunisian girlfriend with blue eyes, and his skills and possessions.
Then as Chucky seemed to be getting more comfortable with his new work-environment, his true nature came out. His language became more vulgar, as did his humor, which only he found amusing. He began to openly insult anything and anyone, even criticizing the superiors for being stupid for having some of the procedures in place. He could do everything better he said, he probably could, to tell you the truth. There were some moments when I cringed at the things he said to the other people, mostly it were the comments he made to the women. Just the overall atmosphere in our corner of the office became very awkward, very quickly. He also dumped his hot Tunisian girlfriend some days before...so, it was playtime for Chucky. None of the women were safe from his charms; marital status, age, appearance, personality, none of this seemed an obstacle for him. And it was getting worse each successive day. At this point, Clouseau had already started to despise him...you'd have to be really obnoxious to get him riled up.
It also became apparent that in the meantime he made a commitment with another company (that would pay him more, but in the field that he had experience,) in the city. I learned about this from another co-worker within the team on Wednesday, and I knew that in the weekend he'd return to Belgium. Initially, he'd be trained by us for 2 weeks, go back to Belgium for a month and then get to work. But this new agreement would mean that when he'd return to Prague he'd start working with this new company, meaning that his fling with our company was over. The conclusion worked out the best for everyone involved.
Goodbye Chucky, best of luck.
Like Clouseau, Chucky is a Belgian, so I was hoping the 2 of them would hit it off quickly. It started out promising enough, Clouseau was excited, so was I, he could talk about all that Belgian stuff he loves so much with our new co-worker. They seemed to be kidding around with each other, going to lunch, and everything. When I was training him, I was happy that he seemed to be eager to learn our procedures, he was making flowcharts and making printscreens. The future of Benelux team seemed bright, indeed. However, I should've seen some of the warning signs for what was about to come, it was obvious he was obsessed with money and kept bragging about his hot Tunisian girlfriend with blue eyes, and his skills and possessions.
Then as Chucky seemed to be getting more comfortable with his new work-environment, his true nature came out. His language became more vulgar, as did his humor, which only he found amusing. He began to openly insult anything and anyone, even criticizing the superiors for being stupid for having some of the procedures in place. He could do everything better he said, he probably could, to tell you the truth. There were some moments when I cringed at the things he said to the other people, mostly it were the comments he made to the women. Just the overall atmosphere in our corner of the office became very awkward, very quickly. He also dumped his hot Tunisian girlfriend some days before...so, it was playtime for Chucky. None of the women were safe from his charms; marital status, age, appearance, personality, none of this seemed an obstacle for him. And it was getting worse each successive day. At this point, Clouseau had already started to despise him...you'd have to be really obnoxious to get him riled up.
It also became apparent that in the meantime he made a commitment with another company (that would pay him more, but in the field that he had experience,) in the city. I learned about this from another co-worker within the team on Wednesday, and I knew that in the weekend he'd return to Belgium. Initially, he'd be trained by us for 2 weeks, go back to Belgium for a month and then get to work. But this new agreement would mean that when he'd return to Prague he'd start working with this new company, meaning that his fling with our company was over. The conclusion worked out the best for everyone involved.
Goodbye Chucky, best of luck.
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