Work/Life

There were several occasions recently when my current attitude towards work was brought up, almost always in response to some colleague friend's complaint or whine.

To me, their complaints and whines have a simple solution: a change in their attitude towards work.

But of course, most people are not looking for solution when they complain, they just want sympathetic listener who acknowledges and validates their feelings and emotions. I understand, empathy is one of my strengths, I can be a good listener if I wanted to.

Though I would rather they resolve their issue so they can be happier. Why wouldn't they want to be happier?

You see, work does not come first for me nowadays, it's all about my well-being.

The work can wait, the company will go on with or without us. Unless some of you have become so very important, but then even the CEO can be replaced and the company will go on, so...

Don't get me wrong, I still believe in doing our very best, or don't do it at all. I am a perfectionist after all. =P

I just no longer want to sacrifice my well-being for work. My lunch has higher priority than work, my sleep has higher priority than work, my exercise has higher priority than work. And no thank you, I won't be working my arse off just to satisfy an irrational whim or unreasonable demand.

Doing the occasional overtime is fine, as sometimes shit happens. But if you are doing overtime more regularly than normal work hours, then something is seriously wrong and you should resolve it. Unless, you actually like it so, or believe it's a sign of your importance, then more power to you, and why complain?

We are easily replaceable, the company will go on with or without us, the company cares not for your loyalty... all these and much more, I know, and I probably said them many times. Though they became 'real' after the deaths in the workplace, the bedbound new year illness, the ruthlessness of the headcount reduction drive...

So yea, my attitude towards work has changed. I am not saying this is right for everyone, I simply believe it's right for me, for now.

Me above work, as the company can ditch me whenever, that I cannot control, but I can take control of my well-being.

Be nice to yourself, because the company sure doesn't.