Perks and Real Jobs

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Home : 2004 : December : 11

Perks and Real Jobs
By VWG

" Sometimes I want to use my knowledge and talents for something else other than sharing it with 20 kids. I would like, sometimes, to have, what too many people perceive as, a "real job." "

Having had the "real job"(s),
I guess the grass at times still looks greener to others...but even when you are using your "knowledge and talents for something else other than sharing it with 20 kids", you are frequently stifled and manipulated. I speak from my own experience when I say hobbies and community are the best places to truly give of yourself and be accepted more "as is" rather than at a workplace where there

are too many other considerations that sometimes will dictate the dispersion of whatever talents you may have.

I had all the perks over the years from Broadway tickets to MANY a free and upscale lunch, dinner, parties in the city, etc...it was great in its time. Perhaps my age has something to do with it...these things don't mean as much to me anymore. I'd rather pick my own activities, treats, etc. I'm not saying it isn't nice to get goodies ...it's great! But at this stage I can more easily shrug it off.

I see both sides of the issue...I KNOW how hard teachers work, having close family members in the system at different levels (as staff, administrators and teachers for many years)...and I know how hellish it was being in the once perky real job too. I don't mean to paint the office as a total horror...I had many wonderful times there and enjoyed much of my job. But it all was under the acceptance of that they pretty much owned my time all year...not to mention how DEEPLY you get pulled into dysfunctional relationships with bosses and underlings alike due to the need to survive because remember, you are nearly face to face with them ALL DAY LONG.

What is the moral of the story? Let's vent, by all means...I'm sure I'll have my share to add down the road! In the meantime, I am enjoying the contrast greatly.

VWG