No. I didn't misspell WTF.
WFH stands for Work From Home. An ability I've cherished for over a decade.
Its opponents would say that it allows unsupervised workers to slack off. Play video games and watch TV instead of earning their paycheck.
It's actually the opposite. When I work from home I'm able to log in earlier, stay online longer, focus better and be far more productive. It also has a dark side, where I've sometimes put in 10-14 hours (or more) in a single day. That's fine once in a while if you're paid hourly wages and getting overtime. Just dumb if you're salaried, like me.
For several years I was entirely WFH. I ran my writing and editing business from my home office. Since I was my own boss, there were no PTO days. When I wasn't working, I wasn't earning. Period. So I worked. A lot. Too much. Work and home were one in the same, and the lines were entirely too blurred.
When I decided to go back to corporate life, I was happy to learn that WFH was accepted.
I started by using WFH for the occasional bad weather days. I've been living in Minnesota for years, and our harsh winters are sometimes unkind and downright dangerous for long commutes -- or even short ones. On days when the roads were treacherous, or the car wouldn't start, instead of being late or absent I'd just log in from home and fulfill my entire work day.
Then, I'd start using WFH for when the kids were sick. If they were going to spend all day sleeping and just need me for the occasional bowl of chicken soup, why not be working? Then, I started using WFH for when I was sick. Instead of taking a day to make myself better, I was up in front of my computer, tapping away, answering calls between sips of hot tea and muting my line while I hacked and coughed.
At least it preserved my few days of PTO that were required to be used for sick days as well as vacation.
As gas prices rose and internet connectivity got better, I was able to establish a regular WFH schedule of one day a week. Usually on Fridays, but it moved dependent on whether or not I was needed in person that day. I had a long commute, and WFH meant I could spend an extra 3 hours working instead of making myself pretty and driving.
After my MS diagnosis 5 years ago, I bumped that up to two days a week. My doctor demanded that I take better care of myself, MS fatigue was a major factor affecting my life, and driving 2-3 hours every day wasn't helping. My job was stressful enough on its own. Working from a home setting 2 days a week was a huge help.
So for the past 6 years, I've been working from home an average of 2 days a week. I'm an associate director now, and manage a team, so some weeks I just have to be onsite. Some weeks I work from home more -- bad weather, health issues, a heavy deadline where I need to cut myself off from everyone. I'm fortunate to have a dedicated and organized home office space that meets all of my needs. What's to complain about?
Two and a half weeks ago, we took a family vacation. A big vacation. Like traveled to Europe for the first time in 25 years kind of vacation.
And boy did I need it. Deadlines and big production releases changed at work. Tough. I made my reservations months ago and those airline tickets were non-refundable, baby. Thank goodness. I prepared my team and director, set up delegates, told them I wouldn't be available by phone or email and took off. I had hardly a thought of work for two weeks.
Our vacation wasn't perfect. In fact, there were a few considerably stressful kinks that came up. The travel day there was an exhausting 32 hours. The trip home was 24 hours. But the good far, far outweighed the bad.
The night before I went back to work, I hardly slept a wink. Anxiety over the hundreds of emails and problems that would be there waiting for me robbed me of any rest. My drive in to work that morning was no better. My stomach was in knots. This wasn't right.
I made a point of getting into the office early, before anyone else. The lights were still off on my floor. All was quiet as I dug into the electronic mess before me. Within a few hours, I was feeling better. Co-workers were happy to see me back. I'd gained back most of the perspective I'd lost in the months of day-to-day work issues. I was able to let the problems and the stressors roll off and take a calm approach in the office.
Until today. Until I had my first day back, working from home.
I was cranky.
What was it? I got up. Didn't have to dress up or do my hair. Logged in early, as usual. Didn't have to fight traffic or make appearances. Just work. Not even the usual litany of endless meetings from 8am - 5pm.
It finally dawned on me.
I'd spent two weeks absolutely separated from work. No emails. No text messages before breakfast and after dinner. No late calls. No 3am wake-ups. No commutes spent worrying and fuming. No missed lunches for back to back meetings.
I spent time focused on my family. Just my family.
After two weeks, logging into my computer at home felt like an intrusion. I found myself wanting to focus on my home and family when I was in my house. For someone who has made a habit of WFH for over 10 years, it came as quite a shock. This morning, I didn't see my established home office as a room apart, but as part of our home.
Don't get me wrong. I don't just cherish the ability to WFH, I need it. But in trying to maintain my european vacation zen, I've become protective my personal space and privacy. And that's okay. In staunchly defending WFH, I'd allowed it to take over my home. That's not okay.
Before the vacation, my life was severely out of balance. Work got the attention, and home sometimes suffered for it. I just need to get one foot firmly on each side of this teeter-totter.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Looking Ahead
I woke at 6:00am thinking about the day before me.
I've been on PTO (paid time off) since a couple of days before Christmas. Time off that I desperately needed to get my head together again. It wasn't all fun and games, though. Due to work commitments, I thought that I'd have to spend a lot of time working during my "time off." Thankfully, my presence wasn't needed all that much. Today, I'd planned to get up, fire up the laptop, and tackle all of those emails that I'm sure have piled up in Outlook before diving into whatever work had popped up during my absence.
As I lay in bed, warm under the covers in the dark, listening to Avindair's measured breath of slumber, getting out of bed became a much more difficult prospect -- and I began to think. On the precipice of 2009, I thought about the past year. I thought about the year to come. I thought about what I needed and wanted for myself and my family.
I want:
- To put work in its proper place
- To have time for Avindair and I
- To enjoy our children while they are children
- To be supportive of my son
- To be patient with my daughter
- To be in the sun
- To find more joy in life
- Happiness to outweigh sadness
- Certainty to outweigh fear
- Friendship to outweigh lonliness
- To balance work with play
- To balance want to's with must do's
- To see more of the world
- To have the leisure to learn
There's so much uncertainty in the year ahead that may affect all of us with the economy and the political landscape shifting. So much fear and hope in our personal lives with family and work. I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to 2009, but in truth, I'm hesitant about it. I won't make resolutions. I won't make promises. I won't make predictions. There's just too much at stake.
Today is New Year's Eve 2008. Time to put work in its proper place and log in for the last day of the year.
