The Excuse for Unpaid Hours

The usual error, the usual excuse. I really can't seem to start blogging on a more regular basis, let alone fix any form of blogging schedule. The days really seem to be pretty random. Not that I am complaining, as that bit of variety in life is simply a wonderful thing to have. Work days haven't changed much though - the usual 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Ah yes the 12 hours a day on average. Some stare in disbelief, some question my sanity. I've offered a host of different responses (mostly on a lighter note) but the truth is there are just so many reasons that I don't know where to begin. First there is the fact that I learn so much more by just spending those extra few hours per day at work. I am also able to get more stuff done and as a consequence get more work assigned to me, which simply means so much more experience in a shorter period of time.. Perhaps I overwhelm myself a little at times, but it is those moments that I can look back at and take pride in having traversed.

Next by staying late, I am able to exude my true commitment to the team, as I've always attempted to no matter which team I've worked with. I just feel that much more satisfied when I've given it that extra bit of effort. A happier stroll back home, and a sounder sleep at night. Speaking of happier strolls back home, the fact that I travel by public transportation to and fro plays a part in the equation as well. By going to work a little earlier and leaving later, I escape the hordes of people rushing in and out of the monorail as well as the buses. I usually refrain from pushing myself through crowds to get into the trains even if that's what almost everyone else does, so the whole thing just translates into a shorter, more peaceful journey home for me. :)

If that isn't reason enough, there is the quieter office environment to work in as well as a better opportunity to get to know some of my colleagues who stay back a little better. In addition to this, there is my boss who tends to stay late with us to make sure things get done. Despite everything I might have against her style and manner of management, her commitment to the work is truly exemplary, even without considering her relatively debilitating disability - rheumatoid arthritis. Of course to go with all this, getting back early just means extra hours on the TV and lazing around - at least for the time being (goodness I so need to find myself a LIFE).

Despite all this, one might easily tell me I'm not getting paid for putting in those extra hours every day. True in the short term, and if you only consider the salary as a 'payment.' When I see things in the longer run though, my thoughts become clear; and any doubts on my intentions disappear..