If you recognize your spoiled, does that preclude you being a brat?
I hope so.
In the interests of being a team player at work, I am teaching two classes for 10 days this month. What this means is that I am in a classroom from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Add in the morning commute (far, but not too congested) and the evening commute (horrendous) and I left my house today at 7 a.m and returned at 6:45 p.m.
What sucks about this? No spending time outside in the daylight and about two hours of free time before I need to think about getting ready for bed.
The fact that this is such a shock to my system just highlights how lucky I have been all these years to work very, very, very part-time and then part-time. I haven't always been conscious of what a blessing it is to have time in every day for a walk in the sun or an hour to read a book or write a post, but getting a taste of what, for many people, is the "daily grind" that defines their life, makes me realize how truly spoiled I've been lo these many years.
Of course with any black cloud there's a silver lining and mine is overtime pay; I think I'll just count that particular blessing as I creep eastward on the 78 at a glacial pace. I'll also be counting the days until I'm done!
Spoiled brats rub others' noses in it and don't recognize that they are spoiled. Spoiled brats don't have compassion for how hard everyone else has to work.
Like you, I've known for a long time that I am spoiled as I've had the luxury of staying home with my kids (and now my husband, too)! I've said it for years: single parents are my heroes.
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | December 08, 2011 at 01:02 AM
Oh geez, what a trial indeed!
Posted by: gary rith | December 08, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Yes, unfortunately that is the norm for most people. What is really sad is that most people work that hard and long, and STILL can't pay the bills. I am so appreciative of these years that I have been able to work part time, so I could spend time with Dylan while he is young.
Posted by: Jenrantsraves | December 08, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I was spoiled for a long time, too...lived about 7 miles from where I work. Now? 45 minutes commute in the am and an hour in the pm...I usually get home at 6. At least I'm lucky enough to have Dave there to have dinner ready!
Posted by: Janet | December 08, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Uh huh. I count my blessings every day that I don't work F/T.
Posted by: Green Girl In Wisconsin | December 08, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I prefer to use the word Fortunate.
Posted by: Smalltown Me | December 08, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I used to bitch and moan while I was on the road doing comedy. We'd get up late, go to the nearest mall for lunch and shopping, then a movie, then back to the hotel to get ready to work for ONE HOUR a night.
I would, of course, kill for all that right now.
Posted by: Suzy | December 08, 2011 at 11:50 AM
It does suck. For 5 years I was away from home from 6:30 am to about 7 pm+, it gradually wore me down. Out of desperation, I bought an aquarium & had it turn on at 5:30 am so I would see some 'daylight' & have the company of the fish at that lonely hour.
Still it was a good job for the time and it certainly makes me appreciative, as it does you, for closer commutes.
Posted by: Sharon | December 08, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I feel spoiled (or fortunate!) for the schedule my job affords me. It's a full time job, but it doesn't require being in an office from 9 - 5. I love what I do, but it's nice to be able to do some of it from the couch in my pjs!
I've never lived in a big city, so I've never had the congested kind of commute. I'm a half hour from campus, but it's mostly county roads with decent scenery.
Posted by: Cassi Renee | December 08, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Oh my gosh....this could not have come at a better time!!! I am only working two days, and you would think I had 60 hours under my belt each week!!! I don't know how those Moms do it working full time and giving quality time to their families and themselves!!!!!
I know I am spoiled!!!!
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | December 08, 2011 at 06:32 PM
I like the take on "fortunate" instead of "spoiled." No shame in being grateful for your good circumstances.
Posted by: lanes | December 08, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Completely agreed. I have felt, my whole career, that I won the lottery. To have some control over my time and where I am during the day--to see natural light!--is a huge gift. I'm sorry for these damn days you're pulling. Yuck.
Posted by: Jocelyn | December 09, 2011 at 12:41 PM
So... when you get home, does hubby have your fuzzy bedroom slippers and martini waiting for you? How about a whirlpool and masseuse?
Posted by: shrink on the couch | December 10, 2011 at 12:51 AM