Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money” for a little inspiration. (Gotta love the ’80s lip-synching)
I have a relatively strong personality. Shocking I’m sure to anyone who knows me or has read more than a few of these posts. This strength of personality has always been a source of pride and heartache for me. Some people just don’t understand how to handle a person, child, woman, employee, daughter, student, etc like me. And I’m sure that I haven’t really made it all that easy for most people…
Regardless, my strong personality has never really been a problem, more of a mild annoyance to remain aware of. That is until everyone began to fear for their jobs. The economy, for lack of a better word, sucks right now. Things are beginning to get better but nothing’s comfortable yet. We all need to be very careful in and around the workplace. To be gainfully employed is something to covet and be thankful for at this time. So what does that mean for the office smart-ass, cynic and/or bitch?
I playfully termed myself the “office cynic” about a year ago. Our president at that time (for some reason) trusted my opinion. It’s not that I am/was of a high enough level to make a real difference. It’s just that he seemed to appreciate my sarcasm and honesty. Since that time, the office has changed quite a bit. People have left and/or been laid off. New people have joined. Clients have cut their budgets or contracts all together with us. All and all, money is tight and we’re all really watching our jobs. Is there room for sarcasm in this type of economy?
Of course everyone is trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. And with shrinking staffs, most people are in fact doing multiple jobs for the same, if not less, pay. It’s just that doing your job isn’t always enough. How do you control the personal part of you? My entire personality has never been “released” upon the office but I need to learn to control it even more now. Not everyone finds my sarcasm endearing and I can no longer afford to ignore that fact. My strong personality and low place on the totem pole are not a good mix when you’re relieved you haven’t been called into HR’s office each day.
What do you do when a defining trait becomes a potential liability? It’s not that I believe my strong personality would ever be a reason to let me go. BUT when the higher ups say cut someone and you’re comparing my resume with that of an equally qualified employee, does that prized personality help or hurt my chances? I’d, unfortunately, venture to bet the latter.
I’m doing my best to remain positive and (more) quiet when necessary while in the office. It’s a trial and error process but I think I’m slowly getting better at it. One day I might be able to compartmentalize the way my mother does. She just works. While I hope my office life never requires that type of coldness, if it does, I at least know the ability runs in the family.
Fingers crossed she’ll be able to make it another day/week/month/year without a meeting with HR,
Jo’van
The Truth: According to Jo'van 