I had written an entry about this, but didn't like how I was getting caught in the details and ultimately losing my point, maybe in fear of appearing arrogant, over-confident in something everyone's dead and yet, feels like a point of pride of myself personally. It'll feel redundant rewriting this from an entirely new angle, but I also got some clarity in how my approach was wrong and ignoring my insecurity, denied my ability to articulate my thoughts fully
Yesterday was the company Christmas party. If you don't follow me on Twitter or, more important, don't give two shits about my life, well I'll catch you up purely out of a need to seek attention. I've started a new life, again, in Copenhagen, Denmark. To differentiate from that of Berlin is a challenge in terms of weather but most definitely not in culture. The people here are relaxed, fashionable, very elaborate in their presentation and furthermore, down-to-earth. Where the Germans are mechanical and sometimes straight-forward, going so far as to reiterate what they mean to avoid conflict, the Danish trust their conversation partner and there is an amicable confidence that everyone here has something to offer. Cynically, someone could cal this a modification of Jante's Law, but I'll assume it is culture and an interesting one at that.
The Office inside is quite nice and very spacious, though the chairs suck.
https://vid.me/s7TH not sure how to embed video, but this is what it looks like inside, it's nice
If you aren't aware, I am now working at Aller Media A/S where everyone is dressed reasonably fashionable and the disproportion between male and female workers is massively in favour of women (so much that I sometimes feel anxiety walking into the office). I hadn't realized the regional prestige of the company until yesterday where I was explained that 1. the company owns 75% of the magazine market in the Nordic Regions and 2. everyone around me is onto their main career chapters while I am still settling on a title.
A lot of what the company offers to its employees is apparently very normal for the country: catered food, company phone, laptop and tablet, and some smaller benefits that is traditional for large corporations: covering transportation costs, etc. (in this case, they deduct it from your salary before taxes, which is nice). At the Christmas party, I definitely felt like a fish out of water, not because I pretend I am more into the Jewish religion than my last name can reach but more because of the language issues which has been prevalent for the last 14 years as I moved from French to German to Danish which definitely is emphasized at parties where I can't join in conversations (since they're speaking foreign) but rather I have to either create a captivating conversation for them to stay interested or, as usual, I have to make myself the conversation which goes against my Dale Carnegie approach in making friends and creating established relationships.
Nevertheless, the Christmas party was overall pleasing. It was just a strong reminder of point #2: Everyone around is 6 to 10 years ahead (31 to 40+) and I hadn't realized its effect until the relocation service we hired inquired to me why Aller Media was putting a lot of effort to make sure she found a place for me and handled my paperwork and banking. Then you couple that with how the conversations would go: people would be keenly interested on my position and work and then they'd tell me their position and their age, immediately their age. The shift becomes their perception of how they'd do the job or how the job has evolved from when they first started and then it dawns on them that they may have 20+ years of experience in this role, but I am exactly where they are, same company, same role(s), just 20 years before. So everything they're saying to me is, almost, completely lost because although I've done the research on the importance of XYZ position, I've never experienced it. I'm just shy of a year and a 1/2 out of university and in their mind, we're equal level of knowledge, know-how and experience. It's a little too surreal for me and it pretty much underlined my on-the-fence attitude about myself (that I had erased last week).
I think we're all in love with Audrey Hepburn. Perhaps not of her films (My Fair Lady has some classic tunes), but I have always loved this song. Whether song eagerly in the film or redone by my favourite Jazz artist: Matt Dusk. On The Street Where You Live feels almost obsessive, a persistence in patience and a patient persistence to woo the false identity of a down-to-earth woman in a near outdated film of values. It's almost too poetic.
For many at this company, they are speak with a very humble confidence, an inner-pride where they know what they're doing or, better yet, can easily figure out with the right tools (and at this company, it feels like they're quite prepared). It's as I said before where everyone very much trusts each other and perhaps that's more international. I don't have that confidence, or, to reiterate. Whenever I speak, whether it's the advice as I did in my last entry or it's in retrospect of where I've come from, I speak on behalf of my persistence and patience.
