tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253422627893232570.post7884365857643581287..comments2009-03-19T17:55:06.835-07:00Jefferson Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467374016300581179noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253422627893232570.post-89253307033485882792009-03-19T11:36:00.000-07:002009-03-19T11:36:00.000-07:00Although every cloud may have a silver lining, the problem with being in upper-middle management (meaning you're not at the very top, which is where your mom is, but you're not at the bottom either) is that it's mostly an unacknowledged and thankless position.<BR/><BR/>I've always kept a few phrases with me over the years:<BR/><BR/>"If work were fun, it wouldn't be called ...."<BR/><BR/>"The glass is neither full nor empty, but rather, it's completely full. Varying in amounts of water and air."<BR/><BR/>"The French have a saying, 'that they don't live to work, but rather work to live'."<BR/><BR/>And even taking Life one day at a time is mentally and emotionally draining. Hobbies and other pursuits sometimes help; as does consideration of being employed during the current economic crisis.<BR/><BR/>Yet, consider that you're feelings are based upon your perception and reaction. Because you care as much as you do, you've personally invested yourself into the position.<BR/><BR/>It's quite possible to perform at 110% but not care as much. Which is where digitalxdna may be alluding to.<BR/><BR/>I had been an I.T. Manager/Director for a company. Over a three year period, with little or no budget, designed their network infrastructure and supported all their computer systems (both for the company, and systems owned by their clients). This brought the company from $2M annually when I started up to $25M annually when the company was bought out by a larger corporation.<BR/><BR/>There were no daily thanks or even a "Great Job!", but there was a pink slip after the merger.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, see your job/position as a means to an end, not the end to a means. Your job isn't just what helps to put food on the table, it's what gives you additional resources to enjoy Life outside of the job.GameTravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958835646916490161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253422627893232570.post-78167007667861154322009-03-19T10:21:00.000-07:002009-03-19T10:21:00.000-07:00Remember that there is a higher reason why we were put on this earth.<BR/><BR/>Take comfort in your family, friends, your health, your Lord. <BR/><BR/>Find ways to challenge/stimulate your mind, your body, and your spirit.<BR/><BR/>And check Lord Acton's quote on power.Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195592282317655578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253422627893232570.post-25528206206078481042009-03-18T13:03:00.000-07:002009-03-18T13:03:00.000-07:00remember this:<BR/><BR/>"nothing personal; it's just business."<BR/><BR/>letting your personal feelings get in the way clouds your judgment and business acumen.digitalxdnanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253422627893232570.post-60328952011793216082009-03-18T06:09:00.000-07:002009-03-18T06:09:00.000-07:00Three years of restaurant management taught me all the things you speak of and possibly more. I understand, to the fullest, your feelings of despair regarding upper management positions. I could wax eloquently on my troubles with part-time, under-trained, under-experienced, lazy, late, hung-over, and all-together incompetant staff memebers - but I can't deny for a moment there were bright spots when some of those folks actually had my back. <BR/>My advice - from someone who has now been out of the field a year thanks to her husband's job change and subsequent cross-country move - take it ONE DAY at a time. Don't let today's irritations travel into tomorrow's attitude. If you do, you'll fight alosing battle. Focus on what you know you have control over, not on situations which could potentially arrise. Don't waste precious time worrying or mitigating problems which haven't yet occured - even if you know they likely will. Deal with the here and now.<BR/> Finally, whatever you do, don't let yourself "count down the days" until your job situation changes. I found this breeds resentment, and bitterness, and exudes poor team morale. Consider your job (as hard as it may be) a blessing and as often as you can, show up with a smile.<BR/> Haven't seen you in years, but your post really made me think back on my own experiences. Thanks.<BR/><BR/>- Melissa (MacDonald) Hnosko<BR/>Shorewood '01Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com