I am not sure if guilt is the greatest motivator in the world, but it seems to be the one that gets me into work on some days when I shouldn’t really be there.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy what I am doing. And it’s not that I wake up in the morning depressed and despondent wanting to do nothing more then dig deeper into the blankets and cover my head pretending that life truly doesn’t exist pass the confines of my illusionary walls. No, on most days, I look forward to work*, minus the stress and anxiety that seems to be a constant companion of late. I look foreward to the challenges that work may present, even though those are always accompanied by a tinge of mild fear and the thought that I may not be fully up to the task. I am funny that way. And yes, most days coffee is required before I am even remotely anywhere near what may be considered to be sociable, or at best approachable. No the guilt comes when I know that I should really be at home, in bed, with soup and tea, because a fever has been raging for the past day and the cold that started a week before has not let up even in the slightest. Or, when I have worked beyond what most would consider reasonable and still feel the need to come in on the weekend to make sure that the works gets finished on time.
I have never been able to explain the guilt that I feel it is just there. A heavy lump that settles in the pit of my stomach, a voice in the back of my head, constant and demanding that honour should be met.
*as much as anyone who works can, with the general wishing of a lifelong supply of aeroplane tickets and hotel vouchers, never having to worry where the next paycheck is coming from or how you are going to pay the bills.
Posted by munin at Octubre 9, 2003 07:57 PMwhat we have here is the good old fashioned thing called "work ethic". i think it was brainwashed into the working class by the 19th century robber barons or somesuch -- or maybe back as far as the feudal lords of the dark ages? even further?
not that a work ethic is a bad thing, but if you feel it in the pit of your stomach, hmm. doesn't sound good. maybe try replacing it with some donuts?
Posted by: lizard on Octubre 10, 2003 02:00 AMI'm the same way. I think maybe you're just incredibly responsible, dependable, and have a great work ethic. All three seem sadly lacking these days for many people. Hope you have a restful and relaxing weekend with no thoughts of work! (((((Hugs)))))))
I am in the sales business and evaluating guilt as a sales tool. I sometimes buy out of guilt, don't want to hurt a person's feelings. I notice if I don't make a connection with someone, I won't buy and it is easier for me to say no. Now I am looking at it from a sales person. We have a product that has one competitor. Our partner is a competitor of this competitor. Both our partner and the competitor are very large, we are very small. I want to emphasize to customers that if they don't buy from us, this technology my not be around in a few years. This product for both companies is a lost leader. THey use it to sell other products. For us, it is a big part of our business but pricing is so competitive that we can't make any money. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Doug on Enero 30, 2004 08:05 PM