Category: Work

Today:

1. I decided that really must take the time to eat lunch when I’m a at work. When I got home this evening I was so hungry I ate two normal sized portions of dinner. Now I feel like a very stuffed sausage.
2. I learned what a “Sausage-Fest” is.
   
3. It was very cold and I had no winter sweaters. I put away all my winter clothes last week and (rather optimistically) brought out my capri pants and summer shoes.
4. I think I hurt someone’s feelings and that made me sad. I’m a softie and I know it.
5. I put product back in my hair and got no compliments.
6. I got a compliment about my work and that almost made up for the lack of positive hair feedback.
7. I reflected about our book club meeting last night (we didn’t enjoy the book) and I decided that a) I write things and get paid for it so I think I could write something other than you-know-what that others might want to read b) I’m a good writer but I’m also lazy and couldn’t come home and write more stuff that requires a great deal of creativity…plus I’m not good at making up stories and I don’t think my real life is that scintillating. That’s why I have this blog — to bore my friends to death.

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).