Thursday 5 November 2009

The grindstone

This week my use of "Stop", "No", "Don't", "Careful", "Down", has dropped dramatically. It's not because my girls have suddenly become angels (far from it, in fact). It's because I've been working. I've been doing some freelancing to help out a friend and earn some extra bucks and it's been a blast. Quiet cups of coffee, peaceful bus trips, using that forgotten part of my brain.

In my previous life, I worked in magazines and I've been back doing some sub editing this week and have loved it! I was worried I that I had forgotten how do to anything, but it's come back to me so easily.

The thing that I've loved the most is being in a workplace again. I know this may sound strange but I love office life. I love the dynamics of it - the little quirks people have, the politics, the chatter round the kettle, lunch breaks, the whole lot of it. In my field, I could work from home, but for me I find that 'working from home' is like someone saying to me I could 'garden in bed'. Home is home, work is work. 

Of course, the best part about it all is that I'm only there two days a week for a month, so there is an end in sight. For the moment though I'm soaking up office life. I find watching people in the office and all the dramas that go on is better than a trashy mag or soapy. When people are fully absorbed by their workplace they become quite passionate about it, they're also forced to mesh with people they wouldn't ordinarily spend time with.

I love when you're out at a restaurant and you see a big table, you then look at who's seated and realise it has to be a work thing. There's no way that 50-year-old woman, 22-year-old guy and 36-year-old man would socialise in any other setting. I love watching how they interact with each other in a friendly, yet awkward manner. As the night wears on, someone gets more sloshed, someone gets more outraged and you almost see the gossip and whispers that will happen when they get back to the office the next week.

Ahh we all whinge about work, but let's face it, most of us wouldn't give it up for the world.

6 comments:

  1. Welcome back! I must say, that I do miss the office atmosphere {specially when it's filled with hilarious characters!} But now I make sure that I do the odd lunch or coffee date to get my social fill. It's not quite the same as back in the old M&B and P&B offices though!!

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  2. Isn't it great being back at work? I particularly love the commute, which is bizarre, but that means I can listen to music in peace! I'd almost forgotten how much I love music. And I get my coffee on the way in, read books and magazines I otherwise wouldn't have time for, chat to some strange people. I agree, as much as I love to whinge about it, I've missed feeling a part of a workplace.

    Good to have you back!

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  3. I agree! Work was my sanity outlet, and I am desperate for it again, not just for the dosh, but to be a grown up again. :)

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  4. Nice to see you back, I haven't known what to do with my morning coffee breaks.
    Glad to hear work has been enjoyable.
    xx

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  5. Thank you for coming back Rin lovely!!! Life can now return to normal xxx
    PS: if you ever want to take notes and watch the clowns that I work with .. come on in

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  6. Linda - yes the M&B offices were quite unique! A lot of fun!

    Sarah - I know exactly what you mean. Time to yourself, where ever it is, is precious.

    Quixotic - yes, work = sanity for me too.

    Sarah & Fi - Ta for reading. Glad you enjoy it. xx

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Thank you so much for your comments! I'm always thrilled to hear from you.

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