I've been on PTO (paid time off) since a couple of days before Christmas. Time off that I desperately needed to get my head together again. It wasn't all fun and games, though. Due to work commitments, I thought that I'd have to spend a lot of time working during my "time off." Thankfully, my presence wasn't needed all that much. Today, I'd planned to get up, fire up the laptop, and tackle all of those emails that I'm sure have piled up in Outlook before diving into whatever work had popped up during my absence.
As I lay in bed, warm under the covers in the dark, listening to Avindair's measured breath of slumber, getting out of bed became a much more difficult prospect -- and I began to think. On the precipice of 2009, I thought about the past year. I thought about the year to come. I thought about what I needed and wanted for myself and my family.
I want:
- To put work in its proper place
- To have time for Avindair and I
- To enjoy our children while they are children
- To be supportive of my son
- To be patient with my daughter
- To be in the sun
- To find more joy in life
- Happiness to outweigh sadness
- Certainty to outweigh fear
- Friendship to outweigh lonliness
- To balance work with play
- To balance want to's with must do's
- To see more of the world
- To have the leisure to learn
There's so much uncertainty in the year ahead that may affect all of us with the economy and the political landscape shifting. So much fear and hope in our personal lives with family and work. I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to 2009, but in truth, I'm hesitant about it. I won't make resolutions. I won't make promises. I won't make predictions. There's just too much at stake.
Today is New Year's Eve 2008. Time to put work in its proper place and log in for the last day of the year.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ramblings of a Mad Woman
Forgive this post in advance, if you please.
It will more than likely be rambling, introspective, negative and a little whiney. But I've been way out of the posting habit for more than a few months and need to get back on the bicycle... horse... wagon... whatever it was I fell off of.
My brain isn't in a place for flowing prose right now, so allow me to set my thoughts up in neat categories.
Avindair
23 days ago, Avindair set out on a big adventure -- off to the DAVE School to change his career and our lives. He's doing amazing work, but the pace is almost overwhelming. The kids and I miss him, of course, but we're so proud of him and support him every step of the way. We count down the days until his first visit on our office whiteboard and calendar. One of his Block 1 images (made his second week of class) even made it to the DAVE School online gallery. Look for the Sideways Tanker image.
Kids
Doing remarkably well. They spent 1/3 of their summer spending as much time with Avindair as they could before he had to go. Then another week with the grandparents in North Dakota with a fun trip to Medora. Now they're back home, getting together with friends as much as possible and trying to get the most out of what's left of summer. MonkeyDude finished the classroom portion of driver's ed. Now I have to get him his permit and get him behind the wheel to practice. He's got a busy social life (and hopefullly a job soon, too), but with Minnesota's 3-stage process, he should have his license to drive alone sometime before he's 25. The Alien is just doing her best to be with friends and keep her room from having a "hazard" label put on it.
Work
I love my new job. It's absolutely perfect for me. But even the best jobs have their rough patches. It's a long story, but the last few weeks have been more than challenging in the sleep department. As in "not getting much." Suffice it to say, due to many big projects due all at once, it's been less than rosie. Last week I logged 80 hours. Last night I pulled an extra 11 hours and was up until 545am. This craziness won't last forever, but my batteries are not recharging like they need to. Last Friday I was literally fit to be tied - completely burned out and exhausted. I'm happy to say that this week has been much better and I'm learning to put the needs of the schedule in perspective.
One HUGE plus in my job is the ability to work from home... pretty much any time I need to. That flexibility in my schedule is true blessing. I also have a fantastic boss and co-workers. And I love, love, love what I do.
Life in General
In some ways, Avindair's absence has been easier than I'd thought. Both of us are so busy - he with school, and me with work, kids and home - that we hardly have time to miss each other a lot. The missing is almost harder when we have down time. Weekends are the toughest.
I spent one week alone when the kids were away with my parents. Unfortunately, it was the one week where I worked an ungodly number of hours. I had hoped that I'd have been able to use that week as much-needed downtime, but no luck. On the other hand, with no one else in the house... just me and Houdini Poochini... the house stayed remarkably clean.
This weekend I'm forcing myself to NOT work (with the exception of about 2 hours of freelance stuff I promised to do). Tomorrow is yard work, a little housecleaning, some errands and a movie with the kids. Sunday we're going to the zoo. I need to spend time with my kids and not with my computer.
I'm off to hang out with the Alien. She wants to read me an article about Doctor Who (I STILL haven't watched the last episode!). Then later, it's off to pick up MonkeyDude from the theater. He went out to dinner and a movie with some pals. I'll have a brownie that just came out of the oven, pour a little glass of wine, and kick back.
Maybe I'll get around to watching that last Doctor Who...
It will more than likely be rambling, introspective, negative and a little whiney. But I've been way out of the posting habit for more than a few months and need to get back on the bicycle... horse... wagon... whatever it was I fell off of.
My brain isn't in a place for flowing prose right now, so allow me to set my thoughts up in neat categories.
Avindair
23 days ago, Avindair set out on a big adventure -- off to the DAVE School to change his career and our lives. He's doing amazing work, but the pace is almost overwhelming. The kids and I miss him, of course, but we're so proud of him and support him every step of the way. We count down the days until his first visit on our office whiteboard and calendar. One of his Block 1 images (made his second week of class) even made it to the DAVE School online gallery. Look for the Sideways Tanker image.
Kids
Doing remarkably well. They spent 1/3 of their summer spending as much time with Avindair as they could before he had to go. Then another week with the grandparents in North Dakota with a fun trip to Medora. Now they're back home, getting together with friends as much as possible and trying to get the most out of what's left of summer. MonkeyDude finished the classroom portion of driver's ed. Now I have to get him his permit and get him behind the wheel to practice. He's got a busy social life (and hopefullly a job soon, too), but with Minnesota's 3-stage process, he should have his license to drive alone sometime before he's 25. The Alien is just doing her best to be with friends and keep her room from having a "hazard" label put on it.
Work
I love my new job. It's absolutely perfect for me. But even the best jobs have their rough patches. It's a long story, but the last few weeks have been more than challenging in the sleep department. As in "not getting much." Suffice it to say, due to many big projects due all at once, it's been less than rosie. Last week I logged 80 hours. Last night I pulled an extra 11 hours and was up until 545am. This craziness won't last forever, but my batteries are not recharging like they need to. Last Friday I was literally fit to be tied - completely burned out and exhausted. I'm happy to say that this week has been much better and I'm learning to put the needs of the schedule in perspective.
One HUGE plus in my job is the ability to work from home... pretty much any time I need to. That flexibility in my schedule is true blessing. I also have a fantastic boss and co-workers. And I love, love, love what I do.
