We can work it out....

I was thinking about working today. Funny thing is that I was at work while thinking about this. But, I'm self employed, so the boss didn't really mind that much.

First off, if you have a job in this George Bush Economy, my best to you. After several a years of attempting to find one when I was laid off from software development, I finally did in something basicly computer related, then found that the stress... In part from being out of work for so long and pressure to keep the job no matter what...I didn't handle it well and ended up, well, out of work for my own health. (You read about that before)

So, I am self employed of sorts. I build things with wood for people who have nice houses and money to pay someone like me. I am grateful for the work and the money. I have a house I want to keep.

Anyway. Back to my day of thinking about working. I'll admit that at one time I had a snobbish attitude about work. Factory work; that was for slobs. Auto Mechanic or Plumber, same thing, maybe even worse. Office work; classy, neat and clean.

Well, while I was unemployed, I worked at several jobs and learned a lot about working. Studs Terkel would be proud.

I was

• a Golf Caddy
• Bag Room Employee at a Country Club
• a Metal shop employee, operating a lathe, turning metal parts, checking parts etc.
• A delivery person, taking Parts of Semi trucks around the state. ( I know understand why a truck weights so much.)

As you can see, I worked a variety of jobs, trying to keep everything together. I promised to pay a debt, and I'll pay the mortgage anyway I can.

So, if you get up in the morning, head to an office and find that the job makes you happy, that's fantastic. If you find you like to crawl under a car and get nice and greasy or you like to shape metal or you like to plant flowers or you like to come up with ideas for others to enjoy.. More power to you.

Me, I love my job.

One last thing. A few days ago I met a man who had also gone from software (as I was) to building with wood (He's more a carpenter than a woodworker). He noticed that a lot of us folks moved from one to the other. I wonder why that is?