How I Landed My First Job

I wrote this article for a blog post on The Hub of Thomson Reuters in 2020 for a contest on why TR is the best place to work? And it got me winning the contest too!

TR has always stood its ground and been grabbing that spot every year. The reason is simple - It makes every employee feel more like it is their second home. So sit back, grab your coffee and read my story. Do note that this was written in 2020 and many things I have professionally changed for the good at my end. I might write again to share the latter part of the story. Here you go for now!

The year 2016 was no pleasant when I was getting done with college and my friends were getting placed with big companies. Only if I knew better then that good things happen to those who wait. I wasn’t even sure where I fit in or if I should even try. Half of my family was making sure that I wasn’t skipping my civil service coaching. The other half – praying and bringing marriage proposals for me. Next, I see myself on house arrest for five long months in Lebanon. It was much like an extended version of the quarantine we all are currently being in.

My younger self was shattered, confused, and sadly wondering if life would ever be about the choices that I want to make. My boyfriend helped me sail the months without letting me get into wasteful arguments with family. He put some sense into my head by making me understand how a job could bring stability in my life. Being financially independent could put me in a better spot to decide better for myself. As scared as I was to do anything against the wish of my family, it was about time I made that move. I spoke to them humbly about how much I need a job and that I might have to move back to Bangalore to look for one. They couldn’t understand why I wanted to be in Bangalore. (No, not for my boyfriend!) My family moved and stayed in different places over the years but not in Bangalore. It was a task convincing them, but I did it because I love how this city has opportunities for everyone. After a month’s fight, I somehow convinced them to get me tickets and some money for a month’s expenses. I walked out in a promise I would find a decent job in a month’s time. Though not so happy, they agreed.

The next month was a race against days and weekends that were closed for most workplaces. I went for about twelve interviews and landed this job. I got selected in most of the places I applied but TR was a choice in the blink of an eye. I was specific that I wanted a job in the content field and TR was it.

Last October, I completed four years in TR, and it is very special and personal to me. Over this time, I got to work with two sides of the FindLaw Content Team and it’s been a one-of-a-kind experience for a mostly silent bird like me. I was a total wreck when I joined and it took me a good half year to get organized, wear that corporate hat well and understand @FindLaw in its essence. Ever grateful to my manager @Chayanika Dwivedi for always understanding me and mostly appreciating even the smallest of achievements in the team.

I firmly believe in the duality of life, and ups and downs are a part of the game. On my lowest lows, I might want to call it a quit but when I take some time out and think practically, this job has always given me that flexibility, sense of financial stability and a lot more when I least expected. What makes me happy the most about my time here is a part of me evolved in TR and its culture. I have got to meet and spend time working on different assignments with many folks and there is something you always learn from them and the time spent on the work. TR is also one of those choices that I made in life by myself than letting anyone voice for me.

You are often silenced as a woman in places and that’s not okay. There should a point in life where you step up your game and give it your voice. That’s exactly what TR made me do by making me a part of it. And oh! While we practice some social distancing due to the current situation, let me add this – the brighter days are yet to come! Until then, stay home, stay safe, and hope you enjoy this read.