ON BALANCE:

The past few days have found the balance between work and life tilt toward work. I realize, in my profession, that there will be certain times of year that are busier than others. And I know this, and prepare for this, and deal with this. But occasionally, it can sneak up on me. Like a panther.

When I worked at Walgreens, one of the things I disliked about the job was the idea that so much of my time and energy was going to a company that was never satisfied. I was salaried for a 44-hour week (which, you may notice, is ten percent more than the typical American workweek). And I did a good (well, pretty good) job of being at my store for 44 hours a week. But my boss was of the opinion that I should put in MORE time, to show how devoted I was to the job, so I could be promoted. My defense was that I could get as much done in 44 hours as other people in the same position got done in 50 (or more) hours. He countered with "Think how much YOU could get done in 50 hours!"

The promotion (had I stayed, I was near the top of the list to get promoted) would have called for a 45 to 50 hour week on a regular basis, with longer hours around Christmas. And while that might be right for some, it wasn't for me. So I left.

My job now is busy in August, January, and May. But this past week...a few extra duty nights, some Mandatory Fun Time, and a meal with my boss's boss's boss's boss...it just takes something out of me, you know?