And I thought I was unique in that regard, almost arrogant. I thought I was the only one who pulled three major roles with something to show as I finished my degree, then you realize people have their own badges of honor and then you realize you are completely wrong. Wrong in that so many people you admire for their work, has been doing the same steps and attempts as you have. Maybe not in the same field, exact work or even same achievements (even better) but in their mindset. It's so normal, Bruce Lee is quoted:
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
It wasn't until I saw this quote, an old one, and was hit with Will Smith's poor framing that I realized I, like many others who read this and so many more who are doing more than I could claim to be doing, believe to be in the right frame of mind and unquenched need to strive. I like to think it's an odd combination of feeling undervalued among my peers or simply a constant persistence to quantify my worth. No matter the insecurity, it's about persistence and patience and perhaps that is why I am a bit veiled in arrogance (though I'm trying hard not to come off as cocky). Because I truly and utterly feel that if I put enough time, dedication and commitment in something, it will either prosper in success or I will be able to walk away with enough value to further add credit to my abilities.
I never liked his frame of mindset. He's trying to say that he may not be the best, but he will always try the hardest and that was similar to my sort of "motto" in whatever I do. But by his words, it felt more comparative than independently confident that could be unmatched.
And that's essentially what Will is saying. He says that no matter how much better you are, I will always be the one who tries the hardest. I don't like comparisons and you can see that in how I explained my situation among my co-workers from other departments/projects is a very restrained attempt to avoid it. It's why I don't like Will's viewpoint, though I agree with the same perseverance he radiates.
Jackie Chan also is similar in his work ethic. Where he will do the same shot hundreds of times just to get the right feel of it that he knows his audience will appreciate. He also criticizes Western Directors for completely butchering action/comedy (more or less)
John Dryden once said: "Beware the fury of a patient man" and I really like that. Among my friends, I am whiny, impatient and sometimes neurotic in the verbalization of my own thoughts but even at more critical times where my friends sound alarmed for my well-being, I have this near laissez-faire attitude as if patience will unknot any halting of my progress. Maybe I've just given up when I see no alternative of a solution. So exuding any annoyance or irritation is a waste of energy.
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.
- T.E Lawrence
In short, it is good to be wrong. That I am not some unique fellow who's hit a stride of efforts based on a dated insecurity of his failed educational path as well as need to seek approval, respect from gossiping peers and judgmental """"""""""""""""friends"""""""""""""""" but rather just lucky and a good frame of mind (or enough attempts to come off that way - persistence).
The isolation, however, is of course the culture, age and language separation. I'll be Deputy Editor and Communications for an upcoming project and hope to be able to share more soon. It is, still eSports-related, so I'm still in the field despite many people's wishes I wasn't.. Below are some pictures of the company.
Neuroticism is a fundamental personality trait in the study of psychology characterized by anxiety, fear, moodiness, worry, envy, frustration, jealousy, and loneliness.
Neuroticism is a fundamental personality trait in the study of psychology characterized by anxiety, fear, moodiness, worry, envy, frustration, jealousy, and loneliness.
Definitely don't take the literal definition. Apply it to the sort of attitude and behavior of Woody Allen characters
It's a downward form of talk and approach/perspective in things, it has all those things: fear, anxiety, moodiness, but it is alleviated by one's own verbalization in coping and it always feels like they're stressed. So it alludes to what you wiki'd, but it's a lot less severe (but it does have some discouraged feelings, frustration, stress and moodiness)
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
On December 14 2014 08:56 NeThZOR wrote: Beautiful. You must be very happy working there.
Happy to work regardless. 3 months or playing games and having the job employment situation constantly question my worth was a very, very tiresome battle. Thank you very much!
On December 14 2014 10:58 GGzerG wrote: Man, that looks like a kick ass job....nice work !!
Thanks!
On December 14 2014 13:37 Plexa wrote: Glad to hear things are working out for you Torte
Thank you. I'm not out of the oven yet, meaning still in eSports and still working on start-ups, but for now, I have a goal, ambition and an ability apparently this company wants, so that's very reassuring.
