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.
Comments
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My product review site:
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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!