Why Did I Leave BPCL: Career Journey and Lessons Learned
Balancing Work and Reality: My Experience in BPCL
As a maintenance engineer, my job was no walk in the park. Contrary to popular belief, people often perceive government-owned organizations like PSUs to have relaxed lifestyles. However, my reality was far from this. My role involved 12-hour night shifts, where my primary responsibility was to navigate a dilapidated vehicle around a refinery. This was undoubtedly a functional and structured organization, but my department did not offer the recognition and respect one would expect.
Despite the challenges, I managed to escape this environment with the support of a wonderful team of people who made the work atmosphere bearable. This experience at BPCL was a formative one, particularly at the bottom levels of the organizational hierarchy, where I found a plethora of incredibly talented professionals. I wish to replicate such partnerships in future endeavors.
Temporary Deputation with Valuable Learning
During a temporary deputation from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, I was assigned to conduct a survey of LPG bottling plants. This assignment provided me with a temporary yet enriching experience, offering a deeper understanding of LPG operations. I was relatively new to these concepts, and this role allowed me to enhance my knowledge and ideas.
The temporary nature of the role aligned with my objectives at the time, but it also allowed me to learn a great deal about LPG operations. Albeit a part-time position, it was instrumental in broadening my horizons and providing valuable insights.
Decision to Leave: A Choice of Better Opportunities
The decision to leave BPCL was influenced by several factors, primarily career growth and personal constraints. Despite the valuable learning experiences and the potential for growth, I felt that the career prospects were limited, and the long work hours (11 hours daily, often extending into the next day) and working on alternative Sundays made it difficult to prepare for my MBA aspirations.
I was an industrious person who thrives on new challenges and dynamic environments. BPCL, with its rigid structure and pre-defined procedural steps, would not have been the best fit for me. Seeking a more dynamic and challenging role, I opted to become a practicing Chartered Accountant (CA), which also allowed me to write full-time, a passion I previously nurtured.
Post-BPCL Career: Enjoying New Challenges
Since leaving BPCL, I have embraced a more fulfilling career as a practicing Chartered Accountant. Each day brings new challenges, and this diversity in my role allows me to utilize my skills in various capacities. The ability to engage in freelance writing is another advantage I gained from this transition, enabling me to explore my creative interests.
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