Okay, it’s not quite summer yet, but since the A/C at work was broken for a few days, it kinda felt like it.
I don’t talk much about my day job, because we all know how that can go, but there have been a lot of changes in my work environment over the past couple months. Accordingly, I’ve been riding a rollercoaster of stress and excitement. So far things have turned out fine, and more importantly, they seem to be getting even better. There’s a lot of management that talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk; lately, our management is walking the walk.
Case in point: We just went dog-friendly. Like, literally today. We’re starting out with 1 dog for 1 day each week, but if it goes well, I think we could have dogs here on a daily basis. (Probably still just 1 at a time.) Since 99% of us have dogs, this fits the personality of the team, and it makes us really happy. To me, that’s good corporate culture.
Me with my boss’s dog Kiko
Furthermore, my work has always been supportive of my writing, and I know I’m extremely lucky in that. (Note: I think it helps that I was clear from Day 1 — i.e., my interview — that I want to be a novelist.) They let me change both my role and my schedule to give me more writing time, and they are always trying to help me (with insurance, 401k, etc.) as opposed to trying to deny me those benefits because I’m “not completely dedicated” or some baloney like that. In return, I of course work very hard to make sure I’m deserving of these considerations.
Again, good corporate culture. Because a happy, valued employee is a productive, hardworking employee.
So if there’s any advice I have for writers who need to work, it’s to look for a supportive company and a flexible schedule. It’s definitely made a world of difference for me.
21 responses to “Dog days of summer”
Yay!! That’s so awesome about the pups! :)
I just had an interview today and mentioned writing, which the interviewer was rather excited about and mentioned later possibilities of relocating (I want to get out of here anyway) to BE a writer for the company. Fingers crossed! And yay for positivity in the workplace!
Exactly: Good communications skills are always in demand! I work for a graphic design firm, and my copywriting and editing/proofreading skills are highly valued. There are lots of options for writers.
Good luck with the interview! (I mean, the results of the interview.)
That sounds like a great place to work!
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That is so cool that you can bring your puppies to work. How sweet!! Though sometimes mine are so annoying, I really want nothing more than to be far, far away from them. Other peoples puppies are totally adorable, though. Love that!! You are one lucky girl!! :)
Lucky you! Can I have your job? :(
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Yay for puppies . . . boo I’m not there to enjoy . . . probably for the best because I would spend more time with the puppies and not designing.
T.S.-
You know what? It is. :)
Kimberly-
LOL I hear ya. Riley’s a pretty good little guy, though.
Les-
No. But you could try to get a different job here. :P
Emily-
Aw, I wish you could be here to enjoy it too! I honestly think you’d be happier here now. That said, you’re happy where you are now! So no biggie. :)
Make sure you take photos the day Riley gets to go to work.
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Dammit! If only I could get my children to be supportive of my writing and contribute to my 401k!
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That’s fantastic! So, there’s a really great song (of course there is) that you should check out (the video’s strange,though, and that’s saying a lot for me) It’s by a British band/artist, Florence and the Machine called Dog Days.
Yes, a pic of Riley on work day would be great.
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Pseudo-
Will do!
Sonja-
LOL! Well I’m sure they mean well…
Sarah-
I’ll YouTube it!
Hear! Hear!
Figuring out how to work and write is like the holy grail. And it seems like you are doing a pretty damn good job.
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Thanks! For me the Holy Grail is to make my writing my work… but this is a pretty good compromise for now. :D
Very Cool! And cute dog, too. I have two of my own (miniature dachshund), and luckily I’m more or less my own boss so I can bring them to work whenever I want. The pups certainly want to go to work more often than I do, seeing as my secretary has bribed them with treats and they are eternally hopeful for more. Dogs are funny that way… ; )
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Aww, one of my coworkers has a mini dachshund too! They’re adorable. And yes, I can only imagine WHY they might love going to work and getting treats… :P
Like.
You are so lucky. I have met about one writer with a similarly flexible and supportive work situation. Haha, you have to keep this job for-ever!
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Hey Kristan! I just gave you a “Kreativ Blogger” Award! I know . . . I didn’t know what it was either when I got mine. Check out my post for the details.
As for your post on dogs . . . SO JEALOUS!
Jon-
And by “forever” you mean until I’m a successful, self-supporting author, right? ;P
Anne-
Thanks, hon! I’m hopping on over now!
I must say I am very, very envious of your job right now. :P I wish mine would you know, actually appreciate me.
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Sounds like you’re in a fantastic place. And congrats on being able to bring your dog to work! I wish my husband could take our kids to work :)