Life in General
In some ways, Avindair's absence has been easier than I'd thought. Both of us are so busy - he with school, and me with work, kids and home - that we hardly have time to miss each other a lot. The missing is almost harder when we have down time. Weekends are the toughest.
I spent one week alone when the kids were away with my parents. Unfortunately, it was the one week where I worked an ungodly number of hours. I had hoped that I'd have been able to use that week as much-needed downtime, but no luck. On the other hand, with no one else in the house... just me and Houdini Poochini... the house stayed remarkably clean.
This weekend I'm forcing myself to NOT work (with the exception of about 2 hours of freelance stuff I promised to do). Tomorrow is yard work, a little housecleaning, some errands and a movie with the kids. Sunday we're going to the zoo. I need to spend time with my kids and not with my computer.
I'm off to hang out with the Alien. She wants to read me an article about Doctor Who (I STILL haven't watched the last episode!). Then later, it's off to pick up MonkeyDude from the theater. He went out to dinner and a movie with some pals. I'll have a brownie that just came out of the oven, pour a little glass of wine, and kick back.
Maybe I'll get around to watching that last Doctor Who...
Friday, May 02, 2008
Get Used to Wearing Orange
What d'ya know? The justice system DOES work once in a while!
Few things in life put a spring in one's step more than having a former boss convicted of tax evasion. Life is good.
From the Star Tribune: Up to 10 years in prison for millionaire tax dodger
One of my favorite quotes from the article, "When Beale was arrested in November at a strip mall in Orlando, Fla., he was carrying a fake passport and driver's license issued from "The Kingdom of Heaven," something he had copied off the Internet."
Fucking brilliant. It's a good thing he decided to represent himself, or a lawyer may have tried to get him off on an insanity plea.
My past posts on the subject:
Crazy Talk! Crazy Talk! Change the Subject!
It Couldn't Have Happened to a Nicer Guy
Few things in life put a spring in one's step more than having a former boss convicted of tax evasion. Life is good.
From the Star Tribune: Up to 10 years in prison for millionaire tax dodger
One of my favorite quotes from the article, "When Beale was arrested in November at a strip mall in Orlando, Fla., he was carrying a fake passport and driver's license issued from "The Kingdom of Heaven," something he had copied off the Internet."
Fucking brilliant. It's a good thing he decided to represent himself, or a lawyer may have tried to get him off on an insanity plea.
My past posts on the subject:
Crazy Talk! Crazy Talk! Change the Subject!
It Couldn't Have Happened to a Nicer Guy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Crazy talk! Crazy talk! Change the subject!
"Crazy talk! Crazy talk! Change the subject!" -- Arthur, The Tick
Fans of the short-lived, live-action version of The Tick will remember that line above, delivered frantically by the Tick's sidekick, Arthur.
Someone should have thought to offer that advice to my former boss. Last August I posted about the Nerd Clan's pilgrimage to the Twin Cities and what part the company I worked for played in that. The post was prompted by a Star Tribune article, outlining the CEO and his dash from the law due to tax evasion.
After 14 months as a fugitive, authorities caught up with him on November 1, 2007 in Orlando, FL. I guess Mickey Mouse is a draw for tax evading religious zealots. Anywho, he's back in the Twin Cities, on trial, providing his own defense. But if he wasn't in enough trouble already, check out this article from the Star Tribune on Monday. Apparently, even from his jail cell, he's still having chats with God. It seems that God isn't too fond of the judge assigned to his trial. Allegedly, he told his common law wife, "God ... wants me to take the judge out, that's what he wants me to do," and "Once I take down Ann Montgomery, no judge in the whole court will have anything to do with me."
Good job. Nicely done! If you're going to make secret plans to get rid of a judge, the perfect means of communications is to do it through RECORDED PHONE CALLS FROM JAIL to result in the arrest of your accomplices. Very sneaky!
Yes. I'll watch this trial over the next two weeks with great interest.
Fans of the short-lived, live-action version of The Tick will remember that line above, delivered frantically by the Tick's sidekick, Arthur.
Someone should have thought to offer that advice to my former boss. Last August I posted about the Nerd Clan's pilgrimage to the Twin Cities and what part the company I worked for played in that. The post was prompted by a Star Tribune article, outlining the CEO and his dash from the law due to tax evasion.
After 14 months as a fugitive, authorities caught up with him on November 1, 2007 in Orlando, FL. I guess Mickey Mouse is a draw for tax evading religious zealots. Anywho, he's back in the Twin Cities, on trial, providing his own defense. But if he wasn't in enough trouble already, check out this article from the Star Tribune on Monday. Apparently, even from his jail cell, he's still having chats with God. It seems that God isn't too fond of the judge assigned to his trial. Allegedly, he told his common law wife, "God ... wants me to take the judge out, that's what he wants me to do," and "Once I take down Ann Montgomery, no judge in the whole court will have anything to do with me."
Good job. Nicely done! If you're going to make secret plans to get rid of a judge, the perfect means of communications is to do it through RECORDED PHONE CALLS FROM JAIL to result in the arrest of your accomplices. Very sneaky!
Yes. I'll watch this trial over the next two weeks with great interest.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Woe is Me
Stuffy nose. A vague fuzzy, humming in my ears. Sinuses that feel like they're packed with wet cement. A painfully red nose. Headache. Muscle ache. Sore throat. Chills.
The cold and flu season is my bane this year.
I wash my hands. I had my flu shot. I take my vitamins. I even regularly disinfected my desk and keyboard at work.
I've had the flu -- twice. It made at least a couple of laps at our house. Now Monkey Dude and I both have killer colds.
Misery, thy name is GeekGoddess.
As much as I'd like to, I can't call in sick this week. I'm taking next week off, and I hope and pray that I'm well by then. I have a document due tomorrow that MUST get done before I leave.
It feels all the worse to me because before I came back to a regular 9-5 gig, I was healthy. When I was freelancing, I went years without severe colds or flu. One year back in an office and I've been sick more than I can count.
An excellent argument for more telecommuting.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
More DRUGS!
Yup. That's what this country needs. More drugs!
At least according to an article off the Associated Press this morning: More Young Adults on Cholestoral Drugs.
You know WHY more young adults are on these drugs? You know why there is a greater incidence of obesity and high blood pressure?
