Are You Doing Deep Work? (Sunday Best Reads Series)

 

While searching online, I have stumbled upon a book called ‘Deep Work’. The book sheds light on working style for maximum productivity. There are two types of style; deep work and swallow work. Deep work is something you do without any external interruptions while shallow work is done while multitasking. Suppose you are writing something while listening to a song or doing office jobs while answering phone calls. Deep work is considered to be high-quality work and shallow is low quality as the name itself suggests.

With time, deep work has become rare. A few successful people use this technique for high productivity, such as Bill Gates and J.K Rowling. Bill Gates goes to hermit’s life for a few days in a year for reading and thinking new ideas. J.K. Rowling writes her novels in hotels away from interruptions. In this digital age, our attention span has shortened due to various mobile notification distractions and bad habits of checking social media accounts. When you are working with full concentration and your attention breaks due to some interruptions, you come back to the previous state after 20-30% loss in attention which is known as attention residue. You cannot concentrate wholeheartedly. You work low quality. As per the author, the low-quality swallow work is replaceable. In future, the swallow work will be taken over by robots or artificial intelligence or lowly paid individuals due to overpopulation. Cal Neport says that the coming world will be for extra rich who knows where to invest, people who work with technology and the people who are experts in their field. Now, coming to the third category, one need to do deep work to be an expert in his field. There are a few techniques to do deep work.

(1) Monastic deep work like sages in the Himalayas. This is not possible for all. You have to cut off from social integrations for a period.

(2) Bimodal deep work like J.K. Rowling. She works in the hotel during the day away from any interruptions and comes back in the evening to social life.

(3) Rhythmic deep work is for the people who can keep aside a slot daily for deep work.

(4) Journalistic deep work is for those people who do not follow any routine. If they find the time, they switch off mobile and engage in deep work. 

 

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Post M.Tech Days: My Experience ( Sunday Series)

 

In my previous post titled “M.Tech: What to do & What Not to do!” I talked about my M.Tech days. Those days were the best days at Tezpur University. We were the first boarders of Kanchenjunga Men’s Hostel (KMH). We had excellent bonding among the boarders. In those two years, I had prepared for competitive exams a lot. I used to appear for any kind of SSC exams, UPSC, Bank exams and engineering PSUs. These exams were held in Government schools and colleges. I had visited almost all the government schools and colleges in Tezpur, Jorhat and Guwahati to appear in exams. These were experiences. 

In those days, bank jobs were booming. There was a buzz that the banking sector would expand horizontally for the next ten years. I too prepared wholeheartedly with all CSR and banking books. In the afternoons or weekends, I often tried to solve the problems given in CSR and Protiyogita Kiran. I was among the few regular buyers of these magazines from the bookstall in Tezpur University market. In those days, the students at Tezpur University did not prepare much. At least, I did not see, or I could not see. The exams were held on weekends, and I travelled most of the times to Guwahati either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Generally, I avoided staying Guwahati mostly and returned the same day evening. I caught the last bus to the university to get back to the hostel. The next morning was as usual. Very few people knew my weekend outings.

In the third semester, my mother got ill and had undergone some surgery back at home. I was called back home. I stayed there for a few days. Then, I remembered that I had applied for SI in BSF. The exam was nearing. I appeared in the exams without much preparation. But, I did exceptionally well in the review. I did enjoy writing the papers that day. I was solving the questions very easily. Well, all went well. My mother was recuperating alight. It was time to go back after 20 days or so. After, a few months later, my father called me that some government call letter had come citing urgent. I forgot everything about the exam. Then, I went home and read the call letter to find out that I cleared that exam. The physical exam was to be held at Ambari, Ghy. It was mentioned the fitness requirement in the letter. I had to pass a running test of 1.5 Km in 5 or 6 mins. In those days, I was fat and physically unfit and running such distance in that time frame was impossible for me. At first, I tried, but it was pretty useless considering the time. I let it go. But, I used to tell everyone that I saw BSF’s website with lots of martyrs and did not feel like going at all. For quite some time, people used to call me SI. Well, that was the end of the armed forces dream. 

