Dashboard management

I was travelling by the bus, dressed up in brown trousers and blue shirt, looking smart for an interview. I was a little nervous, but convinced myself that there is nothing to worry about. There will always be better opportunities.

I got off the bus and went into the commercial building where the office was supposed to be. I entered the office and waited at the reception. The office felt too cool or maybe I was feeling cold because of my nervousness. I tried to distract myself. Meanwhile, a woman came at the reception, introduced herself as Akshata, and asked me to follow her to the conference room. I followed her lead.

In the conference room, she interviewed me. She asked questions like my qualification, my experience, my domain, previous projects from previous organizations. I answered the questions confidently despite feeling nervous. I was delighted with my performance. She too appeared happy with my answers. Then she asked me to wait at the reception for the next round of interview.

I sat outside, waiting for the next round. I was feeling less antsy and more in control. I was confident that I have bagged this job. Thousands of thoughts in my mind while I sat on the cold steel chair. From the corner of my eye, I saw 2 young ladies standing a few feet away from me. They were close enough where I could hear their conversation.

One of them said, "you know Akshata interviewed a girl today for dashboard management. I think she will join soon".

The other one said, "really? Who would want to take a dreaded job? That too under Akshata? Such a pain. Do you know who?"

The first woman subtly pointed at me.

This made me scared. I had not applied for the job of dashboard management. In fact that is the work I always hated. I never wanted that job. I was just thinking what I should do. I could not run away because that would look bad on me. But I knew very well that I did not want to do anything with dashboard management.

I started sweating even in that icy cold area. I wanted to run away but I could not. I kept thinking how to dodge this interview. Suddenly Akshata appeared with another man for the next round. I got to my feet and pretended to smile. She introduced me to the man, "this is who I was talking about. I find her as a good candidate for dashboard management".

I wanted to cry at the moment but my body froze, it forgot to function. I was unable to move or speak. Tears welled in my eyes.

And I woke up with a jolt. I was on my bed. I was covered in sweat. My heart was racing. I took deep breaths and told myself, "it was a nightmare. You are not doing that dreaded job. You love your job". After a few minutes, my vital signs returned to normal.

I could not believe how a few months of dashboard management still gives me nightmares even today.