Jennysha's job log: 9
Jennysha Patel
- May 2009.
The story so far… Jennysha graduated two years ago, and is looking for ways into publishing. Meanwhile she combines work in a bookshop and a library.
Nothing not happening
I really shouldn’t have made a point about not having anything to write about. Sure enough, since the minute I said that, I have been inundated with infinite things to do and stress-inducing looming deadlines. I guess I just have to get used to my life being this busy. Lord knows that I wouldn’t be enjoying myself if I was stagnant at home, doing nothing. It’s great doing nothing, I won’t disagree with that. But for me, it’s more of a bad thing, especially if it’s for longer than a couple of days. Being on the move, with work, friends, bridesmaid duties (getting stressed now), writing (which involves working on some lyrical poetry/spoken word style prose as well as this blog), volunteering and relaxing, keeps me mentally agile as well as physically active. I almost feel like I need to compensate by upgrading to a Blackberry so I can act and look all important and so busy I need everything right here right now at my fingertips, so to speak.
I’m permanent!
Since writing my last blog it’s all change jobwise - with new permanent hours at the library! So, yes, you guessed correctly, I was successful in my interview at the library and am now permanent. WOOHOO! I hope that visualised a little how excited and happy and glad I am. It didn’t turn out too badly for everyone else either. We all got permanent hours, but some at other library sites in the city. Thankfully, I will be staying at the same library and will get to continue working with the wonderful bunch of people that are my colleagues. It feels as though things are working out alright.
Whilst finding some peace at my gran’s this week, she asked if I was happy (with relation to my work situation). I said ‘yes, pretty much.’ That is the truth, really. I am loving it at the library, despite a drop in hours since starting my permanent contract. The bookshop is going ok too. I go in, do what I need to and walk straight out. I don’t quite think I am 100% happy with my life just yet, but I am very hopeful. I feel as though I have some sort of control or at least have come to the realisation that I am the only one who is in control of my life and ultimately, my happiness. I have ambitions and plans and dreams and I am working towards them but also feel that I am revelling in the here and now.
Point of departure
I agree with the whole philosophy of the journey being just as important if not more important than the destination itself. Finding yourself, knowing what turns you on and what to avoid like the plague, doing things that make you laugh and smile and ultimately happy and creating a daily life that leaves you with little regret and makes you think every now and then ‘wow, I really am living’ that very little thinking actually goes on. I know people who always seem to be working towards something, putting things off until a few weeks, months, even years down the line. Spontaneity is crucial in life; the worst thing would be to regret the things that you didn’t give yourself the chance to do because you were so focused on working towards something in the distance. I guess this is something that I am having to think very long and hard about.
Talking about dreams…it reminds me of a conversation I had with some fellow Booksellers at work the other day. We were talking about the ridiculously awesome Euromillions jackpot of £110millions and what we’d do if we won. Everyone was talking about buying the company (the bookshop chain) and changing it for the better. I thought to myself I would probably quit my job there but stay at the library for the love of it, because that’s what it is. I actually love it. I feel more than comfortable. I kind of feel at home. I know I have a long way to go with my duties there and learning lots about the procedures and what goes on behind-the-scenes to make the library work but I feel so good when I go to work. It doesn’t bother me to do awkward, late or middle-of-the-day shifts, because knowing I will be seeing people who I get on with and work well with makes the job less like a job each day. I almost feel guilty for getting paid, that’s how natural and normal and nice it feels. I think most of all I would want to invest time in learning; doing another degree or various courses. I would most certainly travel and live abroad and maybe buy several properties in places I’ve always wanted to live and spend my life in. it’s highly unlikely that I will ever win the lottery, but it’s great to dream. Even better when you strive to make your dreams come true.
Read my previous job logs
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