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Monday, October 26, 2009

Who's the Boss?

It's Monday morning, and I and my steaming cup of coffee have almost certainly left the house, toting a hundred plus pumpkin cut-outs, a couple of live gourds, and a bag full of geometric shapes.

The fact that my New York Yankees are even now hunkered down in preparation for Game 1 of the World Series has no doubt bolstered my mood. I say no doubt, because the game determining if they make the Fall Classic is still in progress as I pre-write this post, but I'm feeling confident. However, even in the unlikely event that I am wrong about the outcome of the game, I am fortunate that I enjoy my job as an art teacher enough that my Monday doesn't depend on external good news to be enough to keep me afloat.

I know that in my 25 minute drive to school, I'll pass a couple hundred people heading to places that will suck the life out of them for the next eight hours. And as much as I enjoy my job, I have to admit that I look forward each week to Wednesday, when I complete my out-of-the-house work week and become my own boss.

Now, lately I have to admit that I haven't even been able to fund my own coffee on what I've been making with myself at the helm-- a fact that I must submit as a downside to self employment. Were it not for the touch-and-go economic realities of ditching an employer, I suspect most people would rather march to their own cadence.

My husband and I spent a fair amount of time talking about self-employment during our weekend in the mountains. We talked about times when we're happiest, what we're doing at those times, and how a living could be made doing enjoyable activities from 9-5 each day. Right now our dreams are too undeveloped and uncertain to share, but I think they are alive, in the way a seed lives underground in those days just before it germinates. In those early days one has no way of knowing what magic may transpire as the seed lies hidden beneath the surface. Given the proper nourishment, it may come to light in the appropriate time, or, conversely, may not thrive for reasons that are never known.

What I do know is that a seed has been planted, and it is waiting just beneath the visible surface of day-to-day happenings. It's at that touchy point where too much tending could be harmful, but to ignore it would be an even greater mistake. For now, though, it is mostly something to be treasured as a hope.

It's Monday morning. What does that mean for you?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I, too, love my job and feel that I perform a beneficial service to the community. With that said, being able to work for myself does have an appeal. But doing what? That is the crux.

I look forward to watching your "seed" sprout and grow. I can't wait to see what you harvest. Good luck.

Unknown said...

I love my job, too (SAHM), but I have the same tiny seed that is waiting to sprout. I know that feeling well and love the way you describe your metaphor.

Jen said...

Monday morning means that the office is colder than usual because I am beginning to suspect they turn the heat off over the weekend to save electricity so I wore my warmest sweater I own. It means the scale was not friendly as it reflected fun times from the weekend that included to much junk food. And now I try to focus on the moment instead of waiting for the next weekend.

I'm not even going to comment about the work situation.. you know how I feel.

Jade @ Tasting Grace said...

::sigh:: Today I am going to collect 68 papers to grade (and probably drown them all in Lysol, what with the H1N1 virus rampaging around campus these days) and hand out midterm review sheets. I hate grading. I also need to do laundry too, but that's no fun either. But I'm looking forward to Thursday (my one day to do my own work) and this weekend, it's my mom's birthday and we'll go visit her. So I have fun things to look forward to.

I hear you on the job front. Good luck on your path, and in the meantime, I hope that cup of joe is really, really warm and yummy. :)

Anonymous said...

Monday's to me means hoping the week starts well with the girls and school. In regards to work, I am technically self-employed too. But I essentially have to work 5 days a week. I just get to pick my hours. But being motivated to work can be hard when you are in charge of your own time. I love that I don't have to punch a clock, but at the same time if I don't work I don't get paid. Some days I'd love to have sick days or vacation days.

Life Laugh Latte said...

I just love when people stop to think about their life. Not just grind away at unhappiness, becoming bitter. Slowing down to think it thru, dream a little, reflect...gosh that makes a difference. Way to go! Come on by for a visit. Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

My job is great. It's creative and different and allows the use of imagination.
And, yes, congrats on your yankees making it to the world series. They earned it.
L.B.

Holly Lefevre said...

It is so nice to hear when people love their jobs. I loved working for myself too, but I worked a lot. I hope your seed continues to be nourished and sprouts!

Holly @ 504 Main

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