Evacuation

About one week ago, a friend told me that the building in which his office was located had conducted evacuation training for all tenants and their employees. The purpose of this training was to inform employees on what they must do when any fire break out. When the alarm rings, all employees must go down using stairs. The elevators are turned off.

However, not all employees did so. Some were reluctant to go down to “save themselves” and chose to stay in their office. Why? Probably, they didn’t want to go down through emergency stairs, which was farther and more tiring. Besides, what should they do that? It is only a  training, not the real situation. In other word, no fire is breaking out.

The question is, had the management building anticipated this kind of attitude? They have the responsibility to ensure the safety of people in the building. On the other hand, people should realize that evacuation training is very important for their own safety.  This kind of understanding has to be taught as early as possible.

Discount

A few days ago, I was bought a pair of reputable branded shoes. Apparently, there was a discount for those buying them. Who doesn’t like to buy something with cheaper price and relatively high quality? Almost everyone does. Let me say this once again: ALMOST everyone.

Almost doesn’t mean all indeed. I am included. My habit regarding shopping is this: I usually do not buy something I do not need, no mother how big the discount is. When I need something, I will buy it, no matter how expensive it is. So please, you cannot tantalize me with any discount to buy something.

Of course I respect people who do not agree with me. I know it is not a crime to buy something discounted. As long as someone likes and needs it, why not? However, problem arises when you buy something you don’t need, discounted or not. If we often do it, later we could trap in huge debt.   Things you have bought will only be pile somewhere.

So, look before you leap. You’d better check out all the costs before you buy something.

Slum

A few days ago, when I was on my way to the workplace, I saw a slum situated not far from high rise buildings, which have beautiful gardens and relatively expensive restaurants. A taxi driver once told me that every time the rain came, the slum was flooded. In front of that slum, there are some food sellers. I cannot imagine how it feels when someone eats at that area. One thing is absent for sure: the hygiene. However, there are people buying food there anyway.  Most of them certainly still struggle to meet their daily basic needs.

After seeing the slum, I remember the time when my office was still located at the old area.  My office was inside one of the highest building in the city. However, it is surrounded by houses owned by low income people. These people still often has perception that those working at that building are rich people. This is not necessarily true indeed.

I am not an economic expert. One thing comes to my mind: is this what we call economic development in a country that is predicted to be one of the biggest economies in the world?