Dang. Seeing/hearing/reading about T going through some shit like this makes The Chad mad.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? By that I mean, are you just gearing up for a big project or deadline, and that's why you're so snowed under? If that's the case, just try to take things a piece at a time, break up your day when possible and think, "OK, we're a little bit closer to the end now." I'm going through this now - on top of my mom's divorce/moving/starting a new job/selling the house I grew up in - but I keep going because the end is only a week away now. Of course, a bigger hurdle awaits right after that, but for now I'm just trying to get to the next plateau.

If it's just a general piling on with no end in sight, then that's more complex. You might need to go to a supervisor and tell them you're feeling overwhelmed and need some sort of relief either in terms of some more help, lessened duties, a vacation... this is provided you think said person will empathize. If that don't happen, then you should really look for a new job.

As a side dish to either, I recommend a healthy dose of rock shows and booze to keep you socially lubricated. All work and no play...

Reading about trevails like this makes me value my job all the more. Yesterday I got the editor to let us get the word "dick" in the paper (on the shirt of a gay man; it said "I (heart) DICK") and today I told my boss he was ugly - he told me to grow some hair and then I could talk.

smafty's right, Tania, you always are the first to lift people up, welcome them in, and provide an ear to vent in. And as you can see, all obnish are lining up to do the same for you. But pick me! Send me your address, I have something for you. I'll try to get Amon to put his lip prints on it.

Gosh, you guys... *gettin' teary eyed*

There IS a light at the end of the tunnel -- it's what has been my inspiration to keep going. Unfortunately, the view became cloudy and obstructed. Perhaps if I gave you an overview of what's going with my job, you might understand.

1) My boss is currently on maternity leave and will not return until late March (part of the end of the tunnel).

2) I was training one person who is quite sharp and learns things quickly. But, then, I was asked if I would train one of the sales staff who has been failing miserably at her job -- "Tania, maybe you can give her some insight of what's involved in the Business Development process." No worries, I can handle it (so I thought) -- problem is she's completely dense and has made training a horrible chore. We've committed to keeping her for a month (January 31st better get here quick!) and have to deal with her stupid questions until then.

3) I'm involved with the development and re-design of our website (a task given to a web designing company). It was supposed to have launched on 1st January, but we made the mistake of allowing one of the special projects people take a look at it and wants to change the entire look and site (after it was 90% done). So, that whole process has been stalled until I have a chance to review all the frickin' changes he wants to make. While I would LOVE to dismiss his ideas, I can't -- he's the owner's son-in-law. Frickin' nepotism.

4) I have eight new clients with about 300 employees combined that started on January 1st. All have different needs, issues, requests, etc -- one client has had a misfortunate series of events happen to them, but since I'm the person in charge of that client, the entire blame is placed on me. Another client thinks I'm a complete idiot and unprofessional, has threatened twice to canel their contract and won't talk to me, but will call my other boss and complain to her. They've become the client from hell, I hate them. Did I mention that I have to enroll all those employees in payroll and benefits? Oh, and I also have to train them on HR procedures and on our payroll system.

5) I have two other new clients coming onboard soon -- total of 150 more employees.

6) All this stress has completely blown my diet -- Weight Watchers is looking for me cuz I stopped going to their meetings.

7) We switched over to a new HR system at the beginning of the year. I've had nothing but problem after problem arise in setting up all my new clients. Other people not doing their jobs who end up stalling my process, thus, delaying everything.

Lights at end of tunnel -- boss returns in two months; new clients have a lifetime of 30 days with me and are then transitioned to their proper service teams; my first trainee is a godsend; planning a holiday at the end of March/early April; tomorrow is another day; I've been flirting with a boy; the fact that you kids tolerate my rants. If you've bothered to read this far, welcome to my world...wanna go for a few drinks?

Oh, Jonathan...you didn't get what I think you did. Gosh, I hope you don't think I was begging for a copy.

Btw, Amon's lip prints are enough to give me an obner!

i can sing "Bare Necessities" if it'll help, Tania.

I've been dealing with some pretty intense personal issues with friends over the past 2 years - specifically involving 2 friends in particular that are not getting their shit together. I've had several sleepless nights dwelling on it. I've always considered myself to be a loyal person, but my limits are being tested to the max. I want to help people to the extent that I can. But I also want to be able to concentrate on my own life as well. It's been difficult to do that lately.

Tania, we loooove you! And we need you to be happy. So, I'm going to go put on that banana suit I bought myself for Christmas and show up at your door with a banana-nananan-a-gram. A dancing banana-nananan-a-gram.



Take care of yourself, girl.

Oooh, ND, been there, done that. Best friends I've had since 7th grade. We grew apart. I have different interests. They don't understand why I don't wish to spend as much time with them as I used to. Don't love 'em less, just don't wish to hang out with them more. Hope things work out for you, Nude Guy.

damn, you're making some serious sacrifices for this company...I hope they appreciate it and are gonna take care of you for doing so much for them...otherwise, updating your resume should be part of the light at the end of this tunnel

good luck...I hope you enjoy the hell out your birthday, you need it

That person you have to put up with until Jan 31st? Tell her things are busy and right now her job is to sit very quietly and (unobtrusively) watch, becuase you are showing her how a professional keeps shit together and you do not have time to answer questions in addition to that. if she wants, she can bring you coffee every three hours.

Can't drink with you as the 101 is gone and I have three job interview trips to take in the next month. We can party in March!

Just start slappin' motherfuckers.

I miss your lil' ventures down here, Shel. How IS your job interviewing going? Been thinking about you and hoping you don't get sent to some godforsaken area.

I'm supposed to be revising the slides for my talk Even Now. I have three flyouts and two outright rejections from ten interviews; two of the flyouts are really good as far as I'm concerned and one is so-good-it's-an-honor-to-be-considered, really. I'm scared, but ego-stroked simultaneously. I just wanna job.

You're gonna WOW 'em, hon! I can feel it in my bones. Sending you all the positive vibes I have straight out to you. Best of luck and keep me posted.

When you don't eat enough, your body starts breaking itself down for nuitrients (this is leftover from caveman days).

The first thing to go is the nervous system, I.E. the brain.

Make of that what you will.