Right after Christmas, there were a couple real slow days at the call center. I remember on Wednesday, it got so slow we actually stood up and started gossiping over the cubicles when Larry left the floor.

It was nuts. Everyone was complaining about everyone else, they were complaining about management, human resources, no raises, lousy benefits, everything.

"Can you believe the memo?"
"Why can't I get a raise?"
"I felt so belittled..."
"It can't all be our fault..."
"Why can't they treat us right?"
"I hate my job!"
"Then George made me finish his work, just because he wanted a cup of coffee!"
"He keeps transferring calls straight to me! He refuses to even try to help!"
"Where do they find these trainees?"

Now I know what you are thinking, "This guy has pages and pages of rants and complaints about this call center, and now he's complaining about other people whining?" Yeah, I saw the irony too, it was about a mile wide painted fluorescent orange, the same shade as that skinny silk tie I owned during the 80's.

But for some reason, hearing the non-stop gripe session kind of made me feel sick inside. I thought about it awhile, I think I understand why.
I'm finished...

No, I'm not finished with the blog. I can't promise I won't whine again, that would be silly. But I am finished with believing that something will change magically, or that whining really does anyone any lasting good. Yeah, the emotional release is ok for a while, and getting the words out there makes the world make more sense.

But that only works for so long. Extended sessions of crying and kvetching just start to tie you up in knots after while. After awhile you have to decide if you are going to go on with your life. I've made that decision to go beyond simply complaining about work everytime something goes wrong,(at least most of the time). I don't like it, but it was the right thing to do.

I hate to admit, but that decision has made a real difference. When I see something unfair, or wrong going on in the call center, I try to ignore it and keep my mind on doing the job right so I can hit the clock, get the paycheck, and go home. Every day puts me one day closer to leaving this place.

Thanks for reading,

AC