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Jan
27
JB’s workplace announced layoffs a few days ago, and while the axe did not fall on his position it whistled by all too closely. One of his coworkers who had been employed there for 16 years was let go, an employee who was by all accounts a high performer. His job seemed perfectly secure, much like we assume JB’s is.
Much local ado was made of this announcement, but it’s obviously not a unique situation. According to CNN.com, this month alone companies have announced more than 211,500 job cuts.
When I was looking back on my New Year’s blog entries for the last five years I saw a consistent theme of kvetching about my career. Five years of vague whining about not being fulfilled enough or feeling fully satisfied. Instead of getting off my ass and actually being proactive about making things better, I’ve been allowing myself to become more and more bored, unmotivated, and resentful.
What a ridiculous exercise in self-pity. Five years later, and what have I done to change my situation? Nothing.
I’ve become a stronger person in so many ways over the last few years. Why do I continue to let this one section of my life be something I’m not proud of? Why do I let inertia take over, when it comes to my job?
In the light of so many thousands of people being out of work, it’s a pointless, ugly luxury to wallow in the things that are missing from my work life. My job helps us pay our mortgage, buy groceries, save for our children’s college educations, and maybe even retire someday. If it doesn’t always seem like everything I once hoped it would be, well, it’s time to come to terms with that. It’s time for me to add meaning where I can, accept the state of things where I can’t, and take active steps instead of sitting still.
It’s only true that I don’t have other opportunities if I don’t seek them out; it’s only true that I’m mired in an unrewarding job if that’s the way I look at it. This is the year for me to end the cycle of discontent and start appreciating everything I have, across the board.
Also, I need to gather the fucking stones to admit that I want to write a book, and stop coming up with 45296905 reasons why I shouldn’t even try.
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108 Responses to “Self-inventory”
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Loving, Lately
JR Watkins Vanilla is my new favorite body lotion. Love the smell, love the way it feels, love the awesome label design.
I may have mentioned it once or twice, but Breaking Bad is the best thing that has ever happened to television EVER. You should watch it right now.
Bob Book Series
Riley has honestly learned to read as a result of these little box sets. Cannot recommend enough.
This applesauce bread from Allrecipes is superfast, supereasy, and the kids love it (I leave out the spices).
I’d buy your book in a second!
I’ve been reading you since the diaryland days and I would buy so many books it’d be like my own stimulance package of awesome.
Write a book already!
if you don’t write a book, I’m going to unsubscribe.
Yes, that is a threat! :)
Wow, this post could NOT have come at a better time.
We have had layoffs at my company too, people who have been there for years. I have been there for 10 this year and was just told that I pretty much have to take on another job/task in order to not get laid off. I had a long talk with my boss today about how upset I am, there is nothing he can do, but I had to vent. After I had that talk I was thinking, rather then hate my job and resent every day I should just do the best I can, at least I still have my job.
Thanks again, this post was perfect.
Also, WRITE A BOOK!!!!
I feel your pain about layoffs. I worked for a dot-com in DC, and when the tech market took a dump, everyone was hit pretty hard. We read about layoffs at our company in the Washington Post before they’d been announced at work (fail!). Granted, at the time I was a single twenty-something whose major financial concern was her Absolut-and-Camels budget, but still, it was scary.
Oh, and as far as kvetching about your career, I’ve done that for the last oh, seven years? Still hanging on to the faint hope of becoming a celebrity heiress/rockstar.
All this time, I thought you were secretly working on a book already. And would then present us with a fait accompli.
I’d buy your book in a second, too!
You write a book and I’ll buy one for myself AND ten of my closest friends. You’re an amazing writer.
Write the book; I want to read it.
Can I just say, “ditto”. 110% ditto. Except on the husband part. I don’t have one of those.
Write the book!!!!!
Like you, I also want to write and every day sitting at my desk I lament the fact that I am here and not home in my trackies with my cat and a coffee writing best selling novels that will send me to a realm of riches.
Like you, I have a million reasons why I haven’t yet written that book and the only true one is that I just haven’t sat down and done it.
Get to it for both of us. You will be fantastic.
Linda, write a book! The world needs it! I need it! Think of it as charity work.
