Let's Take a Break

Admin Gal once had a boss who once had the gall to say, "I own your time, you don't get a lunch break."

I worked on an hourly model, the boss was reluctant to pay for the time I worked 'off the clock'. (We won't get into legalities here.)

The boss was surprised at my response of 'Until you actually pay for the overtime you owe me, you don't get more than the 40 hours a week that you pay me for.'

No, that particular employer and I did not have a long nor fruitful relationship.

It is a myth that says we need to put all of our time into the job.  CNN had a great article about the productivity of a lunch break. Taking a break rests the mind, allowing opportunity for insight, rest and decompression when the environment is stressful.

Take a look around you, those who never step back to get a fresh perspective find themselves stuck in professional holes of their own making.  While those who take breaks, tend to be creative, innovative and energized.

Personally, everyday I take my lunch hour.  The result is a happy, well balanced employee who looks favorably on her work situation.

Am I Risk Adverse?

I’m currently blessed to be employed.  Due to the circumstances of my employment I am surrounded by people who are in the process of losing their jobs due to a decision to off-shore their jobs.  Needless to say the environment is a little hostile.

This is proving to be a fascinating study in human nature.  Some people sit and moan about the tragedy about to befall them.  They wander the halls weeping and wailing, mourning their loss. 

Some are confused with the situation.  They know that opportunities are out there, but have no idea how to take advantage of them.

Then there are those who are taking the opportunity to reinvent themselves.  Stepping outside of their comfort zone.  Looking at jobs that the little voice in their head would normally be saying no to.  Taking that risk. 

I’ve learned that without risk, there is no reward. 

So, to answer my own question am I risk adverse? No.

Rules at Work

Rules are a guideline by which behavior is governed in any given situation.  In a work environment it can be a boon and a curse all rolled into one.
You see, rules form a framework by which we can set our expectations of how we can conduct our selves in the workplace, do our jobs, expect compensation, etc.  Rules can also stymie the work environment.  Keep people from growing into their potential.

People who step beyond the boundaries set by the rules will be either lauded or vilified.
I frequently step outside the boundaries of my rules.  You could say, I run with scissors.

If something isn't working, I find a way to make it work.  I go over, under or around that which impedes me to get the job done. That often means rules get broken.

I don't advocate landing in jail.  Those rules shouldn't be broken.  But when an organization has become so hide bound by its own rules, sometimes a rule-breaker is just what the organization needs to find its path again.  Organizations that have no flexibility in them are the ones that fail.  Especially in today's climate.

Not all rule breakers survive in a rigid organization.  Organizations exist that appreciate the unique talents of these individuals.

Well-Being

Admin Gal's current employer is in the process of several large initiatives.  One of the larger being the move into a new building.  Admin Gal's division is not slated to move down into the new building until other initiatives have run their courses.

This being said, there is a miasma of concern and defeat that has settled over the division.  Facilities seems to have abandoned us for the luxuries of the new facilities.

While Admin Gal's Division has been assured that we have not been forgotten, IT related tasks ordered have taken much longer complete. Admin Gal has had to be resourceful in getting things completed.
Admin Gal was brought to task today by someone regarding a telephone wire running across a cubicle.  Admin Gal acknowledges the Health and Safety issues of the problem.  But her gripe is the following.  This has been a problem for 3 1/2 weeks.  The cube inhabitant has not followed up with Admin Gal to let her know that the problem is not fixed.

Instead, when cube inhabitant FINALLY lets Admin Gal know, Admin Gal is threatened with a cessation of work because the cube inhabitant will disconnect her phone and cease to use the tool until the wire is no longer a threat to her well-being.

Never mind that Admin Gal spent 20 minutes she didn't have to duct taping the telephone line to the floor.  A task that is not hers to do.  Admin Gal scoffs at such a notion.  Her philosophy is 'Find A Way!'. Makes life easier.

Never mind the cube inhabitant showed not one wit of gratitude.

Never mind in the entire time that the problem existed the cube inhabitant did NOTHING to find a solution for the problem herself.  It wasn't her job.

Never mind the cube inhabitant decided to feature Admin Gal as the villain an email to her supervisors about the company Health and Safety issues.

What the cube inhabitant doesn't realize that Admin Gal had already documented the entire incident with the cube inhabitant's boss's boss.  As in the email the cube inhabitant had spun her version of the truth to look good.

For Admin Gal's well-being, she will cease all interaction with this cube inhabitant.