I took a little side job this summer to save money for Austin and it really was a blessing since I could most of it from my bed. I worked for Intermountain Healthcare, working on data for their corporate office. You may wonder why I haven't done this before. Usually, you can never, ever take data out of the office. Oh what the goverment will do to you. (such was the threat in some of my old jobs).
Anyhoo, this is really silly data. It's not medical data, it's hospital administration data.. It's almost funny how much money they are putting into researching whether or not their nurses like v-neck scrub tops or round. Thousands and thousands of dollors, people. But hey, I'm not here to judge their cause - just send it over and let me code it from my bed.
I was all set to leave for Austin October 1st - wait, that tomorrow - crap! I received a call last week that I was grateful for yet dreaded. I was asked to stay and fill in for someone for a few more months. It would be good money, and since I hadn't found a roomate/housing in Austin yet, it would give me some more time. My boss is great and knows my situation, well - as much as I've told him which I doubt is complete, and suggested that we try having me come to the office for just 5 hours a day everyday this past week and see how it goes.
It went. It was ugly. I haven't felt this sick since Africa. As far as workplace environments go, it really is great. I love the people I work with, love the great conversations we have, and really am happy there. But by Tuesday I could really walk normally and I knew this just wasn't going to work.
To some, it may seem glamorous to work downtown in a tall building, and for me, on the first day I suppose it did. I park about 4 blocks away in one of those garage things that goes up and up, around and around forever, and then walk and walk and walk, and then up the elevator 26 floors, signing in, getting a badge, yada yada yada. Everyone else's body does it, my used to do it (and did it good) - why can't mine now?
Luckily my grandma lives about 5 minutes away and I can go crash on her couch to get up the energy to drive home. It has been a very good glimpse at what life would be like if I had to, absolutely had to do it everyday. And I came to a conclusion, one that I come to everytime I try this, I can't. I just can't. My body literaly can't. On that Friday, when I had made it, when I was numb and shaking and sore and looking pretty rough, I realized that even if they offered me a million dollars to work full time for just a year, I couldn't do. I wouldn't even have to think about it. It's not up my will or my ability to suck it up or toughen it out - it is physically impossible and I had really best learn this lesson by now.
It made me think about all of those around the World that might not have the luxury that I do to be able to say no and still eat, it made me think about the single mom's working 3 jobs. bless them. I can say no and better be grateful for that gift the Lord has given me.
Bye, Corporate America, bye 9-5's. We just weren't right for each other. I've still got many lessons to learn that you just can't teach me.
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