And we’re with you on the job hullabaloo. Hubby’s company just went bankrupt (chapter 11) and they are looking to keep 2 people from his office. heh. From 30. (ummm, not so secure)
Seriously you want to write a book!? DO IT! DO IT! I think you are a fantastic writer and I would without hesitation buy a book that you have written.
The layoffs that have been happening totally suck. I feel for anyone that’s been affected and hope that they find jobs sooner than later. It sucks to be let go from a company, I’ve experienced it myself.
Heh. That ‘anon’ comment above was me. I got so excited about you possibly writing a book that I went right to writing my comment and skipped all the other bullshit.
Again – WRITE A BOOK DAMNIT!
I’d buy it!
I would totally buy your book too – and a few for my friends :)
And yes, both our jobs are sort of hanging in the balance these days. Scary.
Also – I tried the vicks thing on my kid’s feet and it didn’t do a damn thing to curb the coughing, so I call bullshit.
Do it! Write that book! In your copious free time, of course.
Jesus H. Christ. You’re in my head. I feel like I’m an hysteric that just got a swift slap to the face. Thanks. I needed that.
I’d buy your book.
The book. It needs writing. By you.
Also, the Vicks thing on the feet? Not so much. I think it’s bullshit, too.
I had a similar epiphany recently about my career (as a financial planner). There are parts of it I’ll never love, but it will send my kids to college and that’s enough.
Also? I’ve been writing a book since November and it’s almost the BEST THING I’ve ever done for myself. Get started!
Your book would be amazing and I’d organise the Aussie launch:)
I’ve had such an ambivalent relationship with my ‘career’ since I left university. It remains still an unresolved relationship but since having children, in the last year, I am finally coming to terms with the fact that my career or job DOES NOT have to define me. And hey, it’s been a long time coming – seriously. This has plagued me all through my twenties and distracted me from the blessed life I live.
I guess I thought I’d ‘be’ someone you know? Well, it only takes children to make you realise that being someone to someone else like that is so much more profound. It sounds cliched and I never saw it coming (I wasn’t the kiddy type of gal) but really I got hit by the bus of meaningfulness when I had my boys.
But definitely start the book – just think, you’ve already written one online. It can’t be too hard!!!
I would buy your book in a heartbeat.
But I think you’re being too hard on yourself – it’s really hard to leave a good thing while you’ve got it – especially if your job is paying the bills, is bearable, and you have 2 small children to consider.
Starting out on your own is a big risk to take, but as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, it will be worth taking that big giant step out from under the security blanket.
Good luck – if you manage it, you’ll be braver than I am !
I don’t really know who this guy is, but I love this quote. I try to remember it when I whine about not doing something important….
“Failure is an opinion. It is either an educational tool for starting over or an excuse breeding tool for saying it’s over.” — Doug Firebaugh
you should totally write a book!!!!!!
Please, yes, write a book. I’d read it, whatever it is. I seem to remember you write fiction also but your blog has some great non-fiction material as well!
I hear you on the job front. My husband just got a great job that requires us to move across the country, with an infant and a toddler. I keep whining about my lot but I need to shut my yapper because I know how extremely lucky we are that he has such a great, hopefully stable job for the foreseeable future.
I would definitely read any book you write!
On the job front, I think it’s ok to be grateful for your job and unhappy that it isn’t all you want it to be. I’m one of those people who got laid off (last year May and no, still not working) and it was a bit of a kick in the ass but I know it was probably for the best. I needed to move on and I would still be there if I hadn’t been laid off.
I’ve been wrestling with these same thoughts. I have friends who have Careers– journalists, chemists– and I’ve just never had the same enthusiasm. I can’t figure out my ultimate Career aim, though.
Are you following the happiness project blog Slate recently picked up? I’m finding a lot of inspiration there for this type of self-assessment.
Good luck with the book. I’d love to read it.
Yours was the first “online journal” I’ve ever read. Weirdly it was my sister’s brother in law who found you and told us we had to read you. You’ve inspired me to write, to work out, to talk about my addiction and pretty much have made me laugh almost every day on a regular basis for I don’t know how many years now. Here and all the other places you’ve written (that I could find)
I’d read an instruction manual if it was written by you.
I call Bullshit on the Vicks thing….
and I would totally buy your book…
DO IT!!!!!!!
