The name of the game

I don’t like competition. This is why I cannot play competitive sports, and competitive people do not like to play with me either.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the feeling of winning- who doesn’t? But surely, there can be win-win situations? And surely surely, winning does not always have to be at the expense of others. And surely surely surely, winning has to be done fair and square right?

This is why I was having a hard day in the office this afternoon, it’s not the first this has happened, but my frustration has reached its threshold.

So the company has been poaching staff from other competitors- sure no problem, I’m sure they came here voluntarily as well. But that’s ok, selling is selling. May the salesman with be best skills win.
But then, to have propriety information from competitors, circulating them- using that as a benchmark to copy- that’s just not cool. And knowing that the source of the info is from a friend, makes it even harder. I cannot say I’m surprised, I expected it from them and I expected it from him, which is why I did not want to bring anything over. I don’t want to have to give them that info or lie that “I don’t have it”.
Worst of all, I’m being asked constantly “how TR does this?” I’m reluctant to answer directly, but I can’t not answer as well.

I guess it’s normal to “play dirty” to get ahead. And perhaps, some might argue that it’s not playing dirty. Market rule dictates. They pay for the talent. And some of these things are public knowledge to some extent, or given by a prospective client they're trying to steal. But it just feels dirty. Having the info is not wrong or bad, but how one gets it matter! Use it only if you can find it on the web!

But I know my problem is that they are “stealing from TR”. I have no sympathies about the people they got from other firms like BB or CapIQ. My heart is still really there, and I want to go back and tell them to get their act together!!
And that’s why I’m going to follow up heart this time. I hope it works out. Even if I’m “sealing my career”, getting into a big fat mess, or risking get laid off, so be it. It will be in God’s hands. How often does one find something that one truly cares about, and be willing to roll in the deep for it? And of course it doesn’t hurt that I’ll be able to be home more, and get more freedom. Yay!

One big lesson for me: I don’t like competition, especially dirty competition. And I am too “loyal” or “sentimental”, to betray my roots or where I come from. If I ever change my job or company again, I can’t do something too similar- otherwise there will always be these ethically hazy grounds I’ll be thrust into again.

And so indeed, the decision has been made. Sharing this here, makes it more settled for me. Now it’s fingers crossed, and I hope things go through!