"It's not that I dislike many people. It's just that I don't like many people." - Bryant Gumbel
I completely identify with that sentiment. It sounds harsh and mean and rude, but it's totally how I feel. I have very few close friends, a few more friendly acquaintances, but you could probably count both groups on two hands. I know that it's my choice, and that I am probably missing out on some great people. I'd rather have a few really great friends than a ton of semi-ok friends. Quality over quantity, you know?
Sometimes people just drive me crazy. There's one specific clock watcher at work who I often want to punch in the head (figuratively speaking). 15 minutes before their shift is over, they've completely packed up their things and are ready to walk out the door. 5 minutes before their shift is over, the computer screen is off, and they're standing inside their cube, holding their car keys, waiting to bolt out the front door. Every. Single. Day. Overtime? HAHAHA! Not a cold chance in hell. I'm here late almost every single night. Sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes a few hours. I never watch the clock. I also come in late in the morning, and that arrangement works for me (and my bosses). The other afternoon, Clock Watcher worked exactly 15 minutes past the end of their shift. FIFTEEN WHOLE MINUTES! The way CW carried on, you'd think the cure for cancer had been found! CW made it sound like it was quite the accomplishment (though with the amount of Clock Watchers we have here, I'd say that's almost true). It's little things like that which bother me, and I know they shouldn't. CW got a big pat on the back and thanks for all the extra work because they stayed 15 minutes late. I'm sorry, but I don't think it's that big a deal. Sometimes you need to go above and beyond for your job, especially when they treat us as well as they do. 15 minutes here or there shouldn't be a reason to bake a cake and have a parade. Color me bitter, but that's how I feel.
I used to be like you and work all the time focusing on the work and not the time spent. Then I realized my job (that I didn't like and could never ever get caught up at) was sucking the life out of me. After 3 1/2 years there they laid me off and then tried to hire me back when they realized exactly how much work I did and how difficult it was to replace my position. Now I find myself much more of a clock watcher in my current job. I think if I had a job I truely loved and enjoyed I would be fine putting in the extra time but I haven't found that job yet.
Posted by: Someone Being Me | January 25, 2008 at 07:18 AM