viewer mail

This from 2nd Career Man:

"Interesting comment on having a plan versus "smelling the roses". Only part you left unexamined is why you can't do both? Why can't a plan for your life, your
career, your day, have programmed in some "world appreciation"? Furthermore, doing so (smelling the roses) is not a reason or excuse for not wanting to "move up/ahead", but then again, you don't NEED an excuse for that desire. The world has a need for "professional" ditch diggers, and if everyone were to aspire to be CEO's, the world would be cheated of a diversity that makes the roses worth smelling!"

If only I worked where you work! After six years here, I am a bit jaded. I will state I think that your plan is the road less travelled and, while it is possible to achieve, most pick one or the other extreme. Please note that I do NOT think that one or the other path is more fulfilling. Individuals need to make their own choices. I agree that "professional ditch diggers" can be very happy people. But just having to use that term to get the point across says a lot about society's professional norms. Sadly, everyone here wants you to move up...just not into their own spot. If you do not have the desire to move up, you're labeled. You have to be talented for them to put up with your choice. My CEO is "nice enough" to take care of several people that decided moving ahead does not mean moving up in the organization. He clearly does not understand it or agree with it. But he does support it, so I should not bitch.

We get conflicting messages from management a lot. Example: United Way came in and pitched us for our annual contribution. Our CEO noted he does not "put the screws" on people to contribute, BUT we were one of the lowest contributing companies of our peer group. READ:I cannot force you to donate, but I think you should.

Another example: We want to make sure all resources are maxed before hiring on new people. You are in control of your own lives and your own plates. We'll take every hour you give us, but it is up to you to tell us what you can do. READ: You need to work more. But I do not want to get a rap for impacting your quality of life so by YOU stepping up to the plate, I can have my cake and eat it too.

Like I said, I'm jaded. And I appreciate your insight into doing both. I enjoy my work right now and am very fulfilled. I just get a crap load of cognitive dissonance. What I need to do is keep listening to my gut, vs my liver. I know I am happy and doing the right thing. Screw everyone else. My mentor once wrote me a note I have tucked away in my franklin planner. In all caps, it states: FUCK THE WORLD, FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

It needs to be my t-shirt, bumper sticker, mantra and battle cry. Stay true to thine self? Stop and smell the roses? Instead of touche, I say CLICHE!