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July 16, 2008
Back To Work
I feel like I haven't been to work in ages! This isn't true - I have worked a day here and a day there but with a whole week off for the Chicago trip and then some time off spent with my grandmother and then for her funeral and the aftermath...let's just say I haven't been putting in 40 hour weeks. As I was leaving for work today O asked me if I remembered how to get there!
Of course I am very thankful for the job I have and the flexibility it provides but I must remind that when I don't work, I don't get paid. Many people express jealousy over the position I'm in - getting as many days off as I want. But they seem to forget that my paycheck will reflect that. And if REALLY given the choice, people don't want to part with their $$ and would rather work the hours. I get a lot of flack for it so if I seem defensive, it's probably because I am. :)
Anyway, that's neither here nor there. The point of this blog entry is to tell you all that I realized today that I really do like what I do! Yes, any job gets old when you go day in and day out. The traffic, paying $$$ for parking, not getting a big enough raise, etc... But today, as I was walking around the hospital, doing my thing, I realized that I am thankful for the job that I have.
And even if we were ever to get to the point where I didn't have to work as much or at all (you know, once I win Kona and have all those sponsorship deals - JOKE!), I would still want to keep working at least a little. Words I'm likely going to regret, but deep in my heart, I think are true.
First of all, I like the fact that my job has nothing to do with triathlon. Sure some of my co-workers know that I race and occasionally ask about it, but other than that, I don't think too much about racing, training or anything tri related while at work. That's a nice break. If I didn't work at all I think I would drive myself crazy thinking about triathlon 24-7. I'm someone who needs a diversion.
Second, I love the people I work with. Sure there are some jerks that you want to strangle every once in a while. Lots of egos running around in a hospital. But overall I have really made some great friends at work and have really grown to appreciate them. And although the hospital I work at is quite large and employs thousands of people, it's really a much smaller community than you may think. I've not worked there very long (6 years) but long enough to get to know many of the nurses, doctors, PTs, OTs, speech and respiratory therapists, etc... My friend Lori and I joke about how we know we've been there too long because there are now attending physicians who were but residents when we first started! And the medical students look so young! Scary. Very scary. :)
And then there's the actual work. Of course it's very sad to see people so sick or so dehabilatated but don't forget how many people actually get better! That's the awesome part that will never stop amazing me time and time again. The human body is utterly mind boggling in what it can do to heal. Helps me to remember to never put limits on what my body can accomplish.
Regardless, I'm sure when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning I'll be complaining that I have to go to work. But once I'm there and down to business it doesn't take too long to realize that it's a part of who I am and that I really do love to do it. Happy working everyone!
Posted by beth at July 16, 2008 8:16 PM
Comments
Beth! GOOD luck at NYC!!! Have a super race! Ah, work that is not triathlon-related? I think about that - and then tell myself, "been there, done that, no thanks." BUT I am glad you are happy, that is good. Please tell O "CONGRATS" from me on his 1st TRI...I tried posting on his blog today and the "word verification" was not working for me. ? Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer Harrison at July 16, 2008 11:56 PM
This is great Beth! Sometimes a little time away is all that we need to realize that we really ARE doing what we love. That's great - and sure, there are a few drawbacks, but that's life. You are so blessed to have found something that you love, that you're great at, and that you enjoy doing! YES YES YES!
Posted by: marit c-l at July 17, 2008 9:51 AM
What a nice post! It is nice to have time off and then to come back and realize you do like your job :)
GOOD LUCK this weekend by the way!!! You are going to kill it, I cannot wait to hear how awesome you do.
Also, NYC is not that scary, especially where the race is. Just remember it is all a grid system. Also, go to Viand for brunch after your race. It is at 75th and Broadway.
Posted by: barb at July 17, 2008 10:50 AM