On December 14 2014 14:05 Clazziquai10 wrote: My gawd your workplace looks amazing! Great job!
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
Thanks! It has definitely been interesting the first two weeks here. The new job is good, but all startups start slow and comfortably. After launch will be the challenges I fear and yet, look forward to!
Which one did you go to? Their EU HQ? To be honest, the Google office is pretty sweet with their pool, gym, laundry and everything. Plus the catered food and the gaming rooms are hella nice (depending which floor). It definitely didn't shrug off the corporate feeling of it all though and the layout as a whole is just confusing and kind of off-putting (some relaxed rooms are tiny as shit and others are too big for no reason). I'd go just for the food though, I loved it.
Yeah, their company perks justify the lower salary (associate positions for marketing are like ~35k euros, which is pretty good, but moving up is brutally long and difficult), so it's best to move sideways and such. It helps that they offer some crazy good perks financially speaking.
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
Thanks! It has definitely been interesting the first two weeks here. The new job is good, but all startups start slow and comfortably. After launch will be the challenges I fear and yet, look forward to!
Which one did you go to? Their EU HQ? To be honest, the Google office is pretty sweet with their pool, gym, laundry and everything. Plus the catered food and the gaming rooms are hella nice (depending which floor). It definitely didn't shrug off the corporate feeling of it all though and the layout as a whole is just confusing and kind of off-putting (some relaxed rooms are tiny as shit and others are too big for no reason). I'd go just for the food though, I loved it.
Yeah, their company perks justify the lower salary (associate positions for marketing are like ~35k euros, which is pretty good, but moving up is brutally long and difficult), so it's best to move sideways and such. It helps that they offer some crazy good perks financially speaking.
The dublin one - to be honest, I can probably get at least 50% more here in Denmark when I'm done studying - and that's just a 1-year graduate programme which leads to increase afterwards as well. (And that would be in a position with paid lunches, snacks, etc.)
On December 14 2014 22:29 Yorbon wrote: Great blog! enjoyed reading it
Thanks!
I wish they'd remove the star system for blogs, it doesn't make anyone want to write/share more when they're being evaluated. If there's a Featured Blog system, then the star system is only useful for negativity. It's just a way for people to undermine those they don't like without confrontation.
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
Thanks! It has definitely been interesting the first two weeks here. The new job is good, but all startups start slow and comfortably. After launch will be the challenges I fear and yet, look forward to!
Which one did you go to? Their EU HQ? To be honest, the Google office is pretty sweet with their pool, gym, laundry and everything. Plus the catered food and the gaming rooms are hella nice (depending which floor). It definitely didn't shrug off the corporate feeling of it all though and the layout as a whole is just confusing and kind of off-putting (some relaxed rooms are tiny as shit and others are too big for no reason). I'd go just for the food though, I loved it.
Yeah, their company perks justify the lower salary (associate positions for marketing are like ~35k euros, which is pretty good, but moving up is brutally long and difficult), so it's best to move sideways and such. It helps that they offer some crazy good perks financially speaking.
The dublin one - to be honest, I can probably get at least 50% more here in Denmark when I'm done studying - and that's just a 1-year graduate programme which leads to increase afterwards as well. (And that would be in a position with paid lunches, snacks, etc.)
I mean it depends on the position and what you are looking for. I think hidden companies that handle business-to-business probably pay higher, but aren't as renowned (I mean even Aller Media offers a pretty good package, but they're not internationally big, so it's quite hidden for foreigners like myself).
Also cost of living is important. Denmark is ridiculously expensive with ridiculous taxes on everything in comparison to Dublin. I would say that the gaming market, as a whole, is the most backwards salary-wise, especially as the industry grows. Working directly in eSports is a major mirror of it as salaries are pretty awful.
But you do what you love, etc. Even if Google does pay less than Aller Media and other companies here in Denmark, it's without a doubt that its reputation and having worked there can definitely leverage you faster in your career at other companies than companies popular in only the Nordic Region (if you're looking to leave these regions).
