Burning The Midnight Oil No More

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My loyal readership will (I hope) be aware that the commencement of 2015 was an especially significant time for me, as it marked the start of a new chapter in my life. With the shackles of the corporate world and the habitual burning of the midnight oil now firmly a thing of the past, I began the new year with an exciting career in PR and reputation management at a boutique agency in Chancery Lane. 

Whilst a career outside the corporate bubble had been a long time coming, my decision to break free was undoubtedly a risky and courageous one. For one, it involved saying "so long" to the comfortable pay packet (aka my ticket to the world of Manolos and Jimmy Choos) and "adieu" to the shiny glass offices (aka my front row seat to the sun setting over St Paul's Cathedral). But if I remembered anything from my mother's many words of wisdom, it was to never make the mistake of looking through rose tinted spectacles, and it didn't take long before I realised that the "handsome" pay packet and striking scenery masked a whole array of sins. 

I am now three days into my new chapter and after four years of working, I finally know what it feels like to be a valued and respected member of a team. So my offering today is mainly aimed at those of you feeling the aches and pains of working in a corporate machine and toying with the idea of planning your great escape. 

Corporate giant vs boutique organisation

Meal times

Corporate giant: "I should probably stock up on the boardroom biscuits as I don't know when my next meal will be"

Boutique organisation: Free breakfast and free lunch - fridge overflowing with M&S goodies. 

Working hours

Corporate giant: "We have a 'last man standing' approach to contractual hours"

Boutique organisation: Whatever is written in your contract.  

Targets

Corporate giant: "You've met your targets this year? Here, have a black and white spreadsheet with a bunch of inexplicable numbers on it."

Boutique organisation: "You've met your targets this year? Here, have an extra large something in your pay packet this month."

Birthdays

Corporate giant: "Is it your birthday today? Where's the cake?"

Boutique organisation: "Happy birthday...have a bottle of champagne and a birthday cake on us."