I could have written parts of this post. Last year at this time we were both unemployed for various reasons – this year I’m staying at home with our daughter and the Mister is working at a job that has little to do with the stack of physics degrees he has but OH MY GAWD we are so happy he has a job that we keep repeating it to ourselves and hope it doesn’t change. Also, my Mother keeps telling me that the book isn’t going to write itself – maybe I should get that tattooed somewhere, like my forehead.
I admire this attitude tremendously. I am fed up with my current job, and while I am trying to take some concrete steps to make some changes, I’m afraid I’m going to be stuck where I am for a while, since so few places are hiring. I try to be grateful that I have a job in the first place, and that I have health insurance, and that while I don’t make a lot of money, I do make some. In all these ways and more, I am so lucky, but it’s hard not to imagine an even luckier, happier version of myself and to be dissatisfied with what I’ve got now.
Good luck with your moving forward!
You’re a very talented writer on many levels, both the parenting & general life stuff as well as the pieces of fiction you’ve posted have been superb. It would be so interesting to see what you’d choose to focus on for the book’s content, real life stuff or fictional stuff. You could do either and do it brilliantly well & we’d all be buying :).
Book book book book book book book!
I’ve been thinking the same thing with writing a book. I’m going to try, too. It’s hard to say it out loud, because I don’t want to sound like some douche who can’t really write. But I think you are an excellent writer, and I think I’m pretty good myself, and I’m sure we could both accomplish it, really. Good luck to you!
The job stuff scares the shit out of me. My husband was laid off in September, and so far… nothing. It’s a scary time for unemployment right now. Best of luck to you and JB for keeping your jobs!
Hi – don’t have a twitter acct so this is reply to your question about vicks…yes i have done it and yes, i “think” it worked. i also use the baby vicks on the chest. if you do use big people vicks on the feet, just a thin layer. good luck!
Yours is the only blog/journal i have consistently read over the last 5 years or so since I began reading online journals. I am very excited about reading the book that you are going to write!!
I have a great job that I enjoy- but its been changing bit by bit by bit. No such thing as bankers hours anymore. I have an interview with another bank this week and I feel selfish about it! I have a job I love but I might want another???? I know… Waaaaa!
Stones. You got stones sister now just get them together and write that book!
Those layoffs at said company hit WAAAY too close to home for me too. And with me out of commission with this damned broken foot, I’m petrified (and preparing)…
I’ve been meaning to write that book that’s been stewing for 30 years too. You’d think I’d be writing it now that I have time on my hands. But nooooo… I’m watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathons instead. (My reason #45296906!)
But YOU! YOU should write that book.
Carol
I have a friend who works at JB’s workplace. She didn’t get laid off, but now she has to take over 2 other people’s workload. Oh, and no raises for at least 2 years. OH, and that commission she got a few months ago? It was calculated wrong and will be coming out of her next several paychecks. Great.
As for the Vicks thing, I’ve never heard of it, but I’d think all it would do is make your feet tingle. Isn’t it the fumes that actually makes you feel better?
Writing a book is hard as shit, yo. I say that not to discourage you — God, not at all — but so that you know that when you actually sit down to do it that it will/is HARD, so you can slog through it, knowing that it sort of sucks, and that’s just part of it.
It’s like Seth Godin and The Dip. You gotta get through the dip. (I am IN the dip. I’ll call you when I’m out.)
As for career whining, yes. Now is not the time for any of us to do it. I talk to acquaintances who are upset about promised raises not coming through and a variety of sundry complaints and my overriding thought is, are you fucking SERIOUS? The world is COLLAPSING and no one is getting a raise and no one is fulfilled, and you’re lucky you’re getting a paycheck, so just zip it. Even if your career is different and unaffected, for God’s sake, be a little sympathetic to those whose are, you know? (And I say this as those who, thus far, have been relatively unaffected. But still.)
Jonniker: er, yes. I assume it’s hard. See also: reason #4918.
