Mumbai
WORK
CULTURE & ROUND UP
Employees
are self starters, resourceful and get on with the job, deliver
on their own without constant prodding--this is the opinion
of senior HR managers. This is seen right from unskilled work
to very complex jobs too. There is also a co operative spirit.
There are any number of professional associations.
Women's
issues: Women are treated exactly as men with a little bit
of regard maybe but that's all. There is very little "eve teasing"
or harassment of women by louts like in Delhi. More than such
crimes, property crimes are the ones to watch out for. For young
working women Mumbai is a grind, but they say it is worth it
compared to other metros. New arrivals, both men and women are
surprised and annoyed that they are pushed and jostled rudely
--by men and women alike--- in crowded areas. They take a week
to understand nobody even looks at them, just want them to get
out of the way. Then they too efficiently start using the Mumbai
elbow-and-shoulder technique.
Elderly
people: Mumbai is NOT a good
place for elderly people. In the suburban localities, like minded
elderly people tend to get together (for instance on early morning
walks) but traveling downtown is troublesome. Those who hail from
joint families may feel lonely at first.
Pros and cons of Mumbai - who is it good for: EXCELLENT
for young people just beginning their careers: Mumbai work experience
is invaluable, not just for professional reasons but also as an
educational experience. It is great for "learning fanatics" and
self starters. The value of discipline and systematic, methodical
application which even a short stay in Mumbai engenders, lasts
a lifetime.
It is NOT a recommended relocation destination for people planning
their retirement.
For
mid career professionals it really depends on the nature of the
job but generally the hidden costs of relocation ( children's
studies, etc.), the stress of living in Mumbai etc. dampens such
moves.
Obviously
the pace being frenetic, everybody is in a hurry. Also, since
people are thrown together in groups, in order to respect the
other persons' privacy, people tend to absolutely mind their own
business. This on the surface looks like aloofness or unfriendliness.
Actually it is a matter of respecting the others' privacy.
On
the flip side, people tend to align in "groups" after work. Children
naturally play sports and games and they are another link between
families. Most regional cultures are well represented here, and
they often meet.
Often
new arrivals say "it a lonely unfriendly place" New arrivals tend
to feel lonely at first. Depends upon the interests. In the opinion
of old Mumbai hands, sports is the quickest way, cricket for instance.
For those with specialized interests like literature, it will
take longer, but it is rewarding. Music groups are found everywhere,
right from rock and pop to classical western and Hindustani and
Carnatic. One can also join part time courses for foreign languages,
personality development, the arts and crafts, dance, music, etc.,which
are conducted by reputed organisations and private institutions.
Internet Relay Chat is said to be successful in making new friends
and the Mumbai crowd is quite active here. The more adventurous,
for example, can tag along with hikers' clubs and clamber over
the hills between Mumbai and Pune.
Socializing:
This is a matter to beware of. Unlike in other Indian cities,
people do not drop in unannounced on holidays and Sundays. This
is because usually the people have planned for something or decided
simply to catch up on their sleep. Usually it is better to fix
social visits beforehand. Parties are commonly thrown on weekends.
Picnics to nearby areas are often organized. Major festivals are
infectious, as newcomers soon realize.
Could
your husband land a job in Mumbai too?: Men can get jobs in
Mumbai too. The lesser IQ does not matter in Mumbai, really. Skills,
of any type, are always in demand in Mumbai. As far as women having
to do a full time children-and house-keeping job, those with some
time on their hands can make extra money even with their traditional
skills for instance in cooking are appreciated tremendously -
many have started small businesses too.
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