Saturday, May 15, 2010

Whistle While you Work...

If you get the drift, the honeymoon phase of being the new girl is over for me at work. Except for UPS, I've learned all the shipping routes we use. I also help and pack things on my own. I check and weigh boxes. I trace connections to errors. And I help train others though I am still considered a trainee. Overall, I'm well pleased with my own accomplishments at work.

I love the constant learning process. At work, there's always something to do. That's also the problem when it is slow.

As with any job, in your crew or shift, "most" are content to just talk and wait for something to do while I absolutely cannot fathom that when I'm at work- which to me means a company is relying on me with a blind trust and ready check, to uphold to a high work ethic to follow their policies and procedures. When it's slow, it's a real glare when you are doing something. It's akin to being a pariah when seen as the only one with something to do or workload that takes time. You don't know what people see or think of it as- it's nerve-wracking!

But just like Snow White, you just need to learn to tune these things out. The "most" are not the ones earning your paycheck. The "most" are not the standard. The "most" will not vouch for you during reviews. So, just "whistle while you work" and know that you should be your own lead and supervisor to constantly maintain that high work ethic. The "most" and their glaring choices... will soon fade to just "white noise"...

Lately, I seem to gather one collective thought on the need to work. Work to a lot of people is an escape of daily routine. "To get out of the house. Extra money. Adult companionship and conversation. Means to Live." With this economy, becoming a company asset seems to be at the bottom of the list of reasons. To me, since I started working at 16, it's been a daily path to learning and mastering what you know until you gain the confidence to share it with others. It is not a dating pool or a social network to rely on though true friendships form here and there and occasionally, love blooms. But just as sadly, many forget their values when they are at work, setting aside the idea that they are still representatives of their families and friends each day they go to work. It is ok; THE WORLD accepts this plasticity, and once, I was a part of that mindset.

Now looking in after more than a decade of motherhood, household manager, wife, college, church activity, friendships and soul searching, I find that a workplace is no different than being a green missionary thrown into a foreign setting. Who you are to the people you associate with daily, will be the person you choose to portray amidst them. The last time I checked, I am not made of plastic, but something more substantial, more precious, more divine...

"I should share my light even in a lit up building, because when the power goes out, mine will just be brighter."- my own quote to remind me that what I stand for helps hold me up.

Have a great weekend everyone!

5 comments:

Jewel Allen said...

Hi! I didn't know you are back to working outside the home. What an adventure!

Thinking of you.

Chandy said...

Hi Jewel! Ya I went back to work... It's been a quite a ride so far...

Hansonpatch said...

I was just talking to my older sister about how we are always missionaries, it is just whose side we are on at the time that can waver. She has hated every boy her daughter has brought home and I was telling her that the entire time she should be a representative of the savior. Of course saying and doing are two different things in their level of difficulty. I am glad that you are a person of integrity and that you set a high example for those around you. You always have been an example to me :-)

Chandy said...

Ann, you are an example to me as well. Your passion for what you love is quite infectious.

Thank you so much!

Hansonpatch said...

Where are you? Are you still there? I am dying for an update from you on how things are going. I know it's busy with the new house and working, but your fans miss your words of wisdom and divine insights! Come BACK!