Inspiration Mondays: Finding Satisfaction
I started at a new job last Friday. It was more of an orientation day, and I only worked part of the day, so today was really my first "real" day on the job. I'm working as an administrative assistant: reception, receiving, phones, and "all other duties as assigned." I'm a yes man, doing what I'm told to do, basically pulling up the slack and keeping track of everyone's comings and goings throughout the day.
And I love it.
I'm so grateful for the busy days and the tasks, however "menial" that are assigned to me. Today, I "archived the project files," which means I took the selected binders and folders off shelves, ordered them and packed them into boxes. And I did some spreadsheet work. And I did some sorting, scanning and photocopying. And I refilled the photocopier toner and paper, tidied the kitchen area, and stayed on top of the phones. And I got thanked very nicely by my supervisor throughout the day.
I've had lots more responsibility in previous jobs, but when I got into my car at the end of the day, I looked around and said aloud, "I actually had a really, really good day today."
I can't remember the last time I said that.
As I have been telling friends about this job, the reaction has been mostly surprise, and disappointment. Didn't I want to do something more creative? Didn't I want more responsibility? Would I be happy doing something like this? But I've done a lot of thinking about this, and I've decided that, for now at least, I need to protect my creative energy, keep it separate from the world of work and renumeration. It needs to be just for me. Maybe it will always be.
So, today I am inspired by my job: by the clear expectations and the gratitude, patience and respect I was shown today. I am optimistic that it will continue. I am tired, but I am glad to come home feeling like this. I am also glad to come home to this:
Happy Monday, everyone.
And I love it.
I'm so grateful for the busy days and the tasks, however "menial" that are assigned to me. Today, I "archived the project files," which means I took the selected binders and folders off shelves, ordered them and packed them into boxes. And I did some spreadsheet work. And I did some sorting, scanning and photocopying. And I refilled the photocopier toner and paper, tidied the kitchen area, and stayed on top of the phones. And I got thanked very nicely by my supervisor throughout the day.
I've had lots more responsibility in previous jobs, but when I got into my car at the end of the day, I looked around and said aloud, "I actually had a really, really good day today."
I can't remember the last time I said that.
As I have been telling friends about this job, the reaction has been mostly surprise, and disappointment. Didn't I want to do something more creative? Didn't I want more responsibility? Would I be happy doing something like this? But I've done a lot of thinking about this, and I've decided that, for now at least, I need to protect my creative energy, keep it separate from the world of work and renumeration. It needs to be just for me. Maybe it will always be.
So, today I am inspired by my job: by the clear expectations and the gratitude, patience and respect I was shown today. I am optimistic that it will continue. I am tired, but I am glad to come home feeling like this. I am also glad to come home to this:
Happy Monday, everyone.
Comments
Good luck!