Negativity

I work in a small office during the day with approximately 34 people, mostly men. It's basically sales. The average age in the office is about 50 years old. People are set in their ways and still believe the 60's peace and love movement was the greatest time to be alive.

That's all well and good, but it definitely doesn't show in most of the actions here. Everyone here has something to say about somebody else. Whether it's their personal life or work habits. I learned early on to keep my personal life separate and boundaries high. I may speak about politics, but no one here can tell you about my personal life. I get along with people and like some of the people here, but I just wanted to give you a little backstory.

So, when I approached one of the partners to wish him well before I left for vacation, he refused to shake my hand because he was upset that he can't take a vacation and everyone else can. That attitude has continued because he sees that no one is as committed as he is. You know what, he's absolutely right.

He owns the business. His business is his work. If his business fails, he's out of work. That's a lot of pressure, but you hire people to do a job. I don't enjoy the benefits of being an owner so my commitment is to the job I was hired for. I don't think that's so hard to grasp. I don't think taking a vacation is a sign that I'm not committed. It's a sign that I'm using a benefit that I'm entitled to.

That kind of negativity does do anything for an office atmosphere. One day the powers that be will understand that. Actually, he needs to read the Four Agreements.