Saturday, January 7, 2012

Curmudgeon

You know that person in your office who seems to always be cranky and crabby about their job? The Office Curmudgeon.

I realized about a month or so ago that I had become that person. I used to be a happy and positive person - okay to a point - I'm not that person either. I'm not sure exactly when the curmudgeoning happened, probably a slow progression. I'm not sure when everyone else might have noticed it - I hope I've been covering it well.

I used to really love this job, I have great people I work with, and it was focused on all the things I like. Slowly my job changed over the course of five years, and I suddenly realized that the part of my job I love the most, is the part of my job I get to do least often.

Not surprisingly perhaps, the part I love the most is being creative and writing. Sadly "all this" ::points to the blog:: is not enough to pay the bills, and I like having a real job. I get a lot of satisfaction out of a job well done (and a paycheck sure doesn't hurt either).

The last few years have been a scary time in the world, and I've been afraid to change to something new for fear of... what? Everything and anything. I'm realizing now that a life lived in fear crowds out the opportunity of a life lived in joyfulness.

After a particularly trying day I asked for a job I can love. I looked online that night on the company website and there was the very job I always dreamed of. Crazy right? So with no fear in my heart, I applied. Then nothing. Then yesterday an interview, and then an email letting me know I am on to the next round and a request to submit samples of my writing.

I am still focusing on the idea of having a job I love and that might mean a new job, or it might mean I find a way to love the one I already have again. I am open to the possibilities. Wish me luck.

16 comments:

  1. Ohhhh! How exciting! We're sending you LOADS of luck.
    The same thing happened to me more than 4 years ago. I quit my job, and did what I loved most. Animals. And I have no regrets. :)

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  2. Oh, we really Do wish you loads of luck with this! Crossing pawsies!!

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  3. Yay for you taking the chance and trying to get to that happy place again. Truly, I know what you are feeling and one of the main reasons I started therapy because of becoming a curmudgeon at work. Now, I just need to take the jump at some things I have been planning and won't know if they will be successful unless I try...just like you! We B crossing toesies for you!

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  4. Wow, good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! The best of luck to you for your Highest Good, whatever that might be. :-)

    I have a great deal of flexibility at my job, courtesy of my boss. The work often is rather dull, IMO, but it's a small group, just 5 of us, and we've all been together for 11+ years. Rather like a dysfunctional family. LOL. My boss and one other are nearing early retirement age, and I really don't know what will happen when it's time for a new director. I don't think I'll ever have this degree of freedom with anyone else.

    Anyway, I'll be looking forward to an update from you, no matter what happens!

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  5. Change is awesome and awe inspiring....AND scary. I hope that your heart takes you in the best direction possible for you and that you feel that sense of joy of accomplishment and of creativity with a paycheck.

    xoxoxxo

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  6. Paw, fingers and eyes crossed! I cannot wait to get the straight dope on Monday! This is VERREH exciting, indeed.
    Where I work curmudgeonry is an art form, so I don't stand out. But we all revel in our crabbiness. It's a government job thing...

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  7. Well done for getting to the next round and best of luck, whatever happens.

    Nearly 2 years ago both my husband and I were put on notice of redundancy which was awful as we worked for the same company at the time. I ended up being transferred from a role in which I had 10 years experience, to being the 'new girl' and starting from scratch. A year later and I'd learned what I was made of, which gave me the confidence to go for the job that I'm just about to start!

    My husband had been struggling to move on in his career, so when he was made redundant he decided now was as good a time as any to start applying for the job he wanted, not the job he had... and he's happier than ever at his new company.

    So go for it, it could be the best and most rewarding thing you've ever done!

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  8. That is wonderful! Sometimes we are the hardest on ourselves! Our self talk keeps us from seeing all the doors we can open. We shall send lots of pawsitive (and confident) thoughts your way!
    Nellie's Mom

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  9. Got everything crossed here, so as soon as you know anything, please spill as I need to have blood circulating fairly soon :)

    As Tricia said curmudgeon is a prerequisite if you work for a public body and I've done my fair share of being paid for being one of those! It's the only perk!

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  10. Thanks so much friends. I will let you know how it goes and tell you when you can uncross body parts.

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  11. Oh, congratulations, Meg!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you. I was thinking about you on Friday, hoping all was going well. Katie and I will continue to keep all parts crossed as you proceed to the next level.

    Now if only we could all convince the powers that be to accept recommendations from cats.

    xo Debbie

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  12. How exciting! We hope and pray for the best for you. Good luck! Your blog looks great, too. xoxo

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  13. Ohhh what wonderful news!!! I am so excited for you, and as one of my best friends says, "I will keep my fingers, toes and ovarys crossed for you!" Be sure to keep us updated. :)

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  14. You (and Fin) are SO ready for this. Paws and whiskers crossed...

    Lizzie and 3 kitties

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  15. I say BEST OF LUCK!! Whatever is MEANT to happen will be what HAPPENS!

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