16-05-2012
My impression is, scary at first. From small to big, simple
to complex, relax to hectic, sparse to crowded, and from simple community to complex
community, these are what I feel, the changes in the working environment.
Actually, I’ve just got a new job which still in the same
field and the same discipline. But there are many differences from small time
player to big player, not me but the company. It’s quite a new experience for
sure. So many things should be comprehended and understood which two different
places have two different policies and working environment.
While in the workplace before, an engineer would take part
in almost everything except in discussing and handling the fee or payment of
the job. About money, for sure the boss would take the responsibility to get
their fees and payment. When the real
issue is how to settle the problems and issues, boss first surely will explain
and give an idea how to solve it and then it’s up to engineer (young
inexperience engineer) to solve all the issues according to client demand and
boss’ instructions.
It’s quite good actually, even though it was hard. Starting
from getting the concept (usually from the architect) and then continued with
several discussions to confirm the detail (e.g. building structural and
infrastructure design), continued with getting the approval from the
authorities, and then deep further in detailed design. Usually that is the
extent of engineer scope of work in consultancy but to tell you the truth, the
essence of a construction job in consultancy world is the ‘drawings’.
‘Drawings’ is what we produce. Design calculation? Most of
them (client, architect, quantity surveyor, land surveyor, resident engineer
and usually Contractor), don’t give a damn about it. For sure, our boss quite
particular about design and it is compulsory to give a proof of calculation of
the design. But unfortunately, those design calculation only appreciated among
small circle which contains design engineer and his boss. Most of the time the
authority would require a calculation report to comply with the submission
checklist, but more often it were kept in their keep. Just to dig it up back in
case the building collapse, only for obvious example.
Most of the time, the question towards us is “Where is the
drawings?’. So they would neglect the time we needed to calculate and then
design it according to the specification.
Sorry, my writing quite gone astray right now. Drawings were drawn by
draughtsman. They will get information from engineer and then start to draw to
fulfill the engineer instructions. Experienced draughtsman will understand what
engineer wants and most of the time, less time needed to make some correction
and amendment. But when the engineer is young, the draughtsman also new so it
quite tough to handle any given project and to deliver on time. Sometime even
the engineer got to hands on with AutoCAD, because the draughtsman doesn’t
really understand what engineer wants. It
is already a success to finish a job which satisfies the boss and client but
most of the time, no. But we always try
to become better right? Hehe.
Well, new world, new environment and new adventure. It was
quite relax in the company before but quite strict in this new environment. So
many differences and not to mention the pay as well. Live must go on. We have
to quickly adapt with new environment for us to propel in the new adventure.
Welcome new experience, I’m gonna embrace you tightly and absorb all the things
that I truly going for and deserved it. InsyaAllah, amin.
P/s: It is almost like a dream come true. As I step outside
the building, Times Square is right in front of me. Then, the old Imbi Plaza is
on my left and next to it is Sungei Wang. If I turn around I can see Low Yat
Plaza. It is a dream comes true. Yeah. Dream comes true for me at least. Haha.
"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –
