::Thank you, thank you::
Too bad my boss was a bit of a mad man; the kind of guy who doesn’t know how not to be a wiener. Meryl Streep did what she cold to portray this type of person, but I can say from experience, The Devil Wears Wingtips.
Fortunately, he utilized my skill set effectively by giving me meaningful chores like dish washing, gift wrapping and grocery shopping. Filling my 12 hour days with wearisome tasks on top of running an already busy desk would be no big deal, if it weren’t for the putrid air of arrogance filling the hideously decorated, mouse infested halls of his noxious office. My discomfort with the egomaniac’s snide comments, petty squabbles, ridiculous requests and unbelievably short temper was punctuated by 6 AM phone calls and pestering weekend texts. Though I knew the job would entail some exasperating tasks, I never fathomed the amount of needless brow beating and discomfort a single person could inflict on a staff for no good reason.
THICK SKIN
A few people at the company commented that I just needed to develop a thick skin. (Said people will need thick skin too, as they will not be asked back next season.) I have skin smoothing serums, exfoliating scrubs, pore eliminating masks… Neutrogenia’s Skin Thickening Cream isn’t sold over the counter. And if this potion did exist- I don’t want to be coarse. How am I to gently stroke inflated egos with a calloused hand?
I have no experience with abuse. I don’t flourish in the face of degradation. And seriously- I shouldn’t have to. This is TV, folks! I would’ve enlisted if I wanted a drill sergeant. No pay check (no matter how tiny!) is worth a complete loss of self respect.
As the child of federal employees, I’ve caught a glimpse at those who negotiate vital international agreements. I’ve seen serious national policies being debated. What strikes me is that those issues were handled humbly with an air of tactful diplomacy and respect for all parties. How refreshing!
For a long time, the Hollywood machine has been permitted to run on the backs of overly eager 20-somethings who are tempted by empty promises of celebrity. With so many souls for sale, how can a budding Hollywood Exec be expected to show any restraint? This system has allowed for a complete erosion of etiquette.
Let’s class it up, people!
After months of unemployment, quitting was a tough decision. I have had some wonderful work experiences with incredible people. Those experiences empowered me. They reminded me that there is no reason to slave away for a snotty soul crusher in a position that offers no benefits- no health insurance, no direct deposit, and most importantly- no dignity.
Thanks to all the super supervisors and cool coworkers who came before! You showed me how it’s done. Guess it's back to the soup kitchen for me.
A-men.
ReplyDeleteA mutual friend pointed me to your blog.
Three cheers for the bit about bad bosses. No matter how cool the job sounds to people who work boring 9 to 5s the humiliation is never worth the stipend. Let someone else to the ego-stroking in the name of paying your dues (again).