The Froth

Before I quit my job, I used to think work was an obligation, and I was simply lucky to be doing something I really really liked. The last few months this has changed. Work is a nice invention. And the reasons are the following:

a. When you have to work you avoid thinking about the issues that really worry you, all day. And that is good.

b. When you have too many things to do you can take a step back from the people you love and be with yourself only.

c. Work provides you with a powerful self respect fix. And that is good because it lets you be a remorseless doormat in other areas. Because you think, What the hell, I can be a bitch at work tomorrow.

d. When you work or meet people for work, you know exactly what is expected of you. The part you have to play is distinct: people want you to work. In all other areas of life nothing is clear. For example, the person talking to you wants to pass the time (therefore you are an entertainer), to really communicate (now you are a friend), to play power games (you have just become a soft doormat), to project his/her insecurities on you (now you are a therapist), to have a good ego massage (hey you are a masseur), to love you and be with you (you are a lover). Nothing of the sort happens at work. Or if it does happen, you are justified to ignore it.

e. Work is an everyday transcendental exercise of patience. In the end, you reach a Zen like situation where you just have to do the job. In what other area of life does this happen, without you kicking like a mule until you have it your way?