Time goes by too quickly. Do you really want to take inventory of your New Year posts 5 years from now and realize that you’re in the same spot re the book idea. I think not. Do you want to wake up 10 years from now and say ’should of, could of, would of’? Again, I think not. You have already done so, so much. Stick with that momentum. Go for it. I’m sure it will be a challenge at first, but you’ll get over the hurdle. If it’s successful (which I have absolute confidence it would be) then fantastic. If for some reason it’s not, then you’ll always be able to look back and be able to say ‘I did it!’. When I face challenges or fears over taking that initial step I remind myself that I’m setting an example for my boys. You’d want them to always reach for their stars, wouldn’t you. Show them that anything is possible. Never doubt your limits!
Good for you! Doesn’t it feel great to have those AH-HA moments when life suddenly seems clear and you feel you, once again, have a purpose? I love that.
I would definitely buy your book. From one Northwest gal to another, we girls got to stick together.
I will be the first on your Amazon pre-order list! Do it!!!
Yay! I’ve been waiting for a full collection of parenting poems. And I usually hate poetry. Glad you are going to take the book plunge (even if it isn’t poetry)
You always come out with a blog on topics that hit so close to home at just the right moment. Today I was talking to my husband about this very thing. 5 years ago I was so driven, I was pushing myself to learn so much, getting promoted-drained but feeling proud of the work I was doing. Now, I don’t care at all and I made a lame mistake at work today that showed just how much. Time to find a better way to do my job or look for something else to do. I’ve been walking around with this black cloud over my head about the whole thing and just feel like I’m suffocating. Today I felt like I could change that and your post is good motivation too. We’ll both do it (and yes, all these layoff definitely put things in perspective). As for your book, I buy it sight unseen–any hints on what it would be about???
Oh dude, I didn’t mean that in an assvice-y way, I meant that really, uh, for me, it was a shock. Cue obvious laughter, because I was the world’s most naive book writer-starter ever.
My thousands of reasons had to do with spending time Googling how hard it was to get published, so why should I even BOTHER? Oh, and then once it’s published, no one will BUY it anyway! And people will trash it on Amazon and CRUSH MY SOUL.
Which, um, is really getting ahead of oneself when you consider that before any of that happens, I need to FINISH IT. And for me, just finishing it is enough, I think.
I totally thought writing would be the easy part, and that all I needed was TIME. And then, when I made it/got it, I sat down and spent most of my time wanting to poke my eyes out. Ergo, the dip I currently reside in and am slogging my way out of.
Was so totally naive.
I think if I can make it through that dip, it will be totally worth it. And the fact that you’re admitting that this is what you want is ALREADY making it through a years-long dip of your own and will be totally worth it for you, too.
You can totally do this. I’m going to remind myself that I can/should, too.
Sign me up on the pre-order list for your book. Seriously.
I’ve been feeling a bit the same. I should be just thankful that I have a job.
BTW I find that the Vicks thing on the feet works best if you rub it on the reflexology points for the chest and throat and sinuses which are basically between and around the toes and at the base of the toes. I have had most success between the piggy that stays home and the piggy that gets roast beef… This picture here is much clearer:
http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html
You could so write a book. I don’t just read your words, I hear your voice. You pull me in everytime.
I think you probably have as many blog readers pulling for you to write the damn book as you have excuses for not starting it! We would all buy it, and lord knows we all like to talk so we’d also sell it to everyone we know!
Do it!!! Write the book. I edit books as part of my job. Let me tell you something: Write a book. There are people out there writing books who have no talent. Please add a smart, funny, moving book to the pool.You have a devoted loving following, and it’s clear that you love to write (ah, yes, that sadistic love-to-write thing). . . I know it well. I write and edit for a living, even if my blog doesn’t show it, and I’d be happy to give you a pep talk anytime, or even help you strategize. Whatever it is. You can email or call me. Seriously.
But even if you don’t take me up on the offer (and you could do just fine by yourself, of course, I’m not trying to provide assvice, just a pep talk), please do it. Please write the book.
Keee-rist. I’ll be first in line at the book signing…and I don’t mean it in a stalker sorta way. Do it!
Write the book!
And when did anything being hard ever stop you? If “past performance” is any indicator, it appears that whenever you set your mind to something you *can* do it.
I am very excited about the book that I know one day you will write and have published. And I know of course I will rush out and buy it(!) I’ve enjoyed reading Stephenie Meyer’s thoughts on writing and how she’s like, just write whatever YOU want to read…only think of yourself as the target audience and the pressure is off to write for everybody else. I enjoyed her Twilight books waaaay more than I ever thought I would. I’ve only now gotten around to reading(devouring)them and it’s a little embarrassing at how much I think about the world she created. Heh.