The year was 2011. After completion of the final M.Tech seminar, we stayed there for quite some days. Results were declared. Marksheets and certificates were issued. My guide told me to keep up a few more months at the university. He referred my name to a few companies. But, I was reluctant. I wanted to take the first bus out of the Tezpur and try my luck in Guwahati. I stayed home for two weeks and was off to Guwahati for jobs. July month is very crucial. The new jobs were created, keeping in mind of new graduates. I sent my CVs to many engineering institutes. One beautiful morning, I was called by RIST, Meghalaya to appear for the interview. The college is at a hilltop near Jorabat. Communication was difficult. I went there and gave my interview. It was nothing like an interview just friendly banter. The director was an alumnus of JEC. He had a soft corner for the college. The job was on. I worked there for a few weeks. The work environment was pleasant. People were kind and helping. But, I got a call from GIMT, Guwahati. The dean called me immediately. I visited Mr P.C Baruah in office. He directly asked me to leave RIST and join GIMT immediately as classes were on. I wondered for sometimes and left for home. Those times were different; the colleges were coming up like never before. People liked M.Techs as there was a shortage of people. Anyhow, I made my mind to join the institute by the next week. That was the new innings. RIST did not like my decisions and sent letter after letter. But, I was nowhere to be found. GIMT had a rigorous schedule. Weekends were closed. In the meantime, I kept on preparing for exams. 

I happened to apply for the post of Assistant Professor in April or May the same year at Dibrugarh University. They called me to appear for the job in August or September. I took two or three-day leave and went home. My father took me to the Dibrugarh University since I am getting back to Guwahati same day. I took my brother with me also. I appeared in the interview. The interview went well. A few questions were asked, and I answered to the point. The questions were simple as I had already prepared for various jobs. But, I guessed that they were more than happy that I was working in GIMT. They asked about my pay and job details in GIMT. After finishing the interview, we went towards AMC,  in search of an eatery.

Meanwhile, I remember sitting for BHEL exam on Biswakarma Puja the same year. I had friends who offered me a ride to the venue at Guwahati Commerce College. But, I met an accident that day. The bike skidded on the road and we fell on the road. I had some injury on my left elbow. Its blood was coming out. But, time was less. Reaching the venue, I got my injury attended nearby Guwahati Commerce College. I appeared the exam, and the pain distracted me even though I was solving the problems quickly. The elbow took time to get well. It was horrible. The Durga Puja was nearing. I got a call from home mentioning a calling letter to appear for BHEL in Delhi. In the same time, my friend in Tezpur GIMT called me that I had cleared the interview at the Dibrugarh University and collected the order letter from DU office by hand. I enquired my parents about any kind of such a message. They said no. In the holidays of Puja week in 2011, there was one official day. I travelled to Dibrugarh along with my father. We reached the office and checked for notices regarding recruitment. We could not find it. I wondered whether my friend mistook the result. Then my father went to the establishment office of DU and enquired about it. The head clerk confirmed the finding. It was tense the few minutes whether I was in or out. Then, he pulled out the order copy in my name and approved it. He congratulated me, and we took a photocopy of it. I remember going home as early as possible. I had to finish the course in GIMT before leaving it. I should have joined that day itself, but my conscience did not allow me. I am always thankful to GIMT for nurturing professionalism in me. 

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What is Parental Promise? Why is It so Dangerous?

 

Parents love their children and can do anything to provide their children. This is known to everyone. But, some parents exceed beyond this. They promise to help them out in employment or to set up businesses. Their intentions are good but sometimes not feasible. We have seen time to time that such parents get their children arrested by providing for bribes in various government jobs. This is very uncalled for. The children too, should not expect too much from their parents. They should be more than happy about what they have got in terms of education and other luxuries in life. When you expect too much from your parents relating to employment or businesses, you are quelling your ambition and fighting spirit. You become docile and lazy day by day. The reason is comfortableness in the current situation. Consequently, you never explore and realize your potential, hoping for their help. You have to understand that life is hard. It will not spare the weak one. It is said that the fittest survives only. What will happen when you come to know that the money promised to you is not at all enough of starting something?You will be in an awkward position.  In India, parents make this mistake all the time. There is so much unrest at home due to these undesirable things. Relationships are damaged.Therefore, one should get over this privileged and entitled life to lead a life of respect.

