Another birthday for me. It has been 788400000 seconds of my existence on this planet. Celebrating birthdays used to be fun when I was a kid. There were preparations in advance. Lot of people used to come and more importantly they used to bring gifts. I just love gifts. Relatives used to drop by. In short it used to be a total fun. But things have changed now. No birthday parties and no gifts! Usually I take my friends out for a dinner and they don’t even bother to give me presents. They don’t understand that I am paying for the dinner because I expect gifts? Why should I be happy about growing old? Well the excitement of being an adult ends when you cross 21. Every subsequent birthday reminds you that soon you are going to have your own family, you will have children and you are going to be addressed as ‘uncle’ and not bhahiya. Each birthday reminds you of your responsibilities as a son.
“I need to start earning soon. I have save enough money to buy a home”
Expectations run high when you study in an IIT. People think that everyone graduates with $100,000 job. The average salary in 8 lacs per annum. And if not then you are below the poverty line! People don’t realise that exceptions don’t always prove the rule. How many $100,000 jobs? I can just think of just one this year. And plus morons convert dollars to Rs. and exaggerate.
the other guy: IITians get 44 lacs per annum job. What about you?
me: Ah me. Its just under 6 lacs per annum for me
the other guy: That’s terrible then! I told you to concentrate on studies. Which company BTW?
me: PWC
the other guy: PWC? What’s that? Some public water corporation?
me: No. Price Waterhouse Cooper
the other guy: Oh, never heard of it
me: Its one of the top consultancy firms in the world
the other guy: Even Infosys and Wipro are world brands. Why didn’t you join them?
me: If after 5 years of graduation from IIT you get the same job as someone from local engineering college then what’s the big deal? and plus I don’t want to get into software
the other guy: 5? Did you fail?
me: Nah. I am a dual, 5 year integrated course B. Tech + M. Tech.
the other guy: I see.
I wrapped up the conversation. This dual thing has become a constant source of trouble for me. I have to explain everyone I tell about my degree. In many cases I tell them that I dropped 1 year in the middle so 5 years instead of 4, its humiliating but at least I save myself from the explaining the entire thing.
In reality even IIMs struggle to have 8 lacs per annum as average salary so forget about IITs. I don’t think that average salary goes above 4-5 lacs per annum in any of the IITs.
Anyway this birthday too I am going out with friends. There is nothing happy about this birthday….no gifts!
I got this picture as a birthday gift from my best friend. Ask me if you don’t understand it. BTW do cast your vote in the poll (Its in the sidebar on the main page)
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
pi 01.08.07 at 8:10 pm
happy birthday shaarique! many happy returns of the day. stop being so kanjoos, its the desi way to treat ure friends on ure birthday. =)
no matter what theres always going to be someone who never gets hwat u do but will give their two cents on it. pwc is a great firm and its not your fault if people are ignorant. lastly as much as money is important in life, so is being happy and having that extra zing that makes u want to work hard and love what u do.
Sharique 01.08.07 at 11:37 pm
pi,
Thanks a lot for the wishes. Kanjoosi ki baat nahi hai, i am only asking for a gift in return
i know and i will never run after money. Someone told me not to fall for money during the early days in career. I need to gain the experience first then go for money but not at the sacrifice of happiness.