Over the past week, I've had the "fun" JOB of having to recover data on a server of ours. I wear different hats where I work, and one of them is the lab administrator. Essentially, I'm the guy everyone in the organization comes to if there is an issue with any of the equipment in the computer lab. And this is but one of many duties I have. Well, it turns out about a little over a week ago, our
main server in the lab started going weird. Files were coming up missing, links were broke, and so on. Without going into all the boring details, this problem required that I work extended hours trying to resolve the issue. It's only Thursday morning, and I'm only a couple of hours away from working 40 hours for the week with another two days (at least) in the work week to go. The problem is about as fixed as it can be, so I can't really do much else. Therefore, I'm hoping the boss doesn't have me stay in order to become a miracle worker. The whole time I'm working on the problem, I keep thinking of how much more time I would have, and how much less stress I would have, if I already were at the point of working fulltime as an REI.
Yesterday (Wednesday), I came into work around 6:30am and stayed until about 6:00pm (wihtout any breaks mind you). When I left work and was driving home, I was switching between radio stations. I happened on one that was playing
Already Gone by
The Eagles. I've always liked
The Eagles and this song in particular. Ironically, towards the end of the song, there is a part that goes ...
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key
I thought to myself "how true". Most of us do live our lives in bondage, yet it is we who hold the key to release ourselves from servitude.
1 comment:
Hey, Steve,
It seems you have the opposite position I've had at my day job. You're the "go-to guy", while my boss bearly remembers I'm around. But over the years, I engineered it that way. I can do my own thing--REI or whatever. My point is that in your current position, I would have found it exceedingly difficult to find time to do REI. Maybe you should find small ways to detach yourself throughout the day. Gradually increase the distance you keep. You can become a little less indepensible. It's OK. Train others in your office. Doing so will make it easier to get your priorities in line. We don't live to work--at least, not to make someone else richer.
And, Scott's in a great position being the guy at the top. Good going, Scott! Whether you're doing work for your company or your REI, you're winning. So, don't sweat it. Playing golf is a luxury you should give yourself now and then.
I wish you both the best in your ventures!
Trisha
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