Translate

Jan 31, 2007

I saw it coming, and tried to stop, and did to some extent. At work, I mean. I finished my online training crap, my eyes crossing from time to time, but I did it. Then, out to the floor to observe and assist. I ended up working my ass off. The things that I saw that had to done were evidently invisible to my co-workers.


One little darling in particular, who speaks in a whisper, and when not busy, reads magazines, was lucky I didn't pick her up and throw her across the store. But, then, I probably would have had to clean up the mess, so why bother?


However, I kept telling myself, slow down, your moving to fast. You got to make the evening last. I really tried. I think it comes down to my own way of working. I go in, have a good idea of what I need to accomplish, set my priorities, and do it. Plus, I look for things to do. I cannot stand to just sit around and do nothing. It drives me bug-shit. So, there really is no one to blame but me.


I found a box of copper scrub pads with one missing. You know the one's. They're called chore boys or some such shit. I took it up to a co-worker, said, "Look, we got a crack-head here!" I'm not sure exactly what they do with them, but I know that most pharmacies keep this item behind the counter, along with certain cold medicines, which are used to make crystal meth. I mentioned this, and got a couple of blank stares, like, what the fuck is she talking about?


In spite of all of this, I have to keep in mind that I am not the boss, I do not know everything, and I am just your average worker bee. So, I didn't say 99% of the shit I wanted to say. Give me a pat on the back.


Back in the day, my youngest son got a job working part-time with me in a little Mom and Pop operation. In this case, the Pop, was a coke addict. How did I know? When someone comes in, tired as hell, grouchy, and mean-spirited, goes to the bathroom, stays in there for about 15 minutes, then comes out and starts working like theres no tomorrow, smiling and laughing, just can't keep still, so much to do, well, it isn't because his constipation problems are over.


Anyway, my son and I had a blast. One old man came in one night, looking scruffy, unshaven, and, after diggin in his pockets, put some change on the counter, and asked what he could get to eat with that. My son and I looked at each other, hearts melting, and loaded that man up with as much stuff as he could carry. Could have been a con, but we didn't think so. All at the expense of Pop. It made us feel so good to help this guy. That's a good memory.

Now, getting back to the job, I can already see where I might run into trouble. So, I will learn to pace myself, even be a slacker sometimes. I can do it. I know I can. When I get the urge to work like a banshee, I will just remember my copy of Clerks II, and smile.
"At least I have a positive attitude about my destructive habits"
unknown

9 comments:

Constance said...

Very sweet thing you and your son did for that hungry man....
Pace yourself, Just Me, that your flame may burn slow and steadily --and you have energy left for yourself. Be glad of your contributions. You are good just the way you are...
Blessings to you and your new job.

Mary said...

I always think the time goes faster if you keep yourself busy so I can't blame you. If your standing still so will time.

The Future Was Yesterday said...

the tendency of workers to turn on each other has always angered me. If you continue your "get it done" ways, I suspect you'll have few "friends" down the road. Of course, one might want to look at the "quality" of those friends, in the first place.:)
The flip side of that coin, and a viable argument imo, is the argument "you get what you pay for." That's true in employees, as well as products.

BRUNO said...

The unfortunate part is, workers of your type are, indeed, becoming "unwanted", that is to say, the "goal" for way too many of todays' workers is simple: Get the most amount of money, for the least amount of quality-time spent.......

billie said...

try supervising those kind of folks. what a nightmare. talk about burn out. i am one of those folks who have to keep busy too- and the fact that i had to stand over top of the folks who worked under me to simply get the basic everyday things done- well, i am glad i left. good luck honey!

Enemy of the Republic said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I see that we have similar political feelings. I will return! You are cool.

Fuzzylogic said...

You can never change attitudes of people working with you,so I guess the best thing we can always do is continue doing what we believe in.I think you are doing such a wonderful job at it.That was indeed such a sweet gesture you guys did for that old man,you have a good heart Just me!

Spadoman said...

You're an old school kind of person as far as work is concerned, that's for sure. Times have changed. Just do what's best for yourself if you can and when you can. It's hard to sit around, and easy to outwork the ones with no sense of what work or a job actually is.
Keep thinking and slow down just a bit for your own sake. Pretend you're stoned, (or, get stoned :-) when you're at work.

Sorry I haven't been around. I've been busy with e new Grand daughter and battling the Flu. Glad I stopped by to see you. Take Care. Peace.

Unknown said...

To all: Thanks for the advice. It's good advice, I just hope my stubborn ole ass can comprehend it.

Spadoman, the last time I got "high", I keep thinking my tongue was going to swell to the point it would obstruct my breathing. Or my heart would stop, and how would I would I be able to start it....maybe a valium?

Future, you are right. If I do the best work I can my co-workers will band together and plan ways to destroy me. Unfortunately, I don't give a shit anymore. However I see your point, and its a good one.

Bruno, I see that everyday. Plus the older worker who has been with a company for eons, are suddenly phased out, so new workers can come in for less money. Sucks, don't it?