 

Mechanical Engineering Prospects

 

We've always been told mechanical engineering is the evergreen branch and has plenty of prospects in different sectors . Did you think so? I, too, have not given much thought to this matter. However, people kept asking. I have to address their question. For that matter, I read related topic online extensively on various websites. Hence, this article is the summary or gist of the materials which I have read online.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineers can be found 

• Analyzing and maintaining mechanical and thermal devices to solve an engineering problem: the power, automobile, steel, cement, oil and space industries have lots of mechanical and thermal devices which need to be monitored all the time. These devices undergo overhauling after some time. It is the job of a mechanical engineer to oversee the maintenance or performing it. In the power industry and oil industries, mechanical engineers take part in overhauling activities all the time. The experienced persons are well respected and sought after by private businesses even after retirement. 
• Analyzing and maintaining heating and ventilation systems: Heating and ventilation are very much relevant to various sectors such as high-end laboratories, food processing industry, cold storage units, households etc. These systems require expertise for installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the systems are designed and manufactured by mechanical engineers. 
• Designing and servicing in the automobile industry: Automobile industry is the probably the most significant sectors where mechanical engineers get employment. The automobile industry is not only about car manufacturers; this includes third party automobile part manufacturers, distributors, retailers etc. In various stages of automobile production, mechanical engineers are employed. The mechanical engineers are widely employed in these third party manufacturers. The automobile servicing industry is a big booming business which houses lakhs of mechanical engineers.   
• Designing and redesigning as per requirement various mechanical and thermal systems using software tools or computer-aided designing procedures: Now a day, designers are in good demand for designing and redesigning as per requirement various mechanical and thermal systems using software tools or computer aided designing procedures. These designs are used for either research purposes, optimization in existing systems or production purposes. They take help of various software tools such as Ansys, Autocad, ProE, CATIA, Fluent etc.  
• Investigating failures in systems and manufacturing: These are specific firms handled by experienced mechanical engineers. They are the troubleshooters. Many times, the factories or operations need particular intervention in terms of machinery or processes. These experts view the whole procedure and provide suggestions for productivity. 
• Developing prototypes for commercial products: Manufacturing industry do not go production spree right after they receive a new design. They make prototypes and see their performances. It is mostly very much standard in space and aeroplane industry.   
• Handling manufacturing and managing inventory: Industrial organization is itself a mechanical engineering related branch. It focuses on material and man management. Mechanical engineers are entrusted with the job of handling materials in inventory to cut losses. The manufacturing industry produces things anything and everything that human needs. The operations in a factory are handled by mechanical engineers. 
• Test result analysis of system optimization in the practical field: There are specific firms who employ very skilled mechanical engineers who have knowledge & experience in optimization. Any system or process needs optimization so that it can be market competitive.  
• Teaching: Many mechanical engineers take solace in teaching future generations. It is an important task. The future generation has to bear the torch. Now a day, mechanical engineers get themselves teaching various software tools for industry needs. These are equally important, like other sectors. 
• Setting up new businesses or heading new businesses: Now a day, the Indian government is stressing on entrepreneurship or self-employment in various sectors. Mechanical engineers are expected to open up new businesses in core sectors to help developing economy and to employ people. Different skill development, vocational courses and monetary support to grow startups are the bold steps in this direction. Moreover, Indians can be seen heading big businesses all over the world, like Goggle, Microsoft, Intel etc.  
• Insurance: Many people do not know that insurance sectors employ mechanical engineers. Automobiles or personal vehicles run into accidents all the time. People claim insurance money right after meeting an accident. It is the job of a mechanical engineer to survey the damage. The engineer suggests to the insurance company for paying costs.   
• Mechatronics, Robotics and CNC: These are the new fields. Mechatronics combines mechanical and electronics stream. Now, a day robotic systems and CNC machines are finding relevance in different sectors such as oil exploration, automobile, manufacturing etc. Some say that robotics will kill the menial jobs one day. Therefore, designing and learning to program these systems to ensure the survival of mechanical engineers. 

These are the broad fields where a mechanical engineer may find his employment during his careers.

Various job profiles available in the industry for mechanical engineers

Project Manager: Oversees the planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing and documenting of all the data.

Senior Engineer: Oversees the development of ideas, designing, installing software and providing support to the team in analyzing and collecting data.

Service and Maintenance Engineer: Oversees servicing the machinery used in various industries.

Instructional Designer: Oversees learning activities, transfer, and compelling course content which enhances retention.

Professors/Lecturers: They teach and perform research.  

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