Footprints on the Mountainside

One of my freelancers was just enjoying a cup of tea with me during some spare time on a programme. He wanted some advice, and I had all the time in the world, unless something went wrong, so we plunged into the subject.

He had been offered a job with another company and was wondering if he should be taking it. He does some freelance work with Hills and Trails, Wild country Learning, us, OET, and some other companies as well, and earns, (like most other free lance outbound resource people in India) in a very erratic manner. A good month is riches and luxury and some months are a step away from being very badly broke. Not that it isn’t the same with any self employed person, but I find this particularly of concern in the outdoor adventure industry in India.

The salary offered in this case was pitiful, but it would be guaranteed every month. On the other hand, this boy would lose his freedom to choose jobs that he liked, paid well or even helped him learn and develop. It was a tough decision.

Most Indians are not too aware of adventure tourism, and even those aware of it are not always happy to pay big money. Most adventure businesses do reasonably well, but the pool of freelancers we mint our fortunes on, are not as lucky. Some of us are now taking care to offer better rates, more reliable working relationships, some security, etc.

But on the whole, an adventure instructor in India, is leading a life with its economy also in a desperate rescue scenario.

Most such people are more into the business as it doesn’t require any specific qualifications or skills beyond those they can earn on the job. So they aren’t always equipped to have any other profession. They are in a physically demanding profession, and even barring accidents, very few can work in the field as they grow older. They need to be able to figure out other ways of sustaining and providing for their futures, which is something that doesn’t really seem to occur to them.

Not having the benefits of a regular income, or investments through the work place, there is also no source of back up for money. Hardly any invest in any sizeable life insurance, medical insurance or even basic “nest-eggs” for emergencies.

I suggested the best I could. I asked him to tell his new employer that the amount offered was really low, and he couldn’t accept it, unless he was allowed to accept bookings from other companies on the days when the company employing him did not require him. In my opinion, he should have asked for a basic amount per month, with an additional smaller amount calculated according to the number of days he spent in the field. This is what I offer my regulars. Unfortunately, his new employer wouldn’t have allowed that, and I don’t have vacancies.

I hope things work out for him.

I am not usually an avid cricket follower, but this World Cup has got me, and I am biting my nails from the suspense with the rest of India, as we wait to see if we even get into the Super 8.

Initially, it all seemed to be going well, as we won against the West Indians in the warm up match, but then, chaos struck. India lost to Bangladesh! Many would say its impossible, but then, this is cricket. India seemed to be not fully there on the field, and Bangladesh was outstanding, with the result that India is in its current situation and unsure of even qualifying for the finals.

This certainly was a completely shocking time for both India and Pakistan, when Bangladesh subdued India, without even seeming to be struggling too badly, and Ireland trounced Pakistan so badly, that it has been referred to as sent “Paking”. Both these results were totally unexpected and have shaken the status quo pretty strongly, with some devastating results for Pakistan. They are out of the Cup. Fans have been out in the street screaming for blood and chanting for death to Woolmer and Inzamam. Worse, their coach Bob “laptop” Woolmer actually died in mysterious circumstances on the next day.

I bet the Pakistanis hadn’t wanted their wishes answered so literally. Then followed a spree of resignations from Inzamam himself and others on the PCB in sheer humiliation. The final straw comes with the Jamaican police insisting that the Pakistan team cannot leave the country until the investigation of Woolmer’s death is concluded/they are cleared. Things are going really bad for the poor guys.

India wasn’t too far behind, with that bad, bad match against Bangladesh and the completely shocking defeat. The only consolation being that they aren’t out - yet. Fans in India were enraged as well, expressing their anger out on the streets, burning effigies of players and overall demonstrating how fickle they are, when the results of one match can get them screaming for the blood of those they were worshipping a couple of hours ago. Dhoni’s home being constructed in Ranchi was attakced by irate fans and armed security was immediately rushed to the homes of all players fearing similar acts.

Shame! The defeat hurt. It hurt really badly, but it shouldn’t result in an attack on belongings or the safety of players families, while they are supposed to be away fighting for the honour of their country on the field. This is pure stupidity and could sabotage the emotional well-being of our players and destroy what little chances we have of victory after being put into this tight spot after the defeat against Bangladesh.

However, Raka says that this is India’s way. India has often lost first matches and then pulled up their socks in a hurry to deliver good performances after the shock. I certainly hope it is so. India now needs to win the big one with Sri Lanka after the record breaking win against Bermuda in the next match. The Bermuda win went a long way toward healing the feelings of the fans and advertisers as well as the scores, in case it comes down to a battle of run rates.

It also depends on how Bangladesh and Sri Lanka play and what their scores read like at the end of the day.

Keeping fingers crossed and eyes glued to the screen!