Office Jobs: The Tipping Point

I think the point has almost come where I have had enough with the office jobs. I cannot stand sitting in cubicles pretending to be busy all day. I hate sitting in meetings pretending to care. I hate the fact I get paid for the time I spend here, rather than the amount of productivity I provide.
I swear, some weeks I do 40 hours of work and others I do 5. Either way I have to sit here for a minimum of 40 hours just to get a full paycheck. Not exactly the ideal work situation.
Now I know a lot of people may say I wish I had a job like this, which is fine. But honestly, I feel like I am wasting my life away by sitting here bored all day thinking of things I would rather be doing and places I would rather be. Everyone says you only get one shot at life, so why should I spend mine this way.
Sure It Pays Well
I know the job may pay more than other jobs, but I am not a money driven person my any means. Matter of fact, I am sick of the whole rat race. It seems like people here in America keep trying harder and harder to make more money so they can accumulate more stuff they don’t even need.
I barely own anything since I move so often, but I still feel like I own a lot of stuff I don’t need. Things like televisions and cable boxes are something I never need. I barely watch TV, so why have one. I am perfectly happy with the two suitcases I moved out to Hawaii with. A few sets of clothes, my MacBook, and a few other essentials. So in the next few months, I plan to sell more of my stuff. The only tough thing is going to be the car, which I only bought so I could commute to work with.
Time To Say Goodbye
So at some point in the very near future, I am going to kiss this “perfect” job away as some would say. I would rather work a job I enjoy and just be happy with what I have. The only stress in my life is caused by the combination of getting up early, commuting to work, sitting at work, and commuting home from work. Other than that, I am a very outgoing and happy person.
Back in college, I was broke almost the entire time. But you know what, I was never stressed out about anything, not even money. I used to give plasma just to have some beer money to go party with my friends. I lived off of oatmeal and rice and am willing to do it again if necessary. So obviously money is not the problem, but the fact I spend so much of my waking hours at a job that I have no motivation to perform well at.
I Don’t Even Want To Be Promoted
What is even worse about this job is when I look at the people of above me and realize I wouldn’t even want their position. So if you do not even want to move up to your supervisors position, why stick around? I never want to get a promotion or I’ll probably go even more crazy.
I am not real sure exactly what type of job I am looking for just yet. I would like to work outside that is for sure. Maybe a surf stand or cleaning boats or windows, who knows, just anything outside of an office. I used to do freelance work and loved it since I could set my own hours and wages. I also enjoy writing and hope to make some income off of this blog at some point.
My post yesterday about Living Situations brought some very positive feedback. Most importantly, Abbey posted some information about Australia.
I have been thinking about moving their since I met a few people from their while living in Hawaii and I really miss the sun and ocean. It sounds like a great country and I am really ready to just get out of America for awhile.
Stick around and see what happens as I try and sort this all out by June…
PS. Anyone else feel the way I do?
Photo Credit: darkpatator
Published on April 3rd, 2008. And don't forget to check out my book, Life After the Cubicle.


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I have been in an office job for 10 years in my current position and 8 years at the beginning of my working career. I assume that most you blogers on here are much younger than me. I promised myself years ago when I left my office job I would not ever do this again. However, I went back on my promise to keep a source of income to support my 2 children. The oldest is a JR in college and the other in middle school in the 7th grade. I am married and both my spouse & I need to work to pay the bills. I HATE MY JOB AS A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ON AN 800 LINE!!! I feel like the computer is part of my body, my headset & phone is the ball and chain that keeps me locked in my chair in the cubical that I call a prison cell. Yes, just like the rest of you I chose the office job! For pay, benefits, and may other perks that come with it. However, I am not allowed 1/2 a second unaccounted for. Calls come in one after the other and no time in between to note an account or say 2 words to your cell mate in the cube next to you. It is exhausting and maddening and the stress that is created by the micro management is through the roof! I could go on forever, but I think I have painted a clear picture for you! To get to my point. We all have to work to survive. However, to make a decent pay in an average position you make self sacrifices to provide for the ones you love! Getting back to my early comment about my assuming most of you being younger and why I mention this. It is because most of the current working generation are not familiar with the benefits and value of a UNION!!! There are very few UNIONS left today and major corporations don’t want them because they protect people like us!!! Some companies even hold Union Awareness Meetings to keep them out. They want control & power to keep from having to provide a fair & decent pay rate and benefits. Also, the ability to terminate whenever they want or need to. WAKE UP AMERICA AND BRING BACK THE UNIONS!!!
Soul killers indeed. You can actually feel the life draining out of you staring at your computer.
As i was reading that article i felt like the writer was talking about my feelings. That is exactly how i feel working behind my desk and sitting down for 12 hours a day!!!! Am so damn tired, bored and i wonder what am still doing here, I want to do something more interesting and something i will enjoy doing, like an outdoor activity like Wedding planner.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!