October 2006
The Daily Grind : October Update
Filed Under Personal
It’s been almost three months already since I took the helm of my team which is composed of three sub-teams. It was a big learning experience for me and a whole new challenge. It’s a new dimension which at some point, I though was just too much for me. But an optimistic person that I am, I look at it in a very positive way. I just remember the things I learn from every obstacles and challenges that comes my way. But of course, the business my team is supporting is always a priority.
But it’s definitely not a walk in the park. Since February, several people left the team including at least two veterans. I got two newbies who resigned after a six-month contract. Too bad because one of them has a very good potential. But people who accepts opportunities from the outside are always free to go and fully supported. That’s part of life and we would be in no way prevent them in pursuing a better career and of course, a greener pasture. Just before this month ends, another old-timer is resigning.
Aside from a higher turnover of staff, the most challenging part is the number and difficulty of the requirements in our pipeline. I’m already concerned with the team members because the work is already eating up their lives. Though the projects were good training grounds for new team members, they are just too complicated for newbies. And as a result, I don’t remember delivering a clean build for the last three months. We’ve got at least one rework for every build we sent. That’s terrible and never happened before.
But there’s some time left to make up. I just hope the team will take the challenge and I know most of them are. But not all and it’s my job to stimulate them and put their bar higher. So help me God.
Another SMARTBro Blunder
Filed Under Personal
Just this afternoon, I went to SMART Wireless Center to ask them to relocate my SMART Bro account to my sister’s apartment in Tayuman. I thought that was the best thing to do since I can’t have my account terminated(I’ll have to pay the 7 months remaining in the contract) and my sister needs an internet connection for her staff. Well, I’m wrong! I was asked by SMART to pay PHP2,000 for the relocation fee. WTF!!!! Two thousand pesos will already pay for 1 month advance and installation fee. Why the hell I would have to pay P2,000 for the relocation?
The setup is highly disadvantageous to the clients. Just imagine, if you have to move out of your apartment and you still have four months unused months with SmartBro, you’ll have to pay for that unused months. That’s PHP4,000 and and it is still a waste of money if you relocate your SmarBro since you still have to pay P2,000 for the fee. And besides, you wouldn’t want to waste some more on a service that sucks! Why do you need to relocate it with you?
As a result, I just told my sister to try apply for Bayantel DSL since Tayuman area is already a Bayantel service area (though I’m not sure if they already offer DSL there). And here’s some additional info. I was told that SMART is still considered a ‘middle-man’ here because the actual service comes from Meridian (which is also owned by SMART). Meridian-SMART Bro is considered a separate entity and SMART just sells their service. Think about consignment.
So if you go to a SMART wireless center, you’ll have that feeling that they are cleansing their hands on it. They are hands-off on issues and will just tell you that they’ll forward your concern with Meridian. That’s damn B@#!L$h1T!!! And then lastly, they’ll tell you that they are sorry and they understand your concern. Wow, thank you very much but NO THANKS!
Here’s my delimna. Early next year, we plan to give up the apartment we are renting. We would either move-in with my in-law in their apartment(which we are practically doing right now) or find a rent-to-own condo. That would mean I have to leave the apartment with around 4 or 5 months left on my SMART BRO contract. I feel like throwing money every month. Surely, it’s one of the most stupid decisions I made this year. That money is more than enough for a BE G36K airsoft gun!
