In light of my recent illness, I decided that this would be a good topic for today.
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Administrative Tasks
Bad job: You have to do frustrating paperwork.
Virus: Your paperwork is uncomplicated: Charmin, Cottonelle, etc… -
Commute
Bad job: Getting to work can be stressful. Traffic is often a problem.
Virus: Your longest commute is the 20 feet from couch to bathroom. Any traffic you encounter yields immediately. -
Expectations
Bad job: You are often unsure about what is really expected of you.
Virus: You have a clearly defined objective about which you are passionate: “Lessen your own suffering.” -
Compensation
Bad job: Progress in your area often goes unnoticed and unrewarded.
Virus: You are given rewards for demonstrating improvement: ice chips, Gatorade, toast… -
Attire
Bad job: You have to adhere to a stiff dress code.
Virus: You have a relaxed dress code. “Clothing optional.” -
ADA Jack McCoy
Bad job: No Law and Order reruns.
Virus: Endless Law and Order reruns. -
Leeway
Bad job: People around you are quick to pounce on errors and flaws.
Virus: People around you gracefully overlook shortcomings. An unfunny ending to a humorous list, for example.
I think I’m almost better (knock on wood). I’ll probably begin responding to emails and comments later today. Thanks for being patient!
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19 responses so far ↓
1 Naomi Dunford // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Well, sign me up for the stomach virus! I love your positive attitude… what a great way to turn a negative into a not-quite-so-negative-anymore. Sending get well soon vibes.
2 Rosie // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:28 pm
I gotta say, I would go for the bad job over the stomach virus here. But quite interesting comparison, none-the-less. Feel better Chuck!
3 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:43 pm
@Naomi– That might be the first time I’ve been accused of having a positive attitude on this site!
I personally think I’m pretty well balanced…
4 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:44 pm
@Rosie– I might have to agree with you in reality. I thought this approach was funnier though ; )
5 Peggy // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:56 pm
How funny….glad to read you are on the mend!!! Never thought I’d look forward to a virus before…..
6 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 16, 2007 at 2:59 pm
@Peggy– Looking forward to a virus might be a bit extreme… Let’s just appreciate them while we have them.
7 Angela // Aug 16, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Sometimes at work, I get so nauseated by the incompetence of everyone around me, it almost mirrors a stomach virus. Now, that sucks.
Get better, Chuck!
8 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 16, 2007 at 7:56 pm
@Angela– Sounds like you’re in the Third Circle of Job Hell. I’d have made that a link, but apparently my template doesn’t allow html in the comments, so you’ll have to go here:
www.ihateyourjob.com/the-third-circle-of-job-hell-opportunity-ltd/
Also, I’ve recently discovered that I’m not “following” links. Any of you bloggers out there want to help me correct that problem? I’m all about sharing love.
9 Deron Sizemore // Aug 16, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Ain’t that the truth? Before my IT position I’m currently in, I was working in sales at a cell phone company and the dress code was terrible. I hated the shirts they made us wear. Thank God I’m in a more laid back environment when I don’t have to wear the ugly dress attire.
10 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 17, 2007 at 8:43 am
@Deron– I have an unusually strong aversion to having to get dressed up for work. Let’s all just agree to a ceasefire on the “looking impressive” thing and bring it all back down to something more comfortable, yet still modest.
11 Lex // Aug 17, 2007 at 11:25 am
It is really sad to be in my situation because there are days I wake up and wish I had a stomach virus just so I wouln’t HAVE to go to my miserable job!
12 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 17, 2007 at 11:52 am
@Lex– I promise you this: You’re not alone in that sentiment.
13 Jonas // Aug 17, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The funny thing is, as much as I hate to admit this to a public audience, I read this blog entry while in the bathroom. Yes, sometimes I check my email while on the can…
14 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 17, 2007 at 1:52 pm
@Jonas– That made me laugh out loud for real. It’s extra funny because Jonas is a personal friend of mine…
15 Tiffany // Aug 17, 2007 at 1:57 pm
This was great! I was laughing as I read it.
16 Chuck Westbrook // Aug 17, 2007 at 2:42 pm
@Tiffany– I really appreciate that, thanks! Sorry I haven’t been able to participate on other blogs this week. I’ll be back in action sooner rather than later…
17 Apex // Aug 23, 2007 at 12:08 pm
It’s kind of weird, but this post makes me want to get a stomach virus.
18 paul // Aug 24, 2007 at 11:22 am
great post - very funny
19 crissy // Aug 27, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Hi Chuck, loved your 7 reasons. Really funny! I have a real-life story to go with it. I am probably older than most of your readers. I hit the big 5-0 this year. And I hate my job, which, BTW, I have been in for, um, more years than most of your readers have been working (blame our wonderful health insurance system for that). Well, every January I sit down and I try to make sure every month I have at least one day off. Some months, like December, right away you’ve got 1 or 2 days off. I couldn’t figure out anything for this month (August). And suddenly I remembered - wait a minute! There’s all those commercials telling you to have a colonoscopy at age 50. I can do THAT in August. When you really, really would rather have a colonoscopy than go to work, you are seriously in the wrong job. Good luck with your website. (And yes, I am job hunting, and yes, the procedure turned out just fine. They sedate you for it. That would make my job much more pleasant but I doubt my boss would go for it.)
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