KIS - My Job

My job is not my life.  It is simply the means by which I finance my life.  My job does not define me.  I define the person that I am.

For years that is how I wanted to view myself and my relationship with the working world.  I am pleased as can be to say I am finally there.  In my endeavor to keep things simple I made, what I feel, are some crucial decisions regarding not only what type of job I would have but what type of employee I would be.

I am no longer an overachieving workaholic. 

I currently work in the accounting department for a large corporation.  It feeds my need for structure, organization, detailed work, and all my other anal retentive tendencies.  I thrive in this type of environment.  For the most part, I am left alone to do my job with little to no interruption.  For the first time in a very long time I am not in charge of anything and I do not supervise anyone.  At the end of the day I clock out and go home to my real life.

I have a nice sized cubicle and I am provided with everything I need with which to do the job I am required to do.  I have a comfy chair, a foot rest so my legs don't fall asleep and all the office supplies and state of the art tools my position requires.  Every night the cleaning crew comes by and empties my trash and vacuums my floor.  They even move stuff and get in the corners. J

Employees are provided with life, health, dental and vision insurance and coverage is offered to our family members at a discounted rate.  We accumulate vacation and sick leave.  There are also six paid holidays and we are given an extra day for our birthday.  My employer matches my 401 (k) contributions up to the first 6%, while most companies only match the first 3%.  I receive profit sharing too.

In addition, my employer provides us with a well stocked break room which includes complimentary coffee, tea and hot cocoa service.  There is also a supply of paper plates, plastic utensils, cups, two refrigerators with ice makers and chilled water dispensers, a four slice toaster and a very nice commercial microwave.  All to make us more comfortable.

I hope to retire from this company, God willing, but I also know that plans can change and who knows what my future truly holds.  But for now I'm content with my current working situation and quite happy with how I view myself and my job.  It sure took a load off when I decided to shift my priority from my job to myself and my family.

It took me awhile but I think I finally got smart about what a job truly is and what it means to me.

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