Surviving The Day Job: Cardinal Easy Lessons
- Posted by Essays Blog in Essays Blog |
- July 4th, 2009 |
- Comments
Before I became a full-time writer, I had a job counting envelopes. Not colored envelopes or large manila envelopes, mind you, but achromatic #10 envelopes. I had to count them in broadcast of a hundred. Even now I can accompany them flashing in my eyes as I flipped finished them, blinding myself as tho’ I were looking out at a blanket of snow polished by the insolate with dilated pupils. At the end of the day I’d leave the office with symptom in my eyes.
Why I had to count envelopes for cardinal hours a day, I don’t know (I blocked out most of the experience, I do remember however that the temp agency who gave me the assignment cerebration it was a perfect introduction to the activity class for a recent college graduate &ndash which was cruel as advantageously as delusional); however, I did learn how to cope piece I was thither and the other day jobs I’ve had. This is how:
1) I threw away the evidence: “I’ll be happy when…” Careful I would have been happier if my coworker had obstructed adding her pile to mine or I had left that place (screeching in brat) after only an hour of excruciate. But I needed the money so I fought to be happy about it. I made careful to put the money I earned to good consume. Not only was I action a large chunk for a rainy day and my eventual freedom, but I also cosmopolitan to places, bought books I needed (How to Activity with People You Can’t Booth was especially helpful) and attended writing workshops. Employed with a purpose makes life easier. When you just activity to survive, life can be real painful.
2) I didn’t label myself. I once worked in the complaint department of a hospital (a place to which I affectionately refer to as Hell on Earth). When people asked me what I did, I didn’t have I was a lowly clerk employed towards a Master’s in Masochism. I said I was a temp. Even when I had a permanent job, I said I was a temp because I knew any situation I was in was only temporary. I was a free agent, nobody owned me. We are all free agents. Bosses can fire us, but we also can walk out the door. I never let myself feel like a prisoner.
3) I stayed away from the gossip mill. It’s fun really. I love stories and gossips tell the best (of course I was also aware that they were talking about me, but oh advantageously) regrettably, they are a act of energy. Gossiping about the crappy boss, cultural climbers, backstabbers and butt kissers is good time poorly exhausted. Yes, offices have a great cast of characters to talk about, but disbursal your lunch break complaining all day is not good for the character. Accept a walk, listen to music, you’re at your present job only temporarily and complaining about being thither won’t make you feel any better about yourself or your situation. Remember you’re a temp - your future looks bright. Most of the gossips and complainers will allay be thither years later, older and more miserable. I know. I’ve gone back. It’s rather sad really.
4) Do your best. I hated counting envelopes. At times I would swell with crying at the cerebration of facing another day (I did that with most of my day jobs to be honest); however I was one of the fastest counters thither. I made it into a game and set challenges for myself. When you do a good job you are doing yourself a service and things will be pleasant. Activity to please yourself. I’ve worked in customer service and I know people can be bleeding obnoxious; however, if you don’t like people, please don’t activity in this department. (Yes, I’m address to everyone at fast food restaurants, retailers and health care providers. Learn how to grin!)
5) Come up with an escape plan. I don’t believe in endless excruciation. If you have an abusive boss or your job is giving your headaches and ulcers, Leave It. I don’t care what kind of money you’re making. Ask for a demotion or start looking in the Deprivation Ads. No job is deserving your health. I walked off one job that was completely demoralizing.
6) Live your arcanum life NOW. At any job I was on I pretended I was an author who was thither doing research for my next book. It helped to make the atmosphere more interesting. The Black who ate my lunch (damn those blasted office fridges) and pretended not to know it became a character I poisoned; a boss that liked to make fun of my name became a hobo with a spartan delivery impediment. I imagined how I would compose my autobiography, I would practice my answers for when I was interviewed on TV. My imaginary life made my reality much more exciting. Attempt it; you’ll be amazed where your imagination can accept you.
Sometimes we have to do things we don’t like, but they don’t have to be an agony. I had many jobs that I couldn’t booth, but I knew they were only temporary. Remember: This also shall pass, and your future looks bright.