Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Working too much.

Something I am definitely not doing this summer is working too much. It's not like I'm not working hard and all that but the sunny California outdoors keep calling my name. Whether I am off fishing, kayaking, or bicycle (I did all three this last weekend), work is not something keeping me busy.

Today at my internship a post doc gave a job talk to get a permanent position. After the talk I heard the manager saying how it is a problem that the fellow actually works too hard! I couldn't believe it. I don't think this possibility has ever been conceived by most of my professors back at school. In fact a colleague of mine once got a stern lecture for not spending every weekend constantly working (although the consensus is that prof is a jerk). But at least the Lockheed Martin business model understands that a well-rounded individual both increases productivity and loyalty (it also prevents workplace violence -- that training module was loads of fun ;D ) I think I am going to cry when I have to go back to Chicago.

Speaking of well-roundedness, this summer my constant fight with my Buddha belly is paying off. Of course bicycling 12 miles to work every day certainly helps. Who knows maybe I will shave my beard and cut my hair to be somewhat respectable looking ... heh, I knew you would scoff at that idea. Besides I trust respectable looking people far less than the average Joe.

5 comments:

Patrick said...

Yeah, I know. I'm bothered by how little I'm suffering with work, too. It's like Catholic guilt, but really we both know it's Chicago guilt.

Patrick said...

Or wait, duh. You're not bothered by it. OK I am the crazy one.

Andy R. Terrel said...

rrriiiiight =D

Charli Rae & Craig Gause said...

woo hoo! would you really cut your hair? hehe.... wait, i'm actually scared to see what you look like without long hair and a beard....

Elizeu Santos-Neto said...

Hi Andy,

I'm very happy that there exists people like that manager you've mentioned. :-)

Life is short (or long, depending on the perspective and if you considering the time or frequency domain), it is important to have a good balance between fun and work.

Furthermore, I am not sure if it should even have a distinction between them (fun and work). :-)