Internships could be one of the best ways to prepare one for the corporate world. Other than putting the knowledge and skills learned to the test, it could also be an assessment of how well you’ll be able to cope when it comes to socialising and mingling with the working class.
Just several days ago, a Malaysian man has shared how he feels “trapped” and “alone” after working a few days at his internship company.
In his post he said,
“I’m an intern and I just started work few days ago. I realised that most of my colleagues don’t like to get off work on time and would always stay back for OT. For those who doesn’t have much to do after work, they’d still stay and chit chat.”
“It makes me stressed out because I wouldn’t know if I should go home or not. Other than that, I’m the only intern in the office so whenever I encounter some problems, there’s no one I can share my stress with. My seniors wouldn’t bat an eye or bring me out for lunch”, he continued.
He then ended his post saying that he feels alone and doesn’t know if he can go through the next 4 months.
“I feel so trapped and I don’t know if I can continue the next 4 months. Is this the reality of working in the corporate world? Or maybe it’s because I’m just an intern and they don’t feel the need to take care of me”, he said.
Many netizens were quick to comment on this matter and here’s what some of them said:
“Everyone is busy and have work to do, if you have nothing on hand, you can just go home. Your colleagues aren’t responsible for your wellbeing.
You’re there for work, not for friends, if you meet someone who is nice at work, then that’s your luck. Everyone is selfish in the corporate world.”
“You’re there to learn and complete your internship, not socialise and make friends. It’s not awkward to have lunches alone, there are plenty of people out there who eat their lunch alone.”
“Realistically speaking, being in the workforce would mean that the strong would prey on the weak. You need to prove that you’re a person who has value, then only would people care about you.”
“You don’t have to worry about them, just go home when it’s time. Keep it up!”
“It’s okay, you’ll get the hang of it. As time passes, you’ll get closer to your colleagues and then you can have lunches together! If not, you can also make the first move.
Also, it’s good to have lunches alone, it’s quiet and peaceful. I like eating alone.”
This is a gentle reminder to treat everyone with kindness and if there’s a new kid on the block, feel free to make the first move and invite them for lunch. It’ll definitely be the highlight of their day!
Also read: Boomer S’porean Employer Cancels Interview After Intern Asks if She Could Have a Virtual Interview
