All in a day's work.

All in a day's work: what does that mean, really? What does that really mean in the context of Dhaka? People in developed countries complain about traffic, not enough public transports, standing in the queue, commuting for hours, lack of parks and open spaces. Well, please come and live in Dhaka for a while and you'll know that it's more difficult than you think. 

Being a twenty- something working professional who's in his prime and ready to conquer the world, I feel like I am doing a lot better than before. I want to say that my mid- twenties crisis is over but one can never be too sure of something like that. It is tough for me to get up from my cozy bed every morning as I literally drag myself to get ready. The morning dose of music does help to get my spirits high since I am not a morning person at all. I actually thought of plastering my walls with a couple of motivational posters about waking up early; then I thought to myself that I already have at least three different kinds of alarms on (one on my phone, one on my laptop and the ever efficient and timely wake up calls from my parents) so I let that thought be. So, that was hurdle number one and on most mornings I make it through and wake up. 

#Rusko says to Wake The Fuck Up!

Hurdle number two: traffic! I don't brace myself to face the traffic; what can I do to the problem that is hard to describe in words. I am not going to go over this again, I've written about the abysmal traffic problem in a previous post. So far in my professional career, I've been really blessed with workplaces that were quite close to home. I'd have hated it if I reached all sweaty every morning before I even reached the floor of my office building. So, I get in the car with my father who drops me close by to my workplace, put my headphones on and drown out everything else around me. Occasionally, I can hear my father freaking out and cursing at idiotic people and cars who blatantly keep cutting us off in the roads. I could care less: what's the worst that can happen? At least I'm always buckled up in the front seat! 

That's the traffic, no big deal. 

So, I’ve made myself to work without sweating or ingesting too much dust…great success! Now, the workplace is another circus, the only difference is the circus is confined between walls and cubicles and the employees are the circus animals. It’s just a treat to the eyes as well as the ears to watch and see them all full glory. I am nothing but a silent observer, I don’t enjoy the show obviously; however, I am just a cruel prisoner who has to go through this everyday. I think we are in general a nation of people who talk loudly, no matter what the circumstance; we just can’t talk in a lower register. I think it’s probably because talking loudly makes us feel important and that we exercise more authority than we think we have. I just sit at my desk, smile at everyone passing by my cubicle or have a disinterested look on my face and keep rocking to my playlist with my headphones on.

Homer says #shutup!

Educating the masses: don't put your feet up on the toilet seat.

Ok, so it’s almost the end of the work day and I am getting ready to go home or maybe chill out somewhere. But, where you ask? I’m honestly tired of seeing new cafés and restaurants popping up everywhere, offering the same kind of uninteresting food. I’d rather have a drink and by drink I don’t mean having coffee at pretentious coffee shops with pretentious people crowding those places who can’t wait to check- in or foursquare their virtual presence. I want to sit outside with my chilled drink in hand and enjoy live music in the evening. But that’s just wishful thinking and that’s not going to happen, at least not in my lifetime! Dare you think of opening a pub and people will be awestruck and stone you with all sorts of judgment; the same people who’ll probably go home and open up a bottle of scotch at the comfort of their own homes. So, I get into my running shoes and take a walk from work instead, occasionally stopping for chips to keep me company while I eat and observe people.

Take a #walk and do yourself some good. 

Alright, so I’ve reached home after walking for an hour. I thought I’d find it tiring to walk back home after a long day at work but frankly it’s better than sitting through hours of traffic for no reason. Reaching home feels like I’ve made it to sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. City life is not as hyped up and glamourous as a lot think it to be; city dwellers never have enough time for anything. The weekend flashes by even before I realise that all I did was just sleep. I’d like to listen to more music, drink more whisky and cook fabulous meals for myself. I want to travel and meet my friends (how many I have left) as often as I can. I do like the city life, just not a fan of the life that Dhaka force feeds me. I am a nonconformist and a renegade, at least that’s what I like to think of myself. So, I’m going to do all of those things that I want to do and console myself by saying, “It’s all in a day’s work, mate!” because tomorrow is another day. Cheers! 

Basking in the sun!