So yes, if you write a book I am sure it will become my new obsession. Okiedoke?
Write your book!!! I’d buy it in a heart beat.
Well, my husband lost his job two weeks ago, and it’s pretty terrifying. It’s also really weird being one of thousands–like when we heard the new unemployment figures announced on NPR, and realized we were one of them. But of course it’s really hard to truly appreciate things that are part of the daily grind. I think you already have such a wonderful, interesting freelance career — that’s something to be proud of!
You MUST write a book! You are such an amazing writer! My bookshelf would proudly hold a copy! =)
Scary about JB’s job stuff, it’s crazy what’s happening with the economy.
And write write write.
Only regret the things you’ve done, instead of the things you haven’t done. Life is short.
Book is so sold.
I only know this side of you-the side that writes-and I love it. I think you would write an intelligent, funny book and I would totally buy it.
good for you. As someone who has been laid off four times in the last nine years, anyone with a job that gets the bills paid seems like a millionaire to me. I’m glad you have this great new perspective.
Over the last year my job has gone from being challenging and fun to making me so miserable I have to drag myself out of bed some days. I keep hoping it will get back to being the job I loved. I keep telling myself to be grateful that I survived our first round of layoffs.
It did make me admit to myself that I wanted to write a book too, and that’s what I’m doing. Every night I come home and write at least a page or two. Every weekend I cram in as much time writing as I can. It’s the light at the end of my tunnel. Who knows if anyone will ever want to publish it, but just going for it has made me feel 1,000% times better.
You should go for it too, Linda. You’re a wonderful writer, and I’d buy your book in a heartbeat.
Different axe, different coast but my husband just got knicked by it. Fortunately, he just got his pay cut (and he’s going to a four day work week–which is nice) rather than losing his entire salary. It still means a nip and a tuck here and there but at least he’s still employed. I am currently at home with the kiddos (read: no income) so it would have *really* sucked if he got sacked.
What *I* want you to do is write about five books all at once and surprise me with them so I don’t have to keep waiting for the next one (I *hate* that.)
So…er…just get on that then.
Obviously, I am thinking WAY ahead of your first best seller.
g~
write it!
My husband also lost his job 2 weeks ago after 34 years. We were good savers and planners, but it still hits hard especially when retirement looms around the corner and you’re not quite old enough for it. It’s a huge adjustment. Hopefully my job-25 years-will stay intact with kids still using higher education. And sure, you know we’d all read your book – go ahead…
I’ve often wondered why you hadn’t written a book (or if you were writing one but didn’t mention it). Your blogging is the best on the web (without exception) and I think you’re funnier than David Sedaris.
Not just saying that. :)
kim
I’ll totally buy your book!
I get what you’re saying about your job. I do a lot of complaining about mine, but these days, I’m so incredibly grateful that I have it.
On another topic — why does putting Vicks (and other salves) on the feet work? I’ve heard this from many sources . . . I want an answer!!
Have you read Steven King’s On Writing? Maybe you should. You’re obviously a great writer and you already have a great following.
Dude, I hear you completely. I try not to let it terrify me, but I hear every day on the elevator about people in the building being let go from positions held for years, and can’t help but think oh-god-oh-god-oh-god.
I too whine about the day-to-day humdrum of my job, as does anybody. But I am very, very thankful to have a job that pays well, is suited to my personality, is populaced by some awesome people and has reasonable limitations on the inevitable morons. Of course I’m about to drop it to go live in NC where I will have no job, little in the way of security, and no back up plan if Josh were to lose his job. But in times like these, maybe the best plan is to mattress up all your money and hide out in a trailor living on Kraft mac’n'cheese until the tides turn. It’ll be an adventure at the very least.
Good for you on being proactive! We may not all have that dream job – some of us really are just paying the bills. But I do believe it’s what you make of it, and it sounds like you’re doing a pretty good job.
I would LOVE to read a book by you….please do!!!!!!
I would actually fly somewhere to see you to do a book signing, and I hate to fly.
You write it, and I’ll buy it, along with many, many others!
