Tick…tick…tick…
The clock’s hands inched closer to eight. Inspection was about to begin. The manager would soon begin to pace the floor, seeking to ensure everything was as it should be, that everyone was in place precisely at the stroke of eight.
He walked the floor slowly, not speaking to anyone but carefully taking note with watchful eyes. Office door open, computer on, but not at the desk? The eyebrows raised in silent question about the person’s whereabouts. Closed doors get the hard wrap and if no voice rings out from inside the depths of the dark office, the disappointed headshake. Door open, lights off? Again with the disappointed, angry looks.
After the beating we all took at yesterday’s meeting, there was no way I was missing this morning’s inspection. So here I sit at my desk. 10 minutes early. Typing away furiously (granted, it’s on this post and not “real” work) so I get the nod of approval.
Part of me hopes that he slows to a stop at my door, that he sits in my chair and initiates a conversation about this latest “problem” in the office. Because of our relationship, sometimes I can say things that others can’t.
There is no mystery of the empty office…
If you don’t see me, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. If I’m not here precisely at 8 or you see me running out the door at 6:01, it doesn’t make me a bad employee. It makes me a mom. One who has to pick up and drop off her son at a specific time.
One who, to get here early this morning, snapped at both her husband and son because neither one of them were moving fast enough this morning. From hubby, I got the look of annoyance. From Andrew, the tears. I feel guilty as hell because it wasn’t fair to take this out on them…but like I said, there was no way I could be late this morning.
The real mystery is not of the darkened offices…it’s how long they will be watching.
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15 comments:
If they slack off again after a while, so will the employees, right? I'm glad you were there and passed muster!
Kiss both your babies and remember: it's okay.
Just remember.....being the boss is hard. too. Having been in both positions, I can see both sides......
i agree...give them a kiss when you get home...this too shal pass...
strong point,
be natural, be real, have fun!
happy tt.
Don't you hate that stress? Why bosses have to be that way is the real mystery. ha.
Kiss your family tonight...they'll always love you. :)
They will probably be watching for a while. That is how it goes. At least you got your extra 10 minutes of your time to type your post.
And, as Kathy pointed out, it is not easy being the boss either. Often you have to enforce rules you'd rather not...
The measure of a great employee is not necessarily what time they clock in every day. What counts more is how they utilize their time once they're there.
Deep breaths... and if they yell at you, tell them where to go!
Give Hubby and Andrew a big kiss!
Jamie, I had a boss that expected us in at 6 am and out at 6pm but only pay for 8. Well I would get there at 7:45 make 1/4 pot of coffee have papers scattered over my desk so when he breezed in at 8:00 it looked like I had been there for hours.
I never told him and he never knew.
I hate having the bosses hanging over you all the time. Your family will understand. Just kiss them when you get home.
I hate workplaces that don't consider a healthy work life balance. I feel like I'm being watched by an invisible eye sometimes. My boss has the uncanny ability to call the 'second' I leave my post! Toilet radar! These days I work smarter, not harder.
Really enjoyed your posting over at JV's.... really enjoyed this one too. Consider me signed up.
what a butthead! but good for you - 10 minutes early and already playing. ;)
Being a working mom is no picnic. A hug, a kiss and an explanation smooth things over with the husband. A hug, a kiss, and a smile do the same with Andrew.
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