They show how, by loosening up, bringing play into the workplace, and treating their workers like adults, they increased productivity and effectiveness and, I believe, reduced costs

See, if they try and bring more play into my workplace, they may also bring aneurysm into my brain. I'm so grateful the people who were pushy about decorating and costumes last year are overworked and bitter this year (what took them so long?). Even though we won second place (which reminds me -- I have no idea what happened to that gift cert), it SO wasn't worth it.

The play is optional. The Sprint place had a quite room where you could sit and read while waiting for calls. As opposed to the room with a disco ball.

Of course, now I'm reading "play" like "play" on Friendster, and I certainly don't need that at work.

I'm pretty simplistic about my 9 to 5. Mainly, I want it to stay between 9 and 5, and I'd like it if it could involve jeans more often. But mostly, I don't want to have to pretend to love it, or that it's more important than other things in my life. It's more important than being broke, or not being able to buy myself or other people nice things. Although it can make me unhappy, I don't ask happiness of it. Nor companionship or succour. Yet, sometimes, from the way people look at you ... you'd think I was some sort of traitor.

I think that's where the bit about treating people like adults comes in, ita. That allows flexibility on the not so important things (like wearing what you want when no one's going to see you anyway). If you want to wear jeans, fine. If someone else wants to wear a Halloween costume, fine. If someone wants to dress up in a suit, well, it's their right to be a tad off.

Things that have changed since having a baby ----> Bawling at "Cat's in the Cradle".

Yet, sometimes, from the way people look at you ... you'd think I was some sort of traitor.

That is one of the few perks of being a contractor. No one expects me to make the company my life.

The last-minute after-work gatherings kill me. Not that I'd be all that excited anyway, but odds are good that I'm to teach or to train after work anyway. If it's work keeping me late, sure. But if it's drinks, or making the video for the whatever ... no, I don't want to harass people and find a sub at the last minute.

I always have ,Aimee, with the Daddy Issues and shit. My dad, despite playing that song as a struggling musician, is so That Guy.

I feel like I'm That Dad. I missed Em's first steps, rolling over.

t kicks Harry Chapin

Fucker.

Didn't Mr. Chapin's wife write that song?