I was all of 23 when I landed my first job at a collection BPO. I was elated. Completely taken in by the new identity that my new name and adopted accent. But a few months into the job and I began to wonder, who am I? No this not any sign of spiritual inclination. It is a typical case of identity crisis. I was talking like a foreigner, behaving like one and yet I knew it was only an act. It had nothing to do with either me as a person or my life outside the BPO.
Just when I was beginning to look the realities of my dual existence face to face and, getting used to them. I got acquainted with the most dangerous word in the BPO world- wrap time. In my company we were given a wrap time of 45 minutes in an eight hour shift. These 45 minutes were inclusive of Snack breaks, cigarette breaks and even a break to attend the washroom. In fact, I remember we had a marathon meeting at the office at which it was decided that one could leave ones seat during talk time if the need to answer natures call was so overpowering.Sometimes I wonder what is that has helped me retain my sanity and continue in the job even after having been in the industry for four long years. I guess it is the fact that I made a conscious note of the occupational hazards I would face in my job. Then I made a determined decision to overpower the. To attain goal number two I have taken to regular practice of yoga and meditation.