Let's examine the recommended lifestyle to be able to stay off the cholesterol drugs. Eat right, exercise, and lose weight. Sounds simple, but when the average American has to work 2-3 jobs to keep his head above water, runs through the McDonald's drive-thru and eats in the car along the way, it makes it a little difficult. Or when a full-time job means 60 hours a week instead of 40? Where do you find time to exercise and cook even one healthy meal when you can't even find the time for a full night's rest? Now, add a spouse, kids, a house, and all the other responsibilities of life on top of that.
What do you mean you don't have time to go to the gym? What do you mean your "too tired"? What do you mean you can't go to the store to select lean cuts of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and create a healthy meal? It's easy! If it's REALLY important to you, you'll MAKE the time!
How's about instead of curing our cholesterol with pills, we examine the American lifestyle? But it's a nasty, vicious cycle. If you tell your boss to go get bent, you're only working 40 hours a week, you'll get fired. If you decide to work one job instead of three, you'll lose your home. If don't have a full-time job, you won't be able to afford health insurance. If all you can afford is the 79 cent box of mac and cheese and not the $3 head of lettuce, guess how healthy you're going to eat?
How do you fix it? Just take a pill. Every day of your life.
But in order to HAVE that pill, you have to have a job... or several. The job, and the unhealthy lifestyle mandated by having that job, leads to the high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which leads to needing the medication, which leads to having to keep the job to afford the medication, which leads to pharmacuetical companies smiling all the way to the bank.
Grump.
I've got other things to write about -- boy, DO I -- expect more blogging very, very soon.
Next up -- my rant on the TSA.
At least according to an article off the Associated Press this morning: More Young Adults on Cholestoral Drugs.
You know WHY more young adults are on these drugs? You know why there is a greater incidence of obesity and high blood pressure?
Let's examine the recommended lifestyle to be able to stay off the cholesterol drugs. Eat right, exercise, and lose weight. Sounds simple, but when the average American has to work 2-3 jobs to keep his head above water, runs through the McDonald's drive-thru and eats in the car along the way, it makes it a little difficult. Or when a full-time job means 60 hours a week instead of 40? Where do you find time to exercise and cook even one healthy meal when you can't even find the time for a full night's rest? Now, add a spouse, kids, a house, and all the other responsibilities of life on top of that.
What do you mean you don't have time to go to the gym? What do you mean your "too tired"? What do you mean you can't go to the store to select lean cuts of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and create a healthy meal? It's easy! If it's REALLY important to you, you'll MAKE the time!
How's about instead of curing our cholesterol with pills, we examine the American lifestyle? But it's a nasty, vicious cycle. If you tell your boss to go get bent, you're only working 40 hours a week, you'll get fired. If you decide to work one job instead of three, you'll lose your home. If don't have a full-time job, you won't be able to afford health insurance. If all you can afford is the 79 cent box of mac and cheese and not the $3 head of lettuce, guess how healthy you're going to eat?
How do you fix it? Just take a pill. Every day of your life.
But in order to HAVE that pill, you have to have a job... or several. The job, and the unhealthy lifestyle mandated by having that job, leads to the high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which leads to needing the medication, which leads to having to keep the job to afford the medication, which leads to pharmacuetical companies smiling all the way to the bank.
Grump.
I've got other things to write about -- boy, DO I -- expect more blogging very, very soon.
Next up -- my rant on the TSA.
Friday, August 31, 2007
It Couldn't Have Happened to a Nicer Guy
When the Nerd Clan moved to the Twin Cities way back in October of 1998, things weren't looking so good for the home team.
Due to the Red River Valley flood of '97, I was going to be losing my great job as Computer Department Manager of the UND Bookstore. The university needed to find ways to save money to pay for the damages the flood wrought and a way to attract students back to the ravaged campus. They ended up leasing the bookstore business to Barnes & Noble... and B&N was not in the business of selling computers.
Avindair was working a crappy job for an insane boss (you should hear the stories), having to drive 150 miles round trip every day from Grand Forks to Fargo, traveling to other cities for a week at a time at the drop of a hat, and having paychecks that bounced.
With no career prospects in Grand Forks, we had to look elsewhere. Elsewhere had to be the nearest metro area... Minneapolis/St.Paul.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #1
I found a job all right. In one day I drove 5 hours to the cities, spent two hours interviewing, and drove 5 hours back. They offered me the job of regional inside sales rep at a company that made multiport serial cards. It was set up as a pay + commission structure. Not a dream job, I'll admit, but it was enough to help support our family in a new city. They knew I'd have to relocate and were all smiley-supporty.
Marathon to the Twin cities #2
In between job offer and moving, Avindair and I took an overnight trip to the cities to find an apartment. We took the first place we could find as close as possible to my work, since Tony didn't have a job yet, that wasn't a scary (is that a heroine dealer?) rat trap that we could also afford. Paid the *yowch* first month's rent, stayed one night with local relatives (the first of three times we'd see them in the 9 years we've lived here), and once again headed back to Grand Forks.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #3
Did you know that it's possible to break down an entire apartment for 4 people, pack it on a truck, drive to another city, unpack it, set up the new apartment, and drive back to the original city in 48 hours? With the help of two of our best friends, DaveGuy and Bella, we did... bless their hearts.
Halloween 1998
The night before we left for our new home. For good. Our son, who was only 6 at the time, was enjoying Halloween at Grandma's house. Due to our neverending search for good jobs, he was being uprooted once again. It broke our hearts. We were having to move just a few months into first grade. Avindair and I dreaded it for him. In his six short years we'd already moved five times - six if you count the two places in Denver. He would once again have a new home, a new school, a new daycare, new teachers, new friends, new places to play... with our little family and the contents of our apartment the only things that were a constant in his life.
Our daughter had it a little easier. She would be turning 2 in just two weeks and didn't have the level of adapting to go through that our son did.
"Hi, I'm the new rep."
The first week in November I started my new job. And to tell you the truth, it suck-diddly-ucked, Flanders.
First, my sales manager and I were the only females on the sales team. Good Old Boys Club in the extreme. It didn't matter if I'd been a sales manager in my own right, I was treated like "just a girl".
Second, nearly all of the sales reps had been FRIENDS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. Yup. Even in a city this size, they had grown up together, gone to college together, and were now working at the same company -- and they acted like it. Not only was I not in the boys club, I also was a charter member of the "You're Not From Around Here" club.
