Monday, February 11, 2008

The Post I May Regret Later

I was taught that if I worked hard, tried to get along with folks and followed the rules that I would succeed.

At each stage in my life, I asked the authority figures why this plan didn't seem to be working out the way they promised. I was always reassured that the folks who were seeming to get things easy wouldn't always have it that way and it would work out better for me in the long run.

They said that in middle school.

They said that in high school.

They said that in college.

They said that when I entered the work force.

And now?

I just had the same exact conversation once again!

For crying out loud! I'm nearly 38.

I'm seriously thinking my time might be better spent focusing on looking hot before it will be too late to use that to my advantage.

(Sorry for the pity party today. I'm just tired of working in an industry where people who can't find their way out of a paper bag make more money than I do and then hire me to tell them how to do their job.)

14 Deserve Mamma's Love:

Amy said...

I get this. I am a rule follower and it never got me ahead. The rest of the pack acted like a bunch of asshats and were richly rewarded. Stand tall, Mamma. Stand tall. And go ahead and yell, too.

Chris H said...

There is nothing wrong with having a moan if it helps... now move on and do something about it, don't just sit still and take it! You get what you work for.... so work for it babe!

Julie Pippert said...

ACK! OMFG! What, are you psychic??

On Sunday? I wrote THIS EXACT SAME POST, only maybe it was longer (surprise surprise) and more moany. Other than that, though, exact same.

I hear ya, babe.

HEAR YA!

Thanks for posting this. I didn't have the balls (no seriousness intended).

Beth said...

No apologies for a pity party. They can be good for the soul.
As for following the rules? What rules are they and who made them?
And what the hell is "the long run?" I'm older than you and I'm still waiting for it to "work out better!"

Nancy said...

Scoot your butt over so I can share sitting on your pity pot. This BS of "in the long run" has yet to be seen over here too ... and I have 15 years on you! This is some marathon!

Kimberly said...

You are so not a pity party thrower. You are an amazing woman who lives her life on the right side of things and expects others to do the same.

I'm think that's the way it should be. So I guess I'm on your team then, right?

Hang in there.
xo

Bananas said...

You know it's true... following the rules and being nice keeps you out of trouble. But breaking rules and being mean gets you ahead. It can be a depressing world when you stop and think about it.

Anonymous said...

I loved Mrs. Chicken's comment - she's always so eloquent. And now I simply cannot top her. She even used my favorite swear word...

Anyhow, I know this is super frustrating. I have no words of assvice as I've lived through this very thing. If you figure out a way to make honest hard work actually lead somewhere, please give me a ring. Failing that, do pass along the name of a good plastic surgeon - I like the sounds of your back-up plan and I fear this will be my only means of achieving it. :)

-andi

Anonymous said...

I was told that it's always better to ask forgiveness than permission.

Oh, and I recommend flipping the bird when you see their name come up on the caller ID.

Some lessons we take from our 15 year old selves.

Neil said...

The operative word is PARTY, even if it is a pity one. I''ll bring the chips.

Anonymous said...

Oh good gawd I know what you mean. I'm 41 and just this past year I think I finally learned to stop taking the crap and start going on the offensive.

Anonymous said...

What's money anyway? At least you have your dignity (at least that's what I tell myself). You, girlfriend, ROCK in soooo many ways that have nothing to do with how many bucks you make but make you the awesome mamma that you are.

Pity away! We've all had days like these!

Kellyology said...

Ironic that I've read this today, for it's almost exactly what I just posted about...

I say we concentrate on the hotness that is us. And for the rest of the garbage...screw it!

Christina said...

I understand how you feel. I've been in that situation a lot, too.

The worst was the time my manager actually looked at me during a performance review and said, "Why aren't we paying you more? You do a great job." Did I get more money? Of course not. Th promotion went to the hot shot in the department.