Do you like your job?/Don't make rash decisions

Every so often people ask me: "Do you like your job?"  If a client is asking me that, it doesn't matter if I'm having the worst day of my career,  I always say yes and I always think of at least two things that make my day bright, lest I give them the idea that I'm yet another in the long line of grumpy government workers.  If it's a new acquaintance, I try to give more highlights than anything, but I occasionally throw in a cringe-worthy story or two for the sake of levity.  If you're a close friend or family member, I will tell you every terror tale I have, mainly because I can.  Today I asked myself "Do you like your job?"  The answer to that question gave me the topic for today's post.

Without crossing the line into HIPAA-violation territory, let me just say that I had a very interesting group of children today.  In the twenty minutes they were with me there was almost non-stop kicking, hitting, and spitting; and no small amount of wailing and screaming.  Oh, and that was just the kids.  The parent was responsible for yelling, threatening, and exasperating.  I went into that encounter with my clients as a happy and smiling person.  I came out vowing that I would never have children and even went so far as to text my mom and tell her that the hope for grandchildren was growing evermore dim.

After my half hour recovery period, I had a slightly more positive outlook on life- one that included a slightly higher probability of me having children someday.  I was even chuckling to myself, thinking "This is why we don't make big decisions after one bad experience!" Imagine all the things we'd miss out on if we gave up after a traumatic experience.  I would not be able to ride bikes had I sworn off riding after I lost control of my cousin's bike and knocked out two teeth as I fell.  I would not be able to drive a car had I sworn off driving shortly after I got my permit and almost hit a car in the oncoming lane by over-correcting the steering wheel when I turned left at a stop sign.  (There are very few times I remember my Dad shouting at me.  That was one of them!)  

My thoughts on the negative aspects of rash decision-making led me to my thoughts on whether or not I like my job.  Not only has this topic been on my mind today, it's been something I've pondered frequently these last few weeks and have had difficulty answering at times.  But as I cleaned my office and got everything packed away for the day, I continued lightheartedly repeating the following mantra: "Today was not the norm, today was not the norm.  You cannot make decisions based off of today alone!" So for the present, I like my job.  It's frustrating at times and infuriating at others, but by and large it's a funny place that gives me great fodder for my future book about humans and their distinctive personalities.  And that decision has been two-and-a-half years in the making!

Well, speaking about work, I have a long list of projects that need finished before I head back in the a.m.  Sadly, we're having a goodbye party for a beloved colleague and I have to finish prepping a few items for that.  Tomorrow I may not like my job...haha.