Shakin' That Bush Boss

Here I sit at 5 AM with 3 dogs and a cat panting at my side steaming me up with dog breath. The cat doesn’t actually steam much, and Peaches is still asleep in case you were wondering where the 4th one was.

They just know I am headed to the airport to catch an early flight when in reality their “Daddy” is headed to another trade show at a local Freightliner production facility.

This is the first time I have participated in a trade show. I stood on my feet all day yesterday in a tent, on a parking lot in 91 degree heat, talking about what I do to production employees.

I couldn’t help but think about how much their life at Freightliner was like elementary school as compared to how much freedom I have in my job.

They come in a fenced, secured facility and belong to the company for the next 8 1/2 hours. Every movement is scrutinized and they can’t even go to the bathroom until it is time to go to the bathroom. It reminds me of the movie Cool Hand Luke, “Shakin’ that bush boss!”

I take for granted that I can say, “Screw it!” and take off an afternoon to play golf. Or say what the heck, I’m going to the islands the last week of next month.

I have responsibilities to meet, but they are based on results and not time and motion like my production friends that I met yesterday.

Freedom to work when I am at my best is a great gift and I thrive on it. My hat is off to those folks who do what they do like I saw yesterday and they don’t go completely postal. I see why so many people hate their jobs now.

5 comments:

Neo said...

Reggie - Good to see I'm not the only person up at 5am. *laugh*

I agree, most jobs are that way now. It's like a sweat shop in most places. I think it's gotten so much worse over the last 7 years too!

Peace,

- Neo

Anonymous said...

I belong to my firm 8 hours a day no matter what I feel like doing that day. It is hard. I like my job ok but just wish I could come and go as I please. I can't go to the restroom without involving someone else. (They have to cover for me)!

TerryC said...

Oh gosh, poor Judy. I could NEVER live like that. As many of you well know, I do have the best job in the entire universe. Except for the no benefits and no paid vacation parts. But my freedom more than makes up for those tiny sacrifices.

Self-employment is the only way to go as far as I'm concerned.

Liv said...

Yes, after the 5 in a series of presentations that I used to do in GA P*cific plants, I realized why apathy and anger is rife in the organizations. Especially in the plywood plants. The jobs suck, it's hotter than hell, and the higher ups act like field masters.

Anonymous said...

I'm somewhat envious of your flexible schedule. I'm "on the clock" at my job for 10 hours a day, 4 days a week. It works for me though. The routine keeps me sane. There are days, though, that I wish I didn't have to jump through hoops to rearrange things.