are you lookin' at ME?

When you’re upset (okay – mad) about your job . . . are you really mad about something you do, are doing or didn’t do?

Remember that scene in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, where Emily (who is super sick, but has an evening work event that she’s going to) turns to her computer whispering to herself, “I love my job I love my job I love my job,” in a way that truly conveys the opposite?

The very moment before that scene, Emily had just been bragging to Andrea (the 2nd assistant to the editor in chief of a VERY Vogueish fashion magazine) about the fact that she was getting to go to this very important event (mainly because Andrea DIDN’T). Emily even mentions that she had been dieting because she was wearing Valentino . . . . clearly, not miffed about “having” to go. 

But, she doesn’t feel good. She’s actually sick with a gross stuffed nose. 

Had she felt good, she probably would have bragged more and have been even more snooty to Andrea (if that’s possible) about getting to go to this high society, high fashion event.

I think what she was really thinking during her “I love my job” chant was: “Why did I get sick Why did I get sick Why did I get sick?”

I’m starting to realize that each time I feel the “work yuck scowl” developing, I actually can trace this awful feeling back to me. Something that I messed up, or didn’t do (procrastination is NOT my best friend), or my perfection expectations of others can completely rob me of my work joy.

I DO actually, in fact, enjoy my job.

I like what I do.

I work very hard to get really good at what I do.

I like who I work with. We have a great team with TONS of talent.

I like the company and see it moving in a great direction. 

But, I’m far from perfect and sometimes imperfection in myself or (let’s be honest) in others can really mess with my attitude. 

I generally feel pretty darn happy at work. I’ll feel even happier when I start to “own” those whoops moments and realize that I’m miffed at myself, not my job. It’s a good lesson for me – and that’s why I’m sharing it with you so that we can all sit around and whisper (with good karma), 

“I love my job I love my job I love my job . . . .”