40 hours

Yesterday the boss told me that I’d better be prepared to work 24×7 for the next several months as the company is moving into an exciting new time.  The 24 x 7 comment was a big joke and we all laughed awkwardly and commercially.  We all knew his intent.  I told Lover and she cried.  The tears welled up in our eyes and for that moment in time we held each other and felt One sadness.  I work hard now.  I come home late. I get to work early.  And when I’m tired and sad from being used by the workplace I see my family.  I wish it weren’t this way.  Every day I wish it weren’t this way.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my job.  I love what I do.  The company is clean and friendly.  I can even wear jeans on friday and occasionally swear.  This is the corporate American way.  The 40 hour workweek is gone by several years.  It has been replaced by many more hours and souls spent.   The america that worked so hard to get the 40 hour limit has retired.  I’d love to be a part of this company dream if it didn’t cost my self.   But it does…so I will never be the dedicated employee and I will never climb the ladder and I will never make it to the top.  Instead I will  smile that golden smile, work hard, and leave at 40.  I will pay the consequences, including but not limited to: dancing with my daughter, playing with my son, and making love to my Lover.