never get caught in the ratrace

Presently I am exploring different avenues to employment. There is a give and take of each. Being in the corporate world doesn’t subject you to the ratrace… only if you let it.

I don’t really pay too much attn of what people are doing around me or talking about. It’s best sometimes to stay removed but know just enough. My new boss has outlined all these things he wants me to do to be promoted. There are lots of benefits to this although I think some of it is BS. What I realized quickly- or shall I say what was quickly reiterated to me- was that I am not motivated by money or having flashy cars or big houses. I am motivated by traveling and learning about cultures. I was approached about a position abroad so I through my name in the hat and we’ll see what happens. So right now I have every motivation to play nice and get all the suggested items completed! ;)

Well, I wasn’t sure whether I got caught in the mousetrap or whether I was caught up in meaningless things! In any case, I have been frustrated about not getting a promotion… basically, one person who is no longer in the dept doesn’t like me. Yes, just ONE person! My boss in 2 weeks old so he has little say. However, a person left recently (Fri) and he needs me to “step up”. HELLO! What have I been doing for the last 6 months that I didn’t have a boss??? So he tells me about this at 4:59PM and it ruined my weekend b/c it’s been top-of-mind. Really stupid. Really minute! And I really should just leave, and I’m looking around, but being relatively new in this type of role (2 yrs) it would help to even get a title change. So fingers crossed for later today but I want to make clear I am doing this b/c I feel like I am being taken advantage of and not b/c I am trying to become CEO! ;) I just can’t get over why this got to me! Work never gets to me… am I getting old??? ;)

Sometimes the corporate world wants you to feel so excited about doing something that eventually it becomes your life. We have a new dept head who is very excited about what we do, and rightfully so. We do have the hottest product in the company and out in the market. However, I am not one that wants to get sucked into it. I think we’re doing well but it’s a bummer when you’re constantly trying to manipulate it and find new ways to sell or develop something. I know it’s important but gets old when you hear about it day in and day out. Anyway, many people here dedicate 10-12 hours per day. I work hard to finish it up in 8 and still bummed I have to commute 40min each way. Going on vacation for 2 weeks really put everything in perspective and I also think about the periods of time when I stepped away from the corporate world and I clearly remember my thoughts about it. There is WAY too much to life than being at work all the time. Plain and simple. I’m happy I am still able to realize that and balance work and play so well!

I think this “thing” (never get caught in the ratrace) pretty much sums it up. I am not going to waste too much of my energy writing about this unless something really gets under my skin. We all know how the corporate world is and it’s classified as one b/c very little changes business-to-business. Being in grad school and in sales, I know there are some companies I’d like to work for or give it a shot anyway and others I would not in a billion years consider (and wonder why people would subject themselves to such torture). I am not interested in outdoing the next person. I am actually interested in being challenged enough to eat up about 6-7 hours of my day, have the flexibility to come early or leave early, and to have enough vacation time to enjoy what I love most- traveling.

What I have managed to do is accomplish some of these points at each job. It’s hard for me to believe anyone has to work more than 40-45 hours per week unless they are striving to move up in a company or outdo the next person. There is really no point. I don’t see any correlation b/w the number of hours one works and their success. Maybe they get satisfaction b/c other people (such as mgmt) see their hard work but that’s about it. Sadly, if it’s time to cut heads, the company probably won’t think twice about this person’s loyalty.

When it comes down to it, it’s all perspective and what makes you happy inside. Some people really enjoy putting in 70-80 hours a week because they have nothing better to do or because they truly love their job. I use work as a basis to supply my addictions such as traveling, going out, etc. The bottom line is: don’t get sucked into the rat race, just do what makes you happy!!

We had a boomerang employee who returned last week who will now get the better computer, salary, cube, etc. I won’t let the politics of it get to me- I try not to get involved and it’s not worth my time. I know that if I want the same thing or if I am unhappy with something, I should not complain but just act on it and change what is wrong. Companies are funny like that- have someone leave just to bring them back for more. What they don’t know is that she’s going to screw them again by going on maternity leave. Ah, gotta love the corporate world!

I am not here to backstab people or find a way to outrun someone. I am not sure where I want to go from here. Hiring this girl back is good b/c it gives me a benchmark. We used to be equals but she was 6 months ahead of me. Before she was considered for the other position, it was made known to me they want to move me into a similar role. Now I could use that as a time gage to determine whether I want to stay or leave. I might leave anyway… I am always looking for something new and not interested in outperforming or outworking anyone else. I am only interested in enjoying life and if I get a bump in pay b/c of this, it will allow me to pay off what needs to be paid sooner which ultimately leads to my freedom- sooner!

Need I say more? Some people will do anything to claw their way to the top. Whatever. I am not into that and it doesn’t mean I am not motivated. I just don’t like people who are two-faced and selfish and who are always looking to just better themselves. I have been successful doing things on my terms and although I really don’t like the corporate world it does have some good things about it as I have noticed other people have pointed out. Quality of life for one. And I am lucky that I am not in an environment where people are clawing their ways over anyone and everyone but sometimes I look around and I think: get a life! It’s one thing to work, it’s another thing to live at the office!