I can think of 45296905 why you SHOULD try: that’s how many copies you’ll sell in the first WEEK! I would buy it; you’ve got the gift!
Oh man, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve whined and complained about my husband’s job or boss over the past few years, yet his job is very secure and we can pay the bills. I’ve been silenced over the last few months. I am so grateful for his obnoxious boss and annoying hours.
The sixth & seventh paragraphs of this post are going to be printed & hung over my desk. Awesome awesome words.
Book – Ditto, consider my pre-order placed.
Vicks – yes, don’t understand, but who am I to question.
Jobs – the axe feel really close to my neck last week. In an office of 20 people we lost 7…YIPES
Ah the stress of it all, but you are so true how times like these bring clarity!
My husband was just laid off from his job last week and I’m a temp. nearing the end of my second 6 month assignment with the company that I’m working at. Talk about scared? Uh yeah.
I would totally buy your book. That is, if I have a dime left to my name when it comes out.
My husband’s company was ahead of the curve and laid him off last May. He found another job, but he still works in the mortgage banking industry so it’s not like I’m resting easy that he will not be laid off again in the near future. We were going to remodel our kitchen this winter, but decided not to because the idea of spending that money at a time when the economy is in the crapper just made us both too nervous. All of this is part of the reason I came back to the job I’m doing now about three years ago. It’s not the most exciting job, but it pays fairly well, my hours are generally reasonable, and the work is fine. I’m not going to set the world on fire with my career, but since being a mom I’ve discovered I don’t really care about that. I guess I’m at peace with my decision and now I look for fulfillment in areas outside of my work, which is probably more healthy for me in the long run anyway.
I loathe my commute. It’s long and dangerous and awful. However, every time I go to complain about it, I think about how there are so many people that simply wish they had a commute to complain about.
It helps.
Until the next person cuts me off.
I think your attitude is a very healthy one and it will help you appreciate what you have.
That said – LOOK AT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN THESE 5 YEARS. In actuality, your job isn’t your true priority, and that’s perfectly fine. It always been clear that your family and your family’s happiness clearly IS your priority, and you’ve done an outstanding job of clearing out deadwood from your life, having two wonderful children that you have the time and energy to be fully committed to, and you invest heavily in your relationship with your husband. Your job is there to support your true priorities and interests.
I think that is a perfectly balanced way to approach life. So, yes, appreciate your job by all means but don’t think that because you haven’t made changes there that you’re somehow stagnant. Anything but..
My perspective on my job changed when I read “Your Money or Your Life.” There may be no perfect job that will fulfill, energize, and engage you all the time. So take what you can out of your work, and then find volunteer activities or hobbies to inspire you. Which isn’t to say that you should be fatalistic and stay in a bad situation, but rather if your job isn’t your calling but it’s good, you can find your calling elsewhere.
And I also think you should write your book. :-)
I’ve been with my current employer for almost four years, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. For most of my tenure, I wanted to look for a new job. However, in the last year things have gotten considerably better, and while I can’t say I love my job (or would love any job, honestly), I enjoy my boss and the work that I do. I appreciate the flexibility and the good pay and the fact that work recently approved six weeks of fully paid maternity leave, as I’m having my second child next week (!). Our company is experiencing huge growth right now, and I thank God every night that I don’t have to worry about whether or not I’ll have a job the next day.
I guess this isn’t really a comment on your post, but it’s something I think about all the time, so I thought I would share.
Been there, done that. While I would love to have a job I love and fulfills me AND pays the bills, I am happy (in a different way) to have a job that pays the bills. I’m finding fulfillment in other ways.
Wow, you sound so much like me. I, too, was mired in a job/career I didn’t like and wasn’t satisfied with, but I lacked motivation to actually do something about it for whatever reason.
I was laid off Jan. 1. There’s my motivation to find something I really want to do. Sometimes my HP works like that (heck, most of the time!). I’m still not sure what would really rock my world, but I’m working on figuring that out.
I have a feeling any book you write would be a joy to read…so get on that horse and ride it, girl! I’ll be yet another one to run out and buy the finished product!
My husband’s company is laying off, and I’ve been holding my breath all week. So far we’re ok but we expect the most to happen on Friday.
Add me to your fan list that would buy the book in a heartbeat…and then buy a ton more as Xmas presents. Will you record the audio version yourself as well? : )
Write it and we will read!!!!!!!
