Seems like this week I've been witness to what I consider some really amazing things.
Last week, we were at the beach and not 150 metres offshore was an adult and baby whale, who looked to be teaching her child how to breach. She'd hang out at the surface, her dorsal fin just visible, while her baby leaped and jumped in the air. And we - along with other visitors - all stood on terra firma, eyes glued to the ocean, in amazement.
Another day, we went for a picnic bbq dinner at our favourite spot, Makena Landing. It's an old trading area from the 19th century and it's perfect for sunsets, swims and dinners out. All four of us were in the water and very close to shore was a massive whale slapping his/her tail. It was so close and so powerful that we could hear the thunderous clap each of the dozen or so times it hit the surface. And we stood in the water - amazed by this great beast.
This time of year, you see a lot of people doing handstands in the water. We've been told that it's so that you can hear the whales talking. Neil tried it, and yes, he heard them. The whistling, squealing and hollow sounds of their echolocation had him trying it back up on the beach. I further ruminated about these whales, how they stay in pods, looking after each other, teaching and travelling together such great distances. And it humbles me, who relies on steel and fossil fuels to get around and who ends up so far away from those that I care about.
And I am amazed at something different. Very different and nothing magical or awe inspiring. I am amazed this week at the corporate world. The corporation - that faceless, soul-less, magical entity that unlike any other living being - can act, move around, and conduct itself without consequence for their actions, (check this out http://www.thecorporation.com/). Recently, I am witness to acquaintances and close friends, some barely competent but many talented, being terminated in the name of improving profits. Not because of this "economy" but to simply deliver a better bottom line to its shareholders. I'm not really against anyone making money. But these corporations, after being bought by corporation(s) so that they can likely be sold to other corporations, have proceeded to thank some very loyal employees, by asking them to help them "transition" their knowledge to either remaining employees or offshore. That's right, "you're fired - but just stick around just long enough to share all that you've done for us, or else..." I know, I know, other corporations have done a lot worse, ones who steal from, lie to and cheat its customers and employees. Is it any wonder that Gen Y and the ones who come after have absolutely no loyalty to the companies they work for? Being one of the less numerous Gen X'ers around, my views are now mirroring those of my more plentiful younger colleagues. Sure, I'll offer what I've got, but not likely for long, and then I'll likely end up doing the same for your competitor.
So I can chalk up another thing I've learned this trip - the last thing I will tell my kids is to study hard, and get a good job with a big company to get good pay and benefits. Since in the end - it will benefit them very little. Instead, I'll tell them to study hard and look for the best individual (and that may be themselves) to help them deliver what will matter - innovative products or services at fair prices to great customers. And if they're with the right person or organization, they'll benefit immensely.
As I end this week, instead of looking west to the ocean and the whales, I end up looking to the east, at the horizon of the world that existed for me in a bygone chapter. And then I tell myself to turn around, let it go, and watch the whales.
