No, No, No, NO!

I am mad as hell. Do you know what I found is the biggest thing getting in my way lately, leaving me overwhelmed and falling behind?

Me. Sappy, pathetic little me.

I did as I promised last week: I took some time, sat down, and looked over that to-do list of mine. Wow, am I a piece of work. Nothing is giving because I have somehow lost my ability to say no. No, wait, I didn't lose it—I just stopped using it! Here are just two of innumerable examples of my infinite wisdom:

1. Our team was restaffed to full strength this summer, complete with an administrative assistant. Not only have we been meeting to death over the past quarter, but nearly half of these meetings were booked by the new assistant during times when my online calendar was blocked “out of office.” These are the times I need to leave in order to be home for my son after school, or early in the morning for my workouts—I’ve worked out only eight times in the past three months. Is it her fault? No, it’s mine—because I’ve accepted the meetings anyway. No wonder the suits are feeling a bit snug again.

2. Several of my new team members have done what any new employee does: Bit off way too much. I’ve made last-minute rebounds on several occasions, including a Sunday sacrifice, to help them out. But guess what I notice if I ask for a hand? “No—I wish I could, but I have too much to do right now.” Their voices still work!

This is even worse than feeling like I’ve let the balls drop. I’ve stopped using the most important tool in my line of work—a two-letter word. This is going to take me longer to untangle than I’d hoped! Crap.

No, no, you chose. You chose to get ahead. You want this life. Those choices are necessary. —The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Comments

[K]

Dec '07? That's two years ago. Time to change jobs or professions.

[Whatsername]

Dear K:

Um, not really. Feel free to check back in the archives - I suggest December 2007 - and you might unearth some glad tidings. Ah, the good old days.

W

[K]

Do you have any happy or positive work experiences?

[Whatsername]

Thanks, Vivian. I keep thinking that because I've said in the past that I'm humbled and grateful to even *have* a job, that people know that about me. Sending you my very best wishes, as you continue your search.

[Vivian Baumann]

With all due respect, that hectic work schedule sounds very appealing to one who was laid off April 2009 . . . and I still haven't found a job. While the other side of the fence usually (not always) looks greener, having too much time on one's hands is not productive.

Good luck with managing your work schedule.

[Gene P.]

Greetings Whatsername, Good Write. Thanks.
You make me think, another two, two letter words I like are: WE, ME .
I've been playing with the first letter of those two words, considering what they mean. I noticed they can be changed by flipping the 'W' or the 'M' to reconsider the content. I'd like to make a metal sign that I can flip the 'W' to identify which mode I'm in.
Good Luck with your Lists,
Gene P.