Third, after several weeks, after uprooting my family, incurring the expense of moving, having rent and utilities and car payments and daycare to pay, and in the midst of holiday season with kids, I eagerly awaited my first paycheck. Payday came and went. And I had no paycheck. I confronted my boss. "Didn't we tell you? We pay a month behind, after you've completed your first month. So you don't get your first paycheck until January. But if you want, we can give you an advance."
WHAT THE HELL?
So, to stay out of bad debt with our monthly bills, I had to go into debt with my new employer. A debt that I then had to make payments on with every future paycheck for nearly a year.
Fourth. Every month we'd gather for an all employee meeting. The owner would usually fly up from Florida, where he lived part of the time, and address the troops. I'd already heard from other employees that he kept the Florida address to avoid Minnesota taxes and that he was a bit... eccentric. What I heard at my first employee meeting made my jaw drop. After everything my family and I had been through to be there, at that point in time, I was infuriated. Here's what the speech from the company's owner boiled down to:
1. God was to be thanked for everything we had and the all of the successes of our company.
2. The owner had the position he had in life, because God put him there. He was appointed to be sucessful by God.
3. We all, as workers, had the position we had below him in life, because God meant for us to be there... below him.
4. God had made it clear that he (the owner) was better than us.
Oh, yeah. THAT'S the way to motivate your employees.
My family and I had worked hard to be where we were. Life had thrown us a lot of curve balls and we did our damndest to keep our heads (literally) above water and persevere. I was supposed to believe that some white-bearded father-figure on a cloud had handpicked me to be the bitch-slapped worker bee for life and handpicked some narcissistic looney to reign supreme... just because?
Um... no.
Eventually, of course, I got out of there. I got away from the insane, zealot, tax-dodging owner and his nepotism-ridden company.
And My Point Is?
Just the other day, I saw this article in the Star Tribune.
"With founder a fugitive, Comtrol remakes itself"
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/1382004.html
Apparently, God doesn't want him paying taxes. This CEO-on-the-lam was also a republican, a former delegate the Repulican National Convention, AND the founder of the Minnesota Christian Coalition.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/16/104246/586
Or read this goodie from the US Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/mn/press/econ/econ0140.pdf
The articles just get more and more fun:
http://blog.au.org/2006/08/18/taxing_situatio/
Finding this news just made me feel warm and fuzzy all day. This nepotistic businessman, leading republican supporter, right-wing Christian zealot, law breaking nutzoid was on the run from finally getting what was REALLY due him.
Huh. Maybe there IS a God?
Due to the Red River Valley flood of '97, I was going to be losing my great job as Computer Department Manager of the UND Bookstore. The university needed to find ways to save money to pay for the damages the flood wrought and a way to attract students back to the ravaged campus. They ended up leasing the bookstore business to Barnes & Noble... and B&N was not in the business of selling computers.
Avindair was working a crappy job for an insane boss (you should hear the stories), having to drive 150 miles round trip every day from Grand Forks to Fargo, traveling to other cities for a week at a time at the drop of a hat, and having paychecks that bounced.
With no career prospects in Grand Forks, we had to look elsewhere. Elsewhere had to be the nearest metro area... Minneapolis/St.Paul.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #1
I found a job all right. In one day I drove 5 hours to the cities, spent two hours interviewing, and drove 5 hours back. They offered me the job of regional inside sales rep at a company that made multiport serial cards. It was set up as a pay + commission structure. Not a dream job, I'll admit, but it was enough to help support our family in a new city. They knew I'd have to relocate and were all smiley-supporty.
Marathon to the Twin cities #2
In between job offer and moving, Avindair and I took an overnight trip to the cities to find an apartment. We took the first place we could find as close as possible to my work, since Tony didn't have a job yet, that wasn't a scary (is that a heroine dealer?) rat trap that we could also afford. Paid the *yowch* first month's rent, stayed one night with local relatives (the first of three times we'd see them in the 9 years we've lived here), and once again headed back to Grand Forks.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #3
Did you know that it's possible to break down an entire apartment for 4 people, pack it on a truck, drive to another city, unpack it, set up the new apartment, and drive back to the original city in 48 hours? With the help of two of our best friends, DaveGuy and Bella, we did... bless their hearts.
Halloween 1998
The night before we left for our new home. For good. Our son, who was only 6 at the time, was enjoying Halloween at Grandma's house. Due to our neverending search for good jobs, he was being uprooted once again. It broke our hearts. We were having to move just a few months into first grade. Avindair and I dreaded it for him. In his six short years we'd already moved five times - six if you count the two places in Denver. He would once again have a new home, a new school, a new daycare, new teachers, new friends, new places to play... with our little family and the contents of our apartment the only things that were a constant in his life.
Our daughter had it a little easier. She would be turning 2 in just two weeks and didn't have the level of adapting to go through that our son did.
"Hi, I'm the new rep."
The first week in November I started my new job. And to tell you the truth, it suck-diddly-ucked, Flanders.
First, my sales manager and I were the only females on the sales team. Good Old Boys Club in the extreme. It didn't matter if I'd been a sales manager in my own right, I was treated like "just a girl".
Second, nearly all of the sales reps had been FRIENDS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. Yup. Even in a city this size, they had grown up together, gone to college together, and were now working at the same company -- and they acted like it. Not only was I not in the boys club, I also was a charter member of the "You're Not From Around Here" club.
Third, after several weeks, after uprooting my family, incurring the expense of moving, having rent and utilities and car payments and daycare to pay, and in the midst of holiday season with kids, I eagerly awaited my first paycheck. Payday came and went. And I had no paycheck. I confronted my boss. "Didn't we tell you? We pay a month behind, after you've completed your first month. So you don't get your first paycheck until January. But if you want, we can give you an advance."
WHAT THE HELL?
So, to stay out of bad debt with our monthly bills, I had to go into debt with my new employer. A debt that I then had to make payments on with every future paycheck for nearly a year.
Fourth. Every month we'd gather for an all employee meeting. The owner would usually fly up from Florida, where he lived part of the time, and address the troops. I'd already heard from other employees that he kept the Florida address to avoid Minnesota taxes and that he was a bit... eccentric. What I heard at my first employee meeting made my jaw drop. After everything my family and I had been through to be there, at that point in time, I was infuriated. Here's what the speech from the company's owner boiled down to:
1. God was to be thanked for everything we had and the all of the successes of our company.
2. The owner had the position he had in life, because God put him there. He was appointed to be sucessful by God.
3. We all, as workers, had the position we had below him in life, because God meant for us to be there... below him.
4. God had made it clear that he (the owner) was better than us.
Oh, yeah. THAT'S the way to motivate your employees.
