I am officially a real employee. I get up everyday at 7:00am and report dutifully to my desk by 8:30am. I answer phones, complete paperwork, and participate in company culture. I tuck in my shirt, wear closed toe shoes, and sit up straight. I stare at a computer for eight hours a day. I look forward to my lunch break and 5:00 rush hour.
Classes start at my alma mater in exactly 26 days. I will have no part in the back to school ritual even though I sit behind a desk in an office that provides services to college students.
It’s consistent and dependable. I know exactly where I’ll be at this time tomorrow: right here, at my desk. I have always liked a schedule, the reliability of knowing where I’m going to be, and what I’m going to be doing. so I can plan around it. My day outside of 8:30 to 5:00, is completely free to use how I choose. Sometimes when I’m caught in traffic I wish I had more free time. So looking back at middle school, getting out at 3:00 doesn’t seem as late anymore.
Working here gives me the opportunity to continue my education. Get a masters degree, or even a doctorate if I want one. I can think about life, and decide where I want to be in ten years, and figure out how I’m going to get there.
