Oh, if only it weren’t true.

My job was (grasps for diplomatic word) uninspiring enough before it was confirmed that I’m clerical support. No offence to the clerics out there, but as far as I’m concerned they can support themselves- it’s not a job I’m any good at or care enough about to become any good at. But it’s money, and my creditors are desperate enough that I need to keep on going in. For longer now, as well, because mister work smarter not harder (who visits from some other office every so often) seems to equate hours with intelligence. The extra cash in my pocket covers, and little more, the increased cost incurred by using the train, so my creditors can’t expect my payments to go up, thank you.

Of course, I’m not that inspired any more by the job I did for four years at The Gas and despair of ever getting the training needed to stay current, let alone move on to the big boys of the database field. Of course, I have to keep applying for jobs developing in Access, because that’s what I have experience in. You can imagine I feel a little trapped.

So, fuck it. It’s time for a change of direction and emphasis. From now on jobs are for my benefit, not the employers. In this case I’ll turn up, do the job to the best of my ability, go away and pocket my money every week. No pretence that I want to be supporting the clerics next week, let alone next year, because I’m on the lookout for a better job. One where I can learn to use SQL Server, Oracle, php or C++, that’s within cycling distance (10 miles) and where I can meet people I have more in common with than a shared employer.

On Tuesday I’m going for an interview to get on a part time Graphic Design course, which is part of a longer term plan to make me happier with my work. If I get on it I’ll probably find that cutting back to four days a week in the office isn’t deemed a smart enough way to work. Which’ll be their loss really.

Anyway, rant over. I just went to Bike Doc to get a new saddle for my mountain bike, because I’m too much of a wuss for the razor blade it currently has. I think I’ve found the bike I want to trade my commuter in for. My Marin Larkspur is a quality bike, but it’s a little too…. civilised, for me. I think a Muirwoods is more my style. Another reason to get a job within cycling distance.

Martha & The Muffins, Echo Beach