The other night I was at work later than usual and I happened to overhear bits and pieces of a conversation one of my co-workers was having with someone on the phone. I wasn't trying to pry but it was audible, so I listened. She was extremely upset and crying about something that had happened at work; from what I gathered something had gone wrong and she was taking the hit for it. I don't know this girl at all, but I just wanted to run over and hug her. And then shake her.
I see it every day. Too often people are treated horribly - sometimes by clients, sometimes by fellow co-workers. And it's just not right. But I knew what she was feeling - like whatever happened was the end of the world and life was over. But dang it, that's just not the case. It's work. It's a job. It's not life.
I realize it's a fine line for many people, but as each year passes, I believe with more conviction that work should never overtake your life. I love my job and the people I work with - but there are just those days when you have to wonder if it's all worth it.
A few of my friends have recently lost their jobs due to "downsizing" so I feel very fortunate to be employed. Sure I complain, but who doesn't? It's just all about realizing what counts.
And what counts is family. What counts is friends. What counts is your health.
There will always be other jobs.