Years ago, after a particularly bad week at work, I asked my dad this all-important question:
“Dad, at what age do you stop getting in shit?” He just laughed and looked at me sideways.
“No, seriously dad. Will there ever come a day when we stop getting in shit?” He just laughed again and simply replied, “Nope."
I’ve never professed to being perfect. In fact, far from it. But I can’t recall a day when I don’t get into shit at work. It’s exhausting, not to mention frustrating, and honestly unintentional. But I’ve come up with a few ideas as to why:
A. I’m human (but that just seems too obvious);
B. I have a personality (slightly more plausible); or
C. Historically, I've worked in offices with lots and lots of WOMEN!
I’ll take what’s behind Door Number 3 please!!
I won't bother getting into a psychological debate as to why women make lousy bosses, because I think most of us (myself included) recogize that women (especially those with a little power) are generally:
1. emotional trainwrecks (reactionary vs. leaders);
2. emotionally fragile (“Why don’t they like ME?”); and
3. self-absorbed (“It’s all about ME ME ME!!”).
Sounds harsh, I know. But I can hold up my hand and say it’s true. I’m a woman, I know firsthand. There’s a good reason I have never - and will never - be a boss! I would make the worst boss because I’m a workaholic and perfectionist, and the bar would be really high under my regime. So my hat goes off to those who choose to do it.
So, day in and day out, I work very hard at keeping items A and B in check because, If (and when) I don’t, I run the risk of being fired. Cheap wine, cigarettes, not to mention my mortgage, aren’t free. I have to work. Losing my job is not an option. Think of it as a sadomasochistic relationship. It’s not for everybody, but it pays the bills. Sad, but true.
Of course, it goes without saying, that sometimes men aren’t any better at being bosses (just read my blog “Corporate Cadavers”). I find men just want to be liked. But, they tend not to hold grudges. If I get in shit today, by tomorrow it’s all but forgotten. Forgive and forget. I like that. I like that a lot.
But in a civilization where women are still having to work their asses off to move upward in a "man’s world", it's inevitible that I will spend the last years of my so-called career eeking out a meager living under the imperious tutelage of women.
And so, I continue to write...