I think that’s a very healthy outlook on your job and such.
DO IT! I hear you on the job inertia. I am so there.
You’ve basically summed up what’s been on my mind. I hate my job, or rather where I work. But I feel guilty for hating it because I know so many are losing their jobs and I’m lucky I have one.
But I think, I just can’t force myself to like it. And again the guilt feeling.
All a vicious circle. In the meantime, I don’t get anything accomplished. *sigh*
Go for it! Forget all the reasons not to and think about all the reasons you should.
I don’t know if this will help but thought you ought to know.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,484326,00.html
I’d buy your book too! There was just an article in Time about self-publishing & publisher-alternatives: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1873122,00.html
We’re going through a work reorg here & though many are griping, most of us are grateful we still have jobs in this economy! Though with the current state of my IRA, I can never retire… :)
PLEASE write a book! My coworker and I were just saying what a wonderfu writer you are. How is it that you can put into words exactly what we feel and we can’t? ;)
Oh yes, definitely write a book already! Every one of your loyal readers will buy that thing.
Yeah, the layoffs suck. My husband went through that in November (Great timing right before the holidays, right? Not that it’s ever great timing to get laid off.) Luckily, he found another job a month later, but we’re still playing catch up from the unexpected month+ of no pay only a few months after I left my job to stay home with the kids. Silver lining, the new job. But it all still scared the crap out of me! Glad JB is safe for now and that this all is giving you a new outlook on your current situation.
Well, I understand the book thing. I actually HAVE written 2 kids picture books, one very personel to me, and I haven’t the balls to submit it, even though I wrote it 4 years ago! Maybe self publishing. But WRITE your book! You blog every day, just do your book the same way! :]
OMG, please, please WRITE THE BOOK. We’ll all buy it, you know we will. How exciting to think of a whole BOOK of your writing, instead of just a few paragraphs at a time! Move over Anne Lamott, you’ve got new competition for the “favorites” spot on my bookshelf! C’mon Sundry, get to it! Go, go, go!!
This is a great post. It’s always a challenge to stay positive but not be too syrupy-sweet about stuff. So yes, some days you don’t want to go to work and your kids are driving you crazy. But in general, it’s best to be happy about having a great family, a job that pays the bills, a roof over your head and full belly.
Yesterday, my ninth month old was driving me CRAZY (teething). At the end of a long day, after I put her to bed, I told my husband that I was so thankful that I didn’t have to go to a job right now, like so many people in this country. I don’t have to go to work, stay on my feet all evening, deal with crappy customers and then try to be a good mom again the next day, on little sleep and no mental reserves of energy.
Long way of saying that all of us should appreciate the good things in our life and empathize with those that have struggles.
I also put in my vote for you writing a book!
I heard about the layoffs on the news and was worried for you & JB. I hope everything stays well for you and your little family!
Write a book already, dammit! I hope it’s about zombies.
Please write a book! I will buy it and I normally only rent books from the library! I promise…..
And as for the job thing, well, it’s the same here in Ohio, maybe worse than in other parts of the country. My resolve, is to not worry, it’s out of my hands, blah blah blah. So many other people are going through it now and I think it’s going to get worse and those unemployment numbers are going higher.
Granted, my husband just had emergency open heart surgery while we were on the road on December 23, and trust me before that, him keeping his job was my big worry! Now, not so much.
I am reason 102 why you SHOULD write a book. Look at all of us who already want a copy no matter WHAT the subject! Write the book, your writing is superior to half the novels I read.
OK, as soon as you find a publisher let me know how to pre-order…. about 6 copies I think….yup, that should do it!!!
My father hated his job too… until he got laid off a few months ago. That job is looking a whole lot better now.
I didn’t read the other comments, but I’m sure you’ve heard this from others… I would totally buy your book! Your blog is so consistently awesome and I love your writing style. So, you know, just another wee little bit of encouragement from a complete stranger. :-)
I will pre-order your book right now! I love your writing :)
I’ll buy your book, and then stalk you to find out your address so I could ship my copy to you to sign it, and then send it back. I’ll even make sure to include return postage; that’s how much I like you/love your writing.
Wo-hoo!
Write, baby, write!