Back to work today, after a stressful but glorious five days off. Stressful because of the stove issue and some family stuff, but glorious because I got to spend so much time with my sweet boy and husband, visit with two good friends, and stay up late into the night playing Kinect and Final Fantasy. Yes, I'm a geek. No, I'm not ashamed.
Yesterday I had a reunion with my close friend from my old job. I still miss having her across the aisle from me. We had good times together making mischief. We watched the Sex and the City movie, and while it wasn't a cinematic masterpiece, it did remind me how lucky I am to have a job that I love. About this time last year I was having a nervous breakdown about going back to work. It was just past Christmas and I had enjoyed a full 11 days off. I HATED my job. HATED. I was probably good at it, but I hated it with every fiber of my being. Coming from a social science, do-gooder background, market research just wasn't the place for me. But I toughed it out. And I hated every second of it (minus, of course, the fabulous people I worked with). My stomach used to start hurting on Sunday afternoons just thinking about having to go back the next day. It was awful.
No more stomachaches these days. I took a leap of faith (am I allowed to say that? Just kidding!) and came to where I am now, working with my old mentor on a project I helped get started 6 years ago. I love it here, and I am so happy to be doing something I love. Most people aren't lucky enough to be able to say that, but most of the time it's not even like work, at all. And I know that I'm so, so lucky to be able to say that with 100% honesty.
Now, if only the salespeople at HH.Gregg had been as honest, then maybe we'd have our stove. But that's a post for another day.
In this economy, having a job and one you truly enjoy is a blessing. I like my job, but not the hours, but it goes with the territory. My wife's employer laid people off, and then divied up their jobs to other employees. My wife was given the responsibilities of two other people, and now does the work of three. Oh and on top of that, they gave her a 5% pay DECREASE along with everyone else and told her to be glad she has a job. All in the name of saving money of course.
ReplyDeleteFortunately I get a lot of time off each year, and take 2 weeks off over the Christmas holidays. Nice.