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#9: Work.
November 9th, 2006
Like most people, I do not have a job that I can call “a passion.” I would love to be one of those freaks lucky people who has a job that’s so emotionally, intellectually, creatively, and spiritually fulfilling they “don’t even feel like they’re working” when they’re doing it - but I’m not. I work at a desk job, 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, for The Man. And I do my fair share of bitching about it.
But.
In comparison to many jobs I and others have had, I actually have it pretty good.
Yes, it’s a desk job. But my desk is in a clean office that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I do not have to stand on my feet all day under huge, eyeball-shriveling florescent lights, or mold away in a mouse-infested basement.
Yes, I work from 9 to 5…but only in that I work 8 hours a day and I get my job done. In reality, I come and go as I please. I do not have to ask to go to the bathroom, or the coffee shop, or to lunch. I am not chained to a desk, answering someone else’s phone.
Yes, I work in an office, and offices are not typically the most aesthetically creative or stimulating places. But I can make my tiny cubicle my own, with my retarded pictures of myself on my desk, my collection of Wonder Woman crap strewn around, and sixty-seven old birthday and thank you cards plastered to my walls. I do not have to wear a uniform, apron, or paper hat; I can wear jeans and sneakers, or stillettos and miniskirts - shit, I can dress like Elvira if I really want to.
Yes, there are some Difficult People at my office. But dealing successfully with them has shown me what I am made of. And to my knowledge, none of them are ex-cons or evangelical wierdos or other types I have to consciously avoid. And several of them are even truly cool people with whom I have become darn good friends and that I feel lucky to know.
Yes, my job is pretty far removed from my personal interests. Fact is, I am the Accidental Tourist: I have carved a niche in a cutting-edge, high-tech world without consciously intending to do so, and wondering every day how I managed to get off the bus at the wrong stop. But you know what? I am actually pretty good at what I do, and that is a pleasant, educational, even insipring surprise.
And finally, yes, I ain’t gonna be no Rockefeller any time soon, working where I do. But my paycheck these days is more than I have ever made in the past. And I am grateful for that, because I’ve made chicken feed in the past (almost literally). Even if I didn’t live my DINK* lifestyle, I would not be forced to live paycheck to paycheck on what I make. That’s more than a huge percentage of folks in this country can say right now.
So today I thank Dog for my work. Though if you come across any job ads taken out by James Taylor for a back-up singer, or Jake Gyllenhall (or Heath Ledger, or Hugh Jackman, or Christian Bale) for a kept woman, please be sure to let me know.
*Double Income No Kids
Technorati Tags: work, passion, fulfillment, desk job, 9 to 5, IT, Elvira, James Taylor back-up singers, Jake Gyllenhall, Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, kept women, thanksgiving, gratitude
Filed under 9 to 5, Gratitude |5 Responses to “#9: Work.”
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I have a job that is emotionally, intellectually, creatively, and spiritually fulfilling. I get to do what I’m good at, and it makes people’s life better. I too can get coffee and go to the bathroom whenever I want. I’m thankful for that.
But, its still work. And, because my job makes peoples lives better, and makes me feel good about myself, nothing is ever enough. Sometimes, not having your work be your passion is a very good thing!
Wanted: kept woman. You: woman who wants to be kept. Must get along with my current wife and child. Women who like men in black tights and capes a plus. Me: rich, good-looking movie star who is never home. Don’t call me “Chris”.
OMG! Who would have thought that Christian Bale reads your blog! What an amazing cooincidence! I guess that makes this worth a try: Scarlett Johansson! If you’re reading this, CALL ME! I’m more than willing to be your kept man… or you can be my kept woman… either way would be great!
All kidding about Scarlett aside (I like to think we’re on a first name basis), this is a very thought provoking post. I never used to think that my job was my passion but it really is. Working where I do, I’m subjected to enormous pressures and responsibilities but also respect and stimulation. I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else (I of course dream sometimes…).
The problem is that when your job is your passion, your passion becomes a job. That makes your job more interesting but it’s not a good thing some of the time. The line starts blurring between work and life and the need to have other hobbies/friends becomes all the more important to retain your sanity (a lesson I’m learning slowly). And as the pendulum swings, do your hobbies and friends become more your passion and your work less so? I would think this happens over time as we live and grow as human beings… Ok, enough for now… back to the grindstone (oh, I mean passion!).
Jennifer and James, quite interesting perspectives on this topic…I love things that make me go hmmmmm… It hadn’t occurred to me that doing one’s passion for a living might have a down side. I see that perhaps I’ve been somewhat naive about that - rainbows and butterflies and la la la.
Almost by definition, a passion tends to be all-consuming, so it follows that one would need to learn balance (it’s hell to get old, eh? ;))
And Chris - I mean, Mr. Bale, please write to me directly at uppityrib@yahoo.com! I *love* black tights and capes, can tolerate wives and children - and would also happily entertain your costar Hugh Jackman at dinner in our LA love nest.