Category: Life

bookmark_borderInteresting, but not realistic even if money were no object?

Posted on by Christine Elias

Two more questions for a lazy Sunday evening —

What is the most interesting kind of life to lead?
I think the most interesting kind of life would involve traveling, meeting new people and seeing new things. For example, it would be very interesting indeed to sell everthing and buy one of these. It’s a SPRINTER WESTFALIA and it costs $84,650 (USD). It would be less interesting to try and figure out what two pairs of my shoes (and three pairs of pants) would be allowed to make the journey.

What is the most spontaneous you have ever been?

I’m not very spontaneous. I like to plan things in advance. I like to make reservations for dinner and I like to know what I have planned for the weekend — even if it’s just hanging around the house. I try to fight this tendency and be more easygoing but I’m a creature of habit.

(But it’s possible to tour with an itinerary so there’s hope. Besides, I may get more freewheeling as I get older. Not everyone gets more set in their ways.)

bookmark_borderMore questions from that questions book…

Posted on by Christine Elias

What one person most affected the choices you made in your career?

  • My dear friend and mentor P. I have benefited from his patient wisdom for many years. I’m not a twenty-something-new-to-the-world-of-work anymore, but I once was and he was there. And he’s still there. I am very grateful we met.

What is the largest decrease in wages you’d accept to have a job you enjoy more?

  • Zero. I enjoy my job and I would not leave for another job for less money. I can’t imagine loving a job so much I’d be willing to forego new shoes and vacations. I also wouldn’t take a job I liked less for more money — well, it would have to be a whole lot more money and I would have to like at least a little. I could make up for the pain with many more new boots and trips to New York ever weekend.

What aspect of you job are you weakest in?

  • Photocopying. I hate that stupid machine. The Aficio® doesn’t like me either. I’ve tried to kiss and make up but no luck.
  • I also hate doing anything manual feed in the printer, especially labels.
  • Writing complex things very quickly. I can do complicated and I can do quick, but not both at the same time. Good thing I’m not a technical writer on a tight deadline.
  • Saying no to helping people, even if I’m very busy.
  • Patiently explaining how to use software — I’d rather just snatch the mouse away and do it myself. I resist this impulse because I do want to help (see above) but I’m not Mother Teresa, so sometimes I think my impatience shows.

There is no question asking what part of your job are you strongest in. So I’ll save that one for the job interview — the one for the job that pays way more and I only like a little bit less. You know, the one on the island (not Newfoundland).