Getting out of a rut

Part of why I haven't posted this week is that I felt like I've been in a rut all week. Somebody told me once that a rut is just a coffin with the ends knocked out, and that's how I've felt, at least until today.

Most of it's because it's been a bad week at work. Yes, I know work isn't supposed to be fun so I'm not going to whine about how rough I have it, because honestly I have it pretty good - I'm not over-worked and really, I'm probably overpaid (so sleep better tonight knowing that some of your tax dollars are going into my pocket). But this week it really sunk in that the majority of my job now consists of paperwork - not really doing anything, but reading document after document and responding to a never ending stream of reporting requirements and data calls that other parts of the government require but that I know nobody will ever probably read. So my career has turned into checking the right boxes and answering the right questions. I spend more time figuring out how to write up what we're supposedly doing than actually doing anything. I think I might be facing the ugly truth that I'm turning into a bureaucrat. I've been pushing for a promotion here at work, but now I'm not sure if I want it - sure, it would be more money, but it would also mean more of this crap - instead of doing anything I'd be making sure other people were doing things. I can't believe that I thought I wanted to move up into management...

So that's why the Nebbitt has been in a funk all week - but I'm not giving in without a fight! Since I've given so much of my time to the job this week, I'm taking a little for myself and blogging on the clock! And I'm going to take an extra long lunch and get in an extra-long workout today! And I might even go for a walk, just for spite! I think everyone should join me in protest and slack off at work today!!!