Friday, January 20, 2006
To Work or Not to Work
I work for the postal service. In spite of abusive management practices, skeleton crews and long hours, I truly like the job. I am overeducated for this job and most of my superiors are unqualified for theirs. Most of the workers(clerks and carriers)keep up their spirits by bonding with each other albeit only during work hours. The job itself is enjoyable due to being in the fresh air 6-8 hours a day, built in exercise while getting paid, and meeting the American public who really appreciates the service we provide.
October thru December is an extremely difficult period each year at the post office. In fact, it has pretty much ruined the excitement of Christmas for me the past 23 years. During that time and pretty much the rest of the year as well, I dream of retiring to recapture the magic of Christmas and spend more time at home doing things I want and need to do if only I had more time and energy.
January 5th I went to the doctor for an ankle problem that had been bothering me for quite a while. He put me in a cast boot for two weeks to rest and mend the tendons. I was so excited to be off work for two weeks! Yesterday when I returned to hopefully get released , he left me in the boot for three more weeks. This totals five weeks away from work. I should be elated, but instead I am bored and guilt-ridden that I am not at work pulling my load instead of contributing to the abuse of the employees by not being there.
Retirement seems less desirable when I am idle. I realize my job is very much who I am. It defines me. My friendships at work are much more precious to me than I realize when I am there. I think I will quit being so melancholy and spend this time off work resting up for the next 15 years of my 38 year sentence at this job that I love to complain about, but hate to miss.
October thru December is an extremely difficult period each year at the post office. In fact, it has pretty much ruined the excitement of Christmas for me the past 23 years. During that time and pretty much the rest of the year as well, I dream of retiring to recapture the magic of Christmas and spend more time at home doing things I want and need to do if only I had more time and energy.
January 5th I went to the doctor for an ankle problem that had been bothering me for quite a while. He put me in a cast boot for two weeks to rest and mend the tendons. I was so excited to be off work for two weeks! Yesterday when I returned to hopefully get released , he left me in the boot for three more weeks. This totals five weeks away from work. I should be elated, but instead I am bored and guilt-ridden that I am not at work pulling my load instead of contributing to the abuse of the employees by not being there.
Retirement seems less desirable when I am idle. I realize my job is very much who I am. It defines me. My friendships at work are much more precious to me than I realize when I am there. I think I will quit being so melancholy and spend this time off work resting up for the next 15 years of my 38 year sentence at this job that I love to complain about, but hate to miss.
