If isolation tempers the strong, it is the stumbling-block of the uncertain. Paul Cezanne
I haven’t “worked” in two months.
The office I went to was the one beside my bedroom. My habits didn’t become slothful: I still woke up with the sun and puttered around. Good things never last. I spent yesterday in a cubicle at the Chinese business that has retained my services. I didn’t have to look for many jobs in china.
I’ve been working with them since the beginning of August, copyrighting, editing, and researching from home. Two weeks ago I was suppose to start in the office, 30 kilometers away in an industrial area of the city. But I didn’t. Like many things in China, plans change.
It’s too far, my boss said, speaking of my daily commute. We’ll get you an apartment. I only work in office three days a week (two days from home). An apartment for two nights a week? Okay. Fine.
The following week: We need to hire someone that speaks English. It will be too difficult for you. Okay. Fine. Not having an English speaker around sums up my life. I can deal with a class of mischievous six-year-olds who don’t speak English, business people shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t think one of them will punch me in the groin while I’m trying to explain something to a colleague.
Then: We need to get the furniture for your apartment. Pick it out.
(I’m not complaining, really. All the concerns have been about me and how to make my life easier. This speaks to how awesome everyone is. Bless them and their hearts of gold.)
Long story short (too late, I know) I went to the office yesterday. I sat in my assigned cubicle, interviewed a couple of applicants (English speakers), and wondered how I could make my VPN compatible with the office’s network.
I spoke little. I was alone. My colleague at the next desk would send me messages via MSN. No distractions: No computer games or Mrs. Stevo asking where the rice is. Just work.
8 am to noon (although I arrived at 8:30), 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Home to the sweaty embrace of Mrs. Stevo. Damn, a normal job! My old life teaching English in China saw me finish work at 8:30 pm, and then usually engage in post-class malty libations in an effort to reduce the day’s accumulated stress. After falling into bed it would all start again.
This is new, but it’s old. I’ve logged my time in offices (far too much time) and thought it was only a memory. Not so.
The difference? My other jobs were based on my education – graphics and journalism. They didn’t speak to my interests. This endeavor is all about photography. I am being paid to blog about photography. Blog? Ha! (Mrs. Stevo usually scoffs at my internet ventures.)
I’m off and running (no, jogging). As soon as the wrinkles are ironed out I’ll be off and running. No more pencils, no more books. I’ll miss my babies (I already do), but there are good things on the horizon.
Hi Steve,
Congrats on the new job… I’ve been watching your feed for a month now, waiting to hear what it would be. I’d like to know more about it, but I’m sure more info will come out in future posts…
As for plans changing, people who’ve never worked in China just can’t understand! But I do…
Stephen Cronin´s last blog ..Second Best Job In The World: Lavender Angel
Thanks for stopping by Stephen. I don’t know if I will reveal my employer’s name, but more details will be forthcoming.
Some of understand “changes” more than others. hehe.
Stevo´s last blog ..Playing Dress-Up in the Park
Wow, sounds like a plum assignment. Now you need to convince them that you need to be out in the field to get your stories and reduce that cubicle time to about 3 hours max a day!
ybonesy´s last blog ..My Father’s Witness 
Hello yb! Yes, it is pretty plum. Not all that time will be in the cubicle. Once the studio is set-up I can have some fun.
Glad to finally get some details about your new work (stingy bugger). Sounds like it’s right up your alley. Best of luck.
Norm´s last blog ..Extreme -
Norm: Stingy Bugger sounds like something my mother would say.
Congrats on the new job – I’m trying to find something new myself since I have little interest rejoining the banking rat race I left 2 years ago
Quickroute´s last blog ..Macau, China
QR: Would you be interested in life as an ESL teacher?
Sounds like really good things coming your way, Stevo! Good for you. I know you’ll miss teaching but in a way, each of us is a teacher, always.
Corina´s last blog ..A Link To Follow
Yes, Corina, all of us are teachers, in one way or another.
Must be a generational thing – you’re far too young to understand. Or, are you just calling me old? I’ll have to start calling you ‘Sonny’, you whippersnapper.
Norm´s last blog ..Random Shots
As long as you use the words Shenanigans and Hijinks when you’re calling me Sonny.
Congratulations. Good things are coming your way. And we hope to read more & more about it. But at the same time it’ll be great to hera about those ‘obedient’ kids at school.
Cuckoo´s last blog ..Great Wall of Mumbai
Hello Cuckoo: I’ll do my best to tell stories about everything: The past and present.
I’d give a lot for an office job right now, but by morning I’ll be over it.
New is always a little lonely. You’ll make it your own in no time.
Shawn´s last blog ..The Wedding Dress
I’m sure I will. At least it’s not customer service. I feel for you.
Okay, I think I’m completely over my ageism thingamahootey now.
Aging is mandatory; maturity is optional (and sometimes elusive).
It’s just a number; it’s only a number; it’s really a state of mind……
Norm´s last blog ..Random Shots
So true. My wife often say, “You’re like a little kid.” I take this as a compliment.
YAY YOU!! i am so happy for you! well, except for being apart from Mrs. Stevo for a few days a week, that needs to be solved.
the office? sigh. they are the same the world over, no?
jessiev´s last blog ..Hidden Treasures: The Bridges of Asia
Congratulations, Stevo!
Imagine… being paid to blog. Who would have thunk it?
(Pardon the bombardment of comments from my camp. I’m getting caught up after a being away a few weeks.)
Robin´s last blog ..Waiting for the pig to fly
The image drew me back and I realized I forgot to comment on it. It’s poignant and well paired with the quote.
Robin´s last blog ..Waiting for the pig to fly
This is coming to you late I know… but … Congratulations Stevo!
Thanks, Truddle.