My family and I had worked hard to be where we were. Life had thrown us a lot of curve balls and we did our damndest to keep our heads (literally) above water and persevere. I was supposed to believe that some white-bearded father-figure on a cloud had handpicked me to be the bitch-slapped worker bee for life and handpicked some narcissistic looney to reign supreme... just because?
Um... no.
Eventually, of course, I got out of there. I got away from the insane, zealot, tax-dodging owner and his nepotism-ridden company.
And My Point Is?
Just the other day, I saw this article in the Star Tribune.
"With founder a fugitive, Comtrol remakes itself"
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/1382004.html
Apparently, God doesn't want him paying taxes. This CEO-on-the-lam was also a republican, a former delegate the Repulican National Convention, AND the founder of the Minnesota Christian Coalition.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/16/104246/586
Or read this goodie from the US Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/mn/press/econ/econ0140.pdf
The articles just get more and more fun:
http://blog.au.org/2006/08/18/taxing_situatio/
Finding this news just made me feel warm and fuzzy all day. This nepotistic businessman, leading republican supporter, right-wing Christian zealot, law breaking nutzoid was on the run from finally getting what was REALLY due him.
Huh. Maybe there IS a God?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ducks and Bunnies
I can tell I've been in too many meetings today with management types. I'm over explaining to everyone I meet. You know how it is with management, all of the authority and none of the understanding of technology. Duck and bunnie charts.
Mgr: "I need a pencil and paper."
IT: "A pencil and paper are already in the requirements. You'll have the pencil and paper, just as you asked."
Mgr: "But the requirements don't say that I can write on the paper with the pencil. Will I be able to write on the paper?"
IT: "Of course, you will."
Mgr: "But how do I know that?"
IT: "Because that's the basic function of pencil and paper."
Mgr: "But I don't see anything that says I can write on the paper with the pencil. What if I get the pencil and paper and the pencil doesn't write on the paper?"
IT: "That won't happen."
Mgr: "Why?"
IT: "Because the basic function of pencil and paper is for the pencil to write on the paper. It's intrinsic to having pencil and paper."
Mgr: "But how can I be sure of that?"
Yup. This is the point when you just bonk said manager-type on the head, lock him / her in a closet, and only let him / her out when the application has launched. Then they can say:
Mgr: "Where's my pencil and paper?"
IT: "It's right there. On your desk."
Mgr: "But it doesn't LOOK like my old pencil and paper."
IT: "No, it doesn't. But it works the same way."
Mgr: "How do I know that it works that same?"
IT: "Because all pencils and papers have the same function."
Mgr: "But that pencil is blue. My pencil was yellow."
IT: "Yes, but it writes in exactly the same color as before."
Mgr: "No it can't. It's a different color."
IT: "But it writes the same way as before."
Mgr: "No it doesn't."
IT: "Yes it does. How do you know it doesn't? Have you tried it?"
Mgr: "No."
IT: "Then how do you know it doesn't do the same thing as before?"
Mgr: "It looks different."
Ah.... nothin' like the Peter Principle.
Mgr: "I need a pencil and paper."
IT: "A pencil and paper are already in the requirements. You'll have the pencil and paper, just as you asked."
Mgr: "But the requirements don't say that I can write on the paper with the pencil. Will I be able to write on the paper?"
IT: "Of course, you will."
Mgr: "But how do I know that?"
IT: "Because that's the basic function of pencil and paper."
Mgr: "But I don't see anything that says I can write on the paper with the pencil. What if I get the pencil and paper and the pencil doesn't write on the paper?"
IT: "That won't happen."
Mgr: "Why?"
IT: "Because the basic function of pencil and paper is for the pencil to write on the paper. It's intrinsic to having pencil and paper."
Mgr: "But how can I be sure of that?"
Yup. This is the point when you just bonk said manager-type on the head, lock him / her in a closet, and only let him / her out when the application has launched. Then they can say:
Mgr: "Where's my pencil and paper?"
IT: "It's right there. On your desk."
Mgr: "But it doesn't LOOK like my old pencil and paper."
IT: "No, it doesn't. But it works the same way."
Mgr: "How do I know that it works that same?"
IT: "Because all pencils and papers have the same function."
Mgr: "But that pencil is blue. My pencil was yellow."
IT: "Yes, but it writes in exactly the same color as before."
Mgr: "No it can't. It's a different color."
IT: "But it writes the same way as before."
Mgr: "No it doesn't."
IT: "Yes it does. How do you know it doesn't? Have you tried it?"
Mgr: "No."
IT: "Then how do you know it doesn't do the same thing as before?"
Mgr: "It looks different."
Ah.... nothin' like the Peter Principle.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Ghost That Typed
The Life of a Corporate Contract Writer
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Cat's Out of the Bag
I've been waiting to post this for a couple of weeks. It had taken so long to get what I wanted and needed that I was afraid I'd jinx it with a premature announcement. So without further ado...
I got a job. A good one. A real, honest-to-goodness, regular full-time employee type job with decent pay, good commute, great co-workers, casual atmosphere, and nice benefits. A job where people say please and thank you. A job where my boss doesn't track me with a stop watch and asks for my opinion. A company that's been around for 33 years and grown exponentially in the last 10. A company that has employees celebrating 25-year anniversaries.
And I even like the work.
I'm a Technical Writer / Trainer in Product Development for a Twin Cities-based incentives company. In a nut shell, my company helps other companies keep employees feeling happy and appreciated through incentives and loyalty programs.
More later. I'm still writing freelance on the side occasionally and I'm up late tonight to meet a deadline.
'night, all...
I got a job. A good one. A real, honest-to-goodness, regular full-time employee type job with decent pay, good commute, great co-workers, casual atmosphere, and nice benefits. A job where people say please and thank you. A job where my boss doesn't track me with a stop watch and asks for my opinion. A company that's been around for 33 years and grown exponentially in the last 10. A company that has employees celebrating 25-year anniversaries.
And I even like the work.
I'm a Technical Writer / Trainer in Product Development for a Twin Cities-based incentives company. In a nut shell, my company helps other companies keep employees feeling happy and appreciated through incentives and loyalty programs.
More later. I'm still writing freelance on the side occasionally and I'm up late tonight to meet a deadline.
'night, all...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hi, Ho... Hi, Ho
Work sucks.