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
Thanks! It has definitely been interesting the first two weeks here. The new job is good, but all startups start slow and comfortably. After launch will be the challenges I fear and yet, look forward to!
Which one did you go to? Their EU HQ? To be honest, the Google office is pretty sweet with their pool, gym, laundry and everything. Plus the catered food and the gaming rooms are hella nice (depending which floor). It definitely didn't shrug off the corporate feeling of it all though and the layout as a whole is just confusing and kind of off-putting (some relaxed rooms are tiny as shit and others are too big for no reason). I'd go just for the food though, I loved it.
Yeah, their company perks justify the lower salary (associate positions for marketing are like ~35k euros, which is pretty good, but moving up is brutally long and difficult), so it's best to move sideways and such. It helps that they offer some crazy good perks financially speaking.
The dublin one - to be honest, I can probably get at least 50% more here in Denmark when I'm done studying - and that's just a 1-year graduate programme which leads to increase afterwards as well. (And that would be in a position with paid lunches, snacks, etc.)
I mean it depends on the position and what you are looking for. I think hidden companies that handle business-to-business probably pay higher, but aren't as renowned (I mean even Aller Media offers a pretty good package, but they're not internationally big, so it's quite hidden for foreigners like myself).
Also cost of living is important. Denmark is ridiculously expensive with ridiculous taxes on everything in comparison to Dublin. I would say that the gaming market, as a whole, is the most backwards salary-wise, especially as the industry grows. Working directly in eSports is a major mirror of it as salaries are pretty awful.
But you do what you love, etc. Even if Google does pay less than Aller Media and other companies here in Denmark, it's without a doubt that its reputation and having worked there can definitely leverage you faster in your career at other companies than companies popular in only the Nordic Region (if you're looking to leave these regions).
What do you think? It's a fascinating subject!
Sure Denmark is expensive, but Dublin is also somewhat expensive.
Yeah I will never work in e-Sports, I will probably work in B2B for most of my life, most likely as a consultant. Sure Google sounds nice on your resume, but being able to say you have worked on projects for companies like Arla, Siemens, ISS etc. is to me a lot more appealing. Allows you to get deep knowledge in different lines of business while still maintaining a strong profile.
Welcome to Denmark and Copenhagen I wish you the very best of luck with your future here in Denmark. I don't know how long you have been here yet, but summers in Copenhagen is something very special (as you have already experienced our weather isn't that nice, so people really maximize the days where the sun is out). Let me know if you need any pointers to exploring the city - sadly I just moved so I show you around in person.
On December 14 2014 07:30 TheEmulator wrote: wow, that place looks sick. Seems to be a great opportunity as well, good luck
Thank you! I was pretty ecstatic when they flew me out and everything for an interview. I mean, I've been to the Google offices in Dublin, and their food is fucking insane, but the offices feel either really messy, low ceiling or still relatively cooperate as compared to Aller Media who has a more open-space approach; though obviously the perks at Google are better.
Welcome to DK Torte - Hope you are enjoying your new job.
That google office is the biggest facade I have ever seen, it was IMO so hollow and forced that I almost began laughing at the whole thing. (Of course their perks are better when their salary level is lower) ;-)
Thanks! It has definitely been interesting the first two weeks here. The new job is good, but all startups start slow and comfortably. After launch will be the challenges I fear and yet, look forward to!
Which one did you go to? Their EU HQ? To be honest, the Google office is pretty sweet with their pool, gym, laundry and everything. Plus the catered food and the gaming rooms are hella nice (depending which floor). It definitely didn't shrug off the corporate feeling of it all though and the layout as a whole is just confusing and kind of off-putting (some relaxed rooms are tiny as shit and others are too big for no reason). I'd go just for the food though, I loved it.
Yeah, their company perks justify the lower salary (associate positions for marketing are like ~35k euros, which is pretty good, but moving up is brutally long and difficult), so it's best to move sideways and such. It helps that they offer some crazy good perks financially speaking.
