They Get It!

Shortly after I started working for my current employer, I thought (and probably said aloud) that I will not be here long! The people seemed content with not learning any new processes or computer applications, nor improving their current skills. They would smile like they welcomed your new ideas and knowledge but performed their usual routine and methods. I started to wonder if their thinking came from a lack of formal education or just a state-culture way of thinking. Although most of them do not have degrees, they know their jobs in their sleep and they should since most of them have worked in their positions for over 10 years. One woman in my department has worked for this company longer than I have been alive- over 40 years! This is the only employer she has had so I know her pension is fat and hope her 401K is too!

In thinking about the boredom of my job and how I dislike routines to a certain extent, I thought: THEY GET IT! When analyzing why these people stay year after year after year after year, I understand. Don't get it twisted and think I am settling or desire to retire here but if I do, I do not feel like a loser or that I have settled because it is the easiest thing to do. Actually it would be the smartest thing to do taking all variables into consideration.

We are one of the few companies that still have pension so that is a reason to stay. We are one of the few companies that allow work email to be used without monitoring personal emails plus allow religious and spiritual emails to be exchanged during work hours. Everyone had to sign an agreement not to do it but it still is done. We are one of the few companies that enter into trade agreements with organizations so we have free theatre, movie and concert tickets to give to employees year round. There is usually one give a way per day! We are one of the only companies- that I know about- who allow people to transfer to another department and within a year transfer back to the department they left and throw a party for them.

Besides all the employee perks, I have learned that several people and their spouses work for the company so cheaper on their cost to commute and on their health insurance. Several employees have major hobbies and jobs after hours to supplement their income and lifestyles such as breeding pigeons, raising llamas, painting ceramics and oil investments. Having excitement outside of my place of employment is a must or you could dry up like a prune. Dry up due to the routine and lack of motivation to think outside of the box. Maybe it is just my department and other departments don't have this issue. Regardless, I appreciate the people I work with now because they are having their cake and eating it too by keeping things simple during the workday and leaving their dreams after the workday is done! This is motivation for me to deal with the boredom, build my pension and eat my cake through my money management business after the workday!