In the big picture, I really don't have much to complain about. I get to sit at a computer and write all day. It's not cleaning backed-up sewage, welding on top of a skyscraper, or trying to save someone's life. I'm not in danger of physical harm. People's lives don't depend on what I do (at least, to date), but all jobs carry their own unique sets of stressors, both good and bad.
Right now, I can name a hundred things I'd rather be doing than editing copy and creating search engine content - but it pays the bills. First and foremost, I'd like a job with a stability, respect, a living wage, and benefits. Yeah... and while you're at it, I'd like a pony, too.
More on that later.
I do have to report my schadenfreude moment of the week. I found out something about the company-I-oh-so-wanted-to-work-for early last year. The one that gave me a "trial period" working freelance for them, but I eventually ran away screaming. They lost a big... and I mean BIG contract with a major Minneapolis corporation... because of the way they did business. It was a client of their's they'd actually asked me to LIE to to help them save face.
That brought me a moment of pure bliss.
Like I said. More on that later.
In the big picture, I really don't have much to complain about. I get to sit at a computer and write all day. It's not cleaning backed-up sewage, welding on top of a skyscraper, or trying to save someone's life. I'm not in danger of physical harm. People's lives don't depend on what I do (at least, to date), but all jobs carry their own unique sets of stressors, both good and bad.
Right now, I can name a hundred things I'd rather be doing than editing copy and creating search engine content - but it pays the bills. First and foremost, I'd like a job with a stability, respect, a living wage, and benefits. Yeah... and while you're at it, I'd like a pony, too.
More on that later.
I do have to report my schadenfreude moment of the week. I found out something about the company-I-oh-so-wanted-to-work-for early last year. The one that gave me a "trial period" working freelance for them, but I eventually ran away screaming. They lost a big... and I mean BIG contract with a major Minneapolis corporation... because of the way they did business. It was a client of their's they'd actually asked me to LIE to to help them save face.
That brought me a moment of pure bliss.
Like I said. More on that later.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
See? I have PROOF!
As a writer by trade, it's not always easy to prove one's skills. So here it is. Undeniable proof.
According to a Blogthings quiz, I know lots of big words.
According to a Blogthings quiz, I know lots of big words.
| Your Vocabulary Score: A |
 |
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Schadenfreude
Back in March and April of this year, I had interviewed for a lead position at the local offices of a worldwide firm. I wanted this job so bad, I could taste it... until I got to know them. Eventually, after jumping through multiple hoops, I refused to continue being the poodle with the sequined collar and pulled myself out of the running.
They still haven't filled the position. Or they have, lost the hiree, and had to readvertise again... and again... and again. *grin* Over six months-time, I've seen the same job readvertised four times. Most recently, just a few days ago. There are only two reasons I can imagine that they are still looking to fill this position. First, they play the same ridiculous run-around games with other applicants. Two, their bad reputation precedes them.
I wonder how many times they advertised before I applied back in February?
Oh... and my car is already done! Just a totally dead battery. Entire electrical system checked out A-OK.
They still haven't filled the position. Or they have, lost the hiree, and had to readvertise again... and again... and again. *grin* Over six months-time, I've seen the same job readvertised four times. Most recently, just a few days ago. There are only two reasons I can imagine that they are still looking to fill this position. First, they play the same ridiculous run-around games with other applicants. Two, their bad reputation precedes them.
I wonder how many times they advertised before I applied back in February?
Oh... and my car is already done! Just a totally dead battery. Entire electrical system checked out A-OK.
The Universe Steps In
It's been one helluva busy year. Yesterday alone I was scheduled for 12 out of 24 hours. Today, at least 5 of my workday hours were spoken for running back and forth across the cities for meetings.
Then the Universe stepped in...
... in the form of my car breaking down.
And I'm not upset in the least. Why?
1. I now have a perfectly good and valid excuse for not hauling my cookies all over town.
2. I can get a lot more necessary work done right here at my desk.
3. I've never had to make payments on this car. It was a greatly appreciated gift out of life insurance payouts from my uncle's will many years ago. I don't bitch about the occasional repair.
4. Within an hour I was able to call my regular garage, get someone to tow it there, and I'll probably get it back before the end of the day.
5. Frankly, I needed the - albeit relative - break. If this was the only way I could get it - so be it.
When I set about owning my own business and making the conscious decision to grow it, I knew there would be days, weeks, even months like these. As a small business owner, being overly busy are the problems you HOPE to have. Not having enough business is what nightmares are made out of.
I was forced to cancel two meetings - my clients were understanding. They trust that the deadlines will still be met.
So, thank you, Universe, for giving me the break I wouldn't give myself!
Then the Universe stepped in...
... in the form of my car breaking down.
And I'm not upset in the least. Why?
1. I now have a perfectly good and valid excuse for not hauling my cookies all over town.
2. I can get a lot more necessary work done right here at my desk.
3. I've never had to make payments on this car. It was a greatly appreciated gift out of life insurance payouts from my uncle's will many years ago. I don't bitch about the occasional repair.
4. Within an hour I was able to call my regular garage, get someone to tow it there, and I'll probably get it back before the end of the day.
5. Frankly, I needed the - albeit relative - break. If this was the only way I could get it - so be it.
When I set about owning my own business and making the conscious decision to grow it, I knew there would be days, weeks, even months like these. As a small business owner, being overly busy are the problems you HOPE to have. Not having enough business is what nightmares are made out of.
I was forced to cancel two meetings - my clients were understanding. They trust that the deadlines will still be met.
So, thank you, Universe, for giving me the break I wouldn't give myself!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Summer Stressing
Ideally, summer is that time of year that we all get to relax. Kids are out of school. The weather is beautiful. Life is good.
For someone like me that works from home, summer comes with mixed blessings.
First, when the sky is blue and the sun is shining, it makes concentrating on work much harder. You might think its the same for everyone that works. Not quite. I don't have a manager breathing down my neck or a finite number of vacation days, true. On the other hand, I have to maintain the discipline to stay at my desk instead of, say, planting flowers or jetting out for a bike ride.
Second, the kids are home. I love them being home, but it also means frequent interruptions. Just as much as I need to concentrate on work, I also want them to enjoy their summer. Some days it's incredibly easy. I get up early and get a lot of work done before they wake up. Then they are off and running with one friend or another. Then there are the days of, "No, I don't have time to take you to a friend's house." or "I said, no computers." or "What are you doing inside? Go out in the yard!"