The dublin one - to be honest, I can probably get at least 50% more here in Denmark when I'm done studying - and that's just a 1-year graduate programme which leads to increase afterwards as well. (And that would be in a position with paid lunches, snacks, etc.)
I mean it depends on the position and what you are looking for. I think hidden companies that handle business-to-business probably pay higher, but aren't as renowned (I mean even Aller Media offers a pretty good package, but they're not internationally big, so it's quite hidden for foreigners like myself).
Also cost of living is important. Denmark is ridiculously expensive with ridiculous taxes on everything in comparison to Dublin. I would say that the gaming market, as a whole, is the most backwards salary-wise, especially as the industry grows. Working directly in eSports is a major mirror of it as salaries are pretty awful.
But you do what you love, etc. Even if Google does pay less than Aller Media and other companies here in Denmark, it's without a doubt that its reputation and having worked there can definitely leverage you faster in your career at other companies than companies popular in only the Nordic Region (if you're looking to leave these regions).
What do you think? It's a fascinating subject!
Sure Denmark is expensive, but Dublin is also somewhat expensive.
Yeah I will never work in e-Sports, I will probably work in B2B for most of my life, most likely as a consultant. Sure Google sounds nice on your resume, but being able to say you have worked on projects for companies like Arla, Siemens, ISS etc. is to me a lot more appealing. Allows you to get deep knowledge in different lines of business while still maintaining a strong profile.
In comparison to Berlin/Germany, everywhere is expensive. But Copenhagen has a combined expensive lifestyle + insane tax rates. For France, it's insane, but the tax rates are not as deadly (someone correct me if wrong).
Dublin is expensive because of the city-size and property, but the cost of living is much, much cheaper.
Honestly, eSports is not for everyone and if you haven't noticed already, the politics of it is very immature at times (and I'm not even really involved at all). B2B is good, perfect.
I agree on your perspective, but it definitely sounds different for everyone. I'm looking for stability and long-term committed projects, so hopefully this works out. A role that is very versatile, etc.
On December 15 2014 01:43 Ghostcom wrote: Welcome to Denmark and Copenhagen I wish you the very best of luck with your future here in Denmark. I don't know how long you have been here yet, but summers in Copenhagen is something very special (as you have already experienced our weather isn't that nice, so people really maximize the days where the sun is out). Let me know if you need any pointers to exploring the city - sadly I just moved so I show you around in person.
Thank you so much! I have been here for two weeks and people told me Copenhagen can get very hot, though at this moment, I'm a little skeptical about it given the weather. It's not as cold as Montreal, but definitely very windy!
I was looking at Michelin Star restaurants to go to but haven't found any that seemed fair in terms of pricing/portions. Sushi as well, would love to go to a top sushi place.
Going out to eat is generally rather expensive in Denmark. Most places will definitely make sure you get full despite it being a parade of smaller portions.
I personally thought Noma to be a little too much art and too little food for my taste, but I guess that all comes down to preference. Geranium was on the other hand one of my best experiences.
In my experience, sushi in Denmark is never really terrible, but neither really amazing. I would recommend the sushi place at the top of the Tivoli hotel (pretty close to where you work). It is really for the view you should go. Very cozy atmosphere as well.
Depending on your budget, other great places to eat are (listed more or less from most expensive to less expensive): The Red Box in Store Kongensgade (small and extremely cozy place) Famo metro at Øster Søgade (the other Famo restuarants are also good, but this is my favorite) Le sommelier in Bredgade (The food is definitely value for money, but you really go here for the wine - they'll serve any wine by the glass and they know their business) Gorilla in Kødbyen Kap Horn in Nyhavn Peder Oxe at Gråbrødre Torv (their burger is pretty good) Cocks and cows at Gammel Strand Spicylicious in Istedgade (right around where the street begins to be a little dodgy) Bar Burrito (probably because I craved burritos after returning to Copenhagen from the US, but I do think they make some excellent food)
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/klcZj34.jpg)
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Great job!
