This Old Job

Ho hum...the dang doldrum. I sometimes wonder if I'm just overly susceptible to becoming disenchanted with things after a certain amount of time. Namely, my job. Now, mind you...I knew when I accepted this position (even as a temp) that it would not be something permanent (i.e., for the rest of my working days). At the time, however, I had been unemployed for 5-1/2 months and just working temp jobs, which left little to be desired by way of pay or by the work itself. Case in point, I believe the last job I had finished prior to the interview with my current employer consisted of moving the US Bank headquarters from downtown St. Paul to Plato Blvd. Lots of hauling and lifting and loading and a bunch of gross, sweaty crap...but yes, desperate times. So, of course when I went to the new temp agency I decided to fall back on what I know I am good at...typing ridiculously fast. I know I am very employable when it comes to data entry and other administrative positions, so I knew it wouldn't be long before I would find something less physical and more permanent. It just took me a while to get to that point of desperation wherein I was required to seek out this type of employment. In short, I don't particularly enjoy the work I am doing, I just know I am good at it. I don't find my work fulfilling and the company is among the worst I've ever worked for, and believe me there have been a lot of them through the years. There is virtually zero appreciation or recognition for the work that is done. Perhaps in other departments it is better, I have noticed many inconsistencies there as well. There has even been a changing of the guard in my department, which, while helping in some areas, has met with little or no improvement in the area of appreciation. Nonetheless, I am not here to gripe about my job, there isn't enough time in the day for that. I guess what I am really doing is just questioning my staying power and/or resiliency. I have been in my current position for almost 3 years now, the longest I have been at any full-time job since graduating college 10-1/2 years ago. So, I suppose one could say this is the longest I've ever been at a full-time job, since during high school and college I only ever worked part-time. So, while I want to complain about my job and all of its' annoyances; and while the benefits far underweigh the obstacles to job satisfaction, I won't be going anywhere soon. Perhaps things will improve slightly, however, I suppose I am resigned to them not improving. So, for now I will have to take heed in things like my short drive to work, my unlimited overtime (while not mandatory), my 2 weeks paid vacation each year, and the flexibility which should be allowed me when I start back to school, if needed. Meaning, if the flexibility is needed in my schedule, not if school is needed. Because, believe me...school is needed if not just to save me from relying on the on-line game shows and increasingly difficult Sudoku puzzles to boost my brain power! It can't come soon enough...and should also be my pass key to getting out of here! Perhaps I my mind wouldn't be weighing so heavily on all these things now, were it not for the fact that my job is really all I have. That sounds horrible, but it is true. I'm single, not dating right now (albeit, by choice), living alone with my cat, etc...probably enough said. Therefore, if I am only to find solace in one area of my life right now, I'd like to be able to at least somewhat enjoy my work. Hopefully, someday I'll be able to say I do...but that day hasn't come yet.