Work stuff (update)

[frugalone]

Hi, everyone:
Just thought I would drop a line on how things are going at the new job. Very well, I would say. For the most part, the job is quiet. There are several hours on my shift where there is almost nothing at all to do. I am not complaining about this. Actually, I might be able to use it to my advantage if I go through w/plans to attend graduate school.

I guess the biggest adjustment for me is the *non-stoppedness* of work. After being unemployed for three years, I feel like, "I only get two days off per week?" and "You mean it's time to go back to work already?" I'm sure some of you know what I mean. It's not the same as disliking work or anything...it's just so, um, time-consuming. I wonder if I will adjust?

I try to make the best of my time when I'm not at work, but sometimes I just feel like going to bed, or just sitting and doing nothing. Is this normal?

When I was first unemployed, I really did not want to go back to work...ever. Part of the reason was that it eats up so much of your life!
Hmm...

[Kestra]

Yes, normal. At least for my own energy levels. I'm sure some people have no trouble. I've always been better at 4 days a week. Currently I'm able to work at home except for 2 days a week, so I work 35-45 hours a week now. If they ever decided I had to go back to working only in the office I'm only doing 4 days (28-32 hours). 5 days is too much commitment. I have better things to do, including just doing nothing. I don't know how people cope with kids, pets, and houses on top of 40 hours of work. I guess they just get used to it. But that's not the type of life I want to live.

[frugalone]

I know what you mean. I do not have kids and when I think of what it would be like if I had...egads!

[ApatheticNoMore]

I guess the biggest adjustment for me is the *non-stoppedness* of work. After being unemployed for three years, I feel like, "I only get two days off per week?" and "You mean it's time to go back to work already?" I'm sure some of you know what I mean.

Yes


It's not the same as disliking work or anything...it's just so, um, time-consuming. I wonder if I will adjust?

Probably not. I've been at this job for a year and I'm not adjusted, I grow more mal-adjusted by the day :) (except if the day is Saturday!)


I try to make the best of my time when I'm not at work, but sometimes I just feel like going to bed, or just sitting and doing nothing. Is this normal?

Yes, often tired when I get home. I step out the office and I still have energy and think "this is pretty good, still have energy", by the time I've commuted for 50 minutes or so home and walk in my door I'm near ready to collapse. An entire days fatigues hits me the moment I step in the door.

I honestly don't know how much more I can take. Go to work, put on empty bland corporate non-entity persona, do mostly solitary work, stare at a screen in dimly lit cubical all day, fight traffic to get home, wish I had more energy to do anything when I finally get there.

Anyway here's some John Gorka for you (may like the music or not but it is a great anthem for this):
"you fill your clothes with keys and damned responsibilities!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmtvrDEXJqQ

[frugalone]

Ah yes...the anthem is a good one!

I'm sorry that you are in an environment where you can't show your real persona. I worked in a place like that for a long time. I am so glad I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not now. And the commute is better...way better...

I hope things will improve for you.

I'm sure I will get used to the hours/time drain as time goes on. It's early days, yet, as the British would say.

[Gardenarian]

frugalone - I only work 3 days a week and I have all of those same feelings.

[frugalone]

@Gardenarian, Wow, that sounds rough! A friend of mine recently pointed out that whether you work full or part time, there's still a certain number of tasks etc. that must be done: i.e. setting an alarm clock, getting up on time, getting your clothes/lunch/materials ready, commute time. She's right!

I wonder when this fatigue will pass. Also, I feel so *totally* disorganized it isn't even funny. I can't seem to get much of anything done--cooking, shopping, etc.

[lhamo]

The 9-5 pretty much sucks, doesn't it? I would much prefer to have more flexibility in my schedule, but all I can get is the permission to work flex hours. I work 7-3 so I can avoid the worst of the Beijing traffic. That means most days I get up at 4:30, shower, check email/favorite sites/update finances, and leave for the bus by 5:30. Usually in the office by 6:45. Eat breakfast. Work until 11:30ish, hour break for lunch (surfing or catchign up on electronic to do stuff), back to work and leave at 3:00 if I'm lucky. Get home around 4:00 (and that is if I take a taxi, which I usually do -- bus would take 2+ hours due to traffic at that time of day). Hit grocery stores/veggie & fruit stand on the way home if we need something. Change clothes, work out, hang out with kids/DH, supervise homework, try to get the kids in the bathtub/shower a couple of times a week, surf/catchup on to do list stuff at home, and usually crash by 9:00-9:30 pm after 15 minutes or so of reading. I shouldn't compain too much, I suppose, as the 7-3 schedule makes it so I don't have to spend 4+ hours in Beijing traffic every day. But it still isn't ideal. I could do 90% of my job from home if I was allowed to, so it is rather annoying. Boss is otherwise a mensch, but doesn't want to allow me that privilege because he wouldn't give it to local staff. Sigh. Only way to change it is probably for me to become the boss someday -- not a job I want or would accept (he works every weekend pretty much).

Some thoughts about making your schedule work, frugalone:

1) Are there any grocery stores or drug stores in your area that are open 24 hours? Late night grocery shopping can be both a time and money saver -- some places mark down meats and bakery items at night. Pretty much guaranteed no lines and a low-stress shopping experience.

2) Are there aspects of your life that you can automate, like bill paying, etc? If you aren't required to be 100% busy while on shift, maybe there are aspects of daily life that you can get taken care of while on the clock .

If you would be free to study during your shift, then grad school sounds like an interesting possibility.

lhamo

[frugalone]

Wow. lhamo, that's quite a schedule! I don't know if I could do that, myself.

IN response to your questions: Yes, we do have two grocery stores that are open 24/7. However, one of them is Wal-Mart (the city that never sleeps). It might be less crowded but they have fewer checkers on that late, plus you have to maneuver around the stock people.

I do have automated bill paying, which helps.