Office Politics

Work life and trying to get along with colleagues is a totally different ball game from school life and making friends.

There are obvious and not-so-obvious seniority ranks in place although everyone is a "colleague" to you. And after a while, you just learn to identify these invisible ranks. And you learn how not to be blunt and avoid treading on these people's toes.

You finally manage to see some meaning in the term "office politics".

But these unspoken rules are a tough act to follow.

You never would have known that your simple act of helping someone buy lunch might be seen as offensive to another as you are seen as if you are sucking up to the person.

And just when you think you should not suck up to anyone, another person tells you that you need to go to the boss's office more often, spend more time talking to her (read: sucking up), just so that she can pass more lucrative leads to you.

Everyone wants you to pay attention to them and at the same time, seeks your attention as well

With all the niggling problems at work, thank God I have the ongoing World Cup to divert my attention as well as the bank-sponsored trip to Beijing and Hong Kong coming up!

Finally, there is something for me to look forward to at work (other than pay day).

Fixed deposit rates not competitive with other banks. FD cannot do.

One-year structured deposit no longer available. SD cannot do.

At least 6 increases in mortgage rates since the start of the year. Eve walk-in rates are higher than most banks. Bank acting all high and mighty, only wanting to attract the affluent. Now even the affluent don't want to come. Mortgage cannot do.

Terrible investment climate. Most regional market indices suffering worst slump in years, possiblity of a bear market coming up, most funds still coming down. Unit trust, premium currency investment cannot do.

Endowment plans' interest rates not attractive enough; too long term, money locked up. Insurance cannot do.

Bank M offering far higher savings account combined with ATM facility. ESavers cannot do.

Don't need to work already lah.