Days like today stress me out. Up early, prepared for a conference call. Did the hour-long conference call. Had one hour to work before the kids got up. My son had made plans the night before to see Superman Returns with friends. My daughter got a call from a friend who wanted to come over and play (but would need ME to do the driving since her dad was working - hey! me too!). On the work side, I have a month's-worth of articles to finish for my big client by Friday, potential clients to call, current clients to follow up with, plus a huge business networking event to prepare for to be at by 5pm.
Still with me?
Since my son wouldn't be home from the movie until 6pm, I had to have him nix those plans due to the business event. He handled the news very well, but I could tell he was disappointed. Since I have my work to do, I can't run around picking up playmates for my daughter. I'm having to tell her no today - so she's feeling a little put out. (No matter how you explain it, a 9-year-old just doesn't fully comprehend why Mom can't take time away from the computer sometimes.) Now I'm trying to prioritize the rest of my to-do's.
Did I mention that my daughter is also supposed to have soccer practice tonight?
This is one of the tough days.
When I reach the point where I think I'm just about to explode into a million little super balls - I sit back, do some lamaze breathing (it really works wonders - and not just in the delivery room), and try to remember the good things:
1. Even with the constant need for self-discipline, I am thankful for every day that I remain on my own in business. I get to make my own hours, make my own dress code and be my own boss. That's worth its weight in gold.
2. I get more time with my kids now than I ever did when I did the corporate 8-5. There was some days I saw my kids a total of 2 hours. That's shameful. Even at its worst, I still cherish every moment with them.
3. I have a fantastic husband that supports everything I do. And if I just remember to ask him to help instead of trying to carry the weight on my own shoulders all the time, he'll do anything for me in a heartbeat.
4. Cut out everything that isn't absolutely necessary. Sure, the laundry needs to be done, we need lightbulbs and milk, I'd love to get a quick manicure for the big event, etc. But can it wait? Can I get by without doing those things? Yeah. I can. The list of "would like to-do" is often far, FAR longer than "absolutely need to-do".
*breathe in* *breathe out* *breathe in* *breathe out*
Yeah. I'll make it.
For someone like me that works from home, summer comes with mixed blessings.
First, when the sky is blue and the sun is shining, it makes concentrating on work much harder. You might think its the same for everyone that works. Not quite. I don't have a manager breathing down my neck or a finite number of vacation days, true. On the other hand, I have to maintain the discipline to stay at my desk instead of, say, planting flowers or jetting out for a bike ride.
Second, the kids are home. I love them being home, but it also means frequent interruptions. Just as much as I need to concentrate on work, I also want them to enjoy their summer. Some days it's incredibly easy. I get up early and get a lot of work done before they wake up. Then they are off and running with one friend or another. Then there are the days of, "No, I don't have time to take you to a friend's house." or "I said, no computers." or "What are you doing inside? Go out in the yard!"
Days like today stress me out. Up early, prepared for a conference call. Did the hour-long conference call. Had one hour to work before the kids got up. My son had made plans the night before to see Superman Returns with friends. My daughter got a call from a friend who wanted to come over and play (but would need ME to do the driving since her dad was working - hey! me too!). On the work side, I have a month's-worth of articles to finish for my big client by Friday, potential clients to call, current clients to follow up with, plus a huge business networking event to prepare for to be at by 5pm.
Still with me?
Since my son wouldn't be home from the movie until 6pm, I had to have him nix those plans due to the business event. He handled the news very well, but I could tell he was disappointed. Since I have my work to do, I can't run around picking up playmates for my daughter. I'm having to tell her no today - so she's feeling a little put out. (No matter how you explain it, a 9-year-old just doesn't fully comprehend why Mom can't take time away from the computer sometimes.) Now I'm trying to prioritize the rest of my to-do's.
Did I mention that my daughter is also supposed to have soccer practice tonight?
This is one of the tough days.
When I reach the point where I think I'm just about to explode into a million little super balls - I sit back, do some lamaze breathing (it really works wonders - and not just in the delivery room), and try to remember the good things:
1. Even with the constant need for self-discipline, I am thankful for every day that I remain on my own in business. I get to make my own hours, make my own dress code and be my own boss. That's worth its weight in gold.
2. I get more time with my kids now than I ever did when I did the corporate 8-5. There was some days I saw my kids a total of 2 hours. That's shameful. Even at its worst, I still cherish every moment with them.
3. I have a fantastic husband that supports everything I do. And if I just remember to ask him to help instead of trying to carry the weight on my own shoulders all the time, he'll do anything for me in a heartbeat.
4. Cut out everything that isn't absolutely necessary. Sure, the laundry needs to be done, we need lightbulbs and milk, I'd love to get a quick manicure for the big event, etc. But can it wait? Can I get by without doing those things? Yeah. I can. The list of "would like to-do" is often far, FAR longer than "absolutely need to-do".
*breathe in* *breathe out* *breathe in* *breathe out*
Yeah. I'll make it.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Spellchecker is Only a Tool
I'm a professional writer and editor by trade. In the past, I underestimated the value of my knowledge of the English language. I thought that everyone knew how to write. How did I have anything special to offer?
Then I see something like this in my hometown newspaper:
"Man fleas cops on 5-horsepower cycle"
Please. Tell me I didn't just read that. Tell me this headline didn't make it past the proofers and the editors and the printers.
At my front door today, a local company that replaces driveways and sidewalks left a flyer with this dandy quote at the bottom:
"Call now to schedule an appointment for a FREE consolation."
Excuse me? A free WHAT? I didn't know people usually charged for that these days. What do they do? Put an arm around your shoulder and say, "Gee, I'm sorry your driveway looks so crappy. We can help fix it. No charge for the consolation." Perhaps I should call and offer a consultation on their advertising in trade for a new driveway?
Then I see something like this in my hometown newspaper:
"Man fleas cops on 5-horsepower cycle"
Please. Tell me I didn't just read that. Tell me this headline didn't make it past the proofers and the editors and the printers.
At my front door today, a local company that replaces driveways and sidewalks left a flyer with this dandy quote at the bottom:
"Call now to schedule an appointment for a FREE consolation."
Excuse me? A free WHAT? I didn't know people usually charged for that these days. What do they do? Put an arm around your shoulder and say, "Gee, I'm sorry your driveway looks so crappy. We can help fix it. No charge for the consolation." Perhaps I should call and offer a consultation on their advertising in trade for a new driveway?
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