Some of you knew, and some of you may have guessed, that I spent the past twelve weeks working a contract/temp job back in the corporate world. I don’t mind dabbling now and then in that realm as long as I know it’s not permanent. Especially if I’m editing and proofreading, I love the work–and the money’s good, too. Of course, I had plans for that money, and fate dealt The Compound a few crises with different plans, but what the hell. At least the crises didn’t send me into debt, and I was able to pay off some other stuff, so it’s all good. I’m pretty sure I’ll eventually get the camera I want, and in the meantime, the camera I have does the job.
This last gig wasn’t editing and proofing, however. I was filling in for someone who was out on twelve weeks of maternity leave (Hi, Lori! Hi, baby Avery!) doing work in a field in which I have little knowledge. With good training, I was able to grasp it well enough to do the job, and I had a patient boss–as shown by the way she put up with me when I threatened to call the union on her for any possible reason I could think of. (“What do you mean we’re out of sheet protectors? You’re not providing the materials I need to do my job. Union!” “That open drawer is a tripping hazard. Work conditions are unsafe. Union!” “Scan this? OMG, this place is a sweatshop! Union!”) I tried to get my two coworkers to go along with me, but they seemed to LIKE their boss and their jobs. They also seemed to think that they don’t actually belong to a union nor is any union associated with their jobs or their company. Whatever. I’ve never been one to let reality get in the way.
Even though, beginning this week, I’m not there anymore, I plan to remain an outside agitator. I left them this picture to remind them not to give in to The Man:
Seriously, I had a productive, positive twelve weeks working with three terrific people and getting to know several other people in the company (who’ll be getting a full set of our/my novels to pass around and hopefully enjoy). I was able to get a little more accomplished on the next Coventry novel on the weekends, and fortunately, I also have a wonderful editor who understood (twice, now) that I needed more time to write the book I want to write. As soon as Tim gets back home (man, I hope that’s today), I plan to hunker down here at The Compound and revise and finish the novel. I’m close!
Thank you, Lynne, Debbie, and Clara, for making work fun, for being patient with me, and for letting me be a little goofy. Lynne–you always find ways to come through for me when I need it, just as you do for all your friends. Debbie, it was great to get to know you. And Clara, you’ve long been one of the people who encouraged my writing, and it was good to have the chance to know you better. If I ever wanted to be in the corporate world permanently, I’d definitely want it to be with y’all.
Lynne, Debbie, and Clara on my last day of work. I figure they’re thinking,
LORI never makes us pose for photos in the pumpkin patch. UNION!
I am so out of the loop. I had no idea you were working for a temp place all these weeks! Where have I been?
I think it’s wonderful when you find a place to work and the people are fabulous. I bet they think the same about you, too.
I hope you get your camera soon. I am sure after things quiet down (do they ever at The Compound?), you will be able to get it. Plus Christmas is right around the corner. Some adoring fan/friend might pitch in for it.
Take care of yourself Becky.
XO
Technically, I wasn’t working for a temp place. I was working a temp job for someone I know. But that’s just splitting hairs. I usually don’t talk about stuff like that until it’s over, so there were only vague comments on LJ (like my saying I wasn’t at the Home Office computer, or somebody saying in comments, “let’s do x when you get off work”) so you had no way to know–you really haven’t been in a fog, I promise! =)
P.S. Adoring fans should NOT pitch in for a camera. Adoring fans can buy our books and give them as gifts, or make donations to AIDS organizations
but of course…what about friends? 😉
I hope you find out soon if Tim gets out…
Yes, absolutely, friends should buy books and make donations to AIDS orgs, too! =)
what kind of camera are you thinking of getting?
I want a digital SLR. Lindsey just got the Nikon D80, which is pretty sweet. I’m customarily a Canon girl, though. I don’t know. When the day arrives that I’m more serious about it, I’ll do more research on what I want/need, and whether there’s anything that might actually work with existing lenses I have for my Canon 35 mm film camera. It’s a big investment, so I want the camera that’s right for me (with my limited skills), and not just whatever the current hot seller is at that time. Tim’s a really good photographer, so it’d be nice to get something he wanted to shoot, as well.
i’m planning on odering the Canon EOS 40D next week, that is if i can force my fingers to press that “send order” button.
Oooooh, well, when you take the plunge, please share your thoughts on it.
I plan to hunker down here at The Compound and revise and finish the novel. I’m close!
I’m sooo looking forward to it.
Thanks, Gary. =)
I’m glad you had a good time. Working with people you actually like always makes the time go faster. Nothing like hating going into work, or despising the people you work with. Been there, done that.
I work for Kohls, and it’s good. I like the people I work with and for (ok, one misses supervisor can bite me…) are great.
Hope Tim gets out today and is feeling tons better.
Thanks, Debbi. =)
Well I remember seeing Norma Rae on tv with my Mom, and at one point she tells her whiney needy husband that if he was interested in sex he could just pull her dress while she was doing the dishes or the ironing … I was like WHAT?! I asked my Mother for a detailed explaination. None was forthcoming.
Have you figured it out yet? If not, I think David should explain it to you. 😉
Speaking of David, did you see the picture of the boiling pork water? I think that’s thai Fondue!
Corporate World
Speaking of corporate world, I had a terrible dream that I got my job back and that they wanted me to help them fire other people. I was suppose to set people up. It was awful. It made me so glad that they laid me off. Money might be tight, but I’d rather struggle than go through the back stabbing again.
I’m glad your experience was good. You must have worked with some sane people. LOL
Ellen