Doug's Views

I'm suppose to be at work at this time but I called in sick. I'm not sick.

I guess I am just bored with my job.

I did plan on going I really did, even after waking up late and knowing I would be late. But when it came time to trudge to work I just couldn't do it. Whenever I call off for a non-sick reason I have huge pangs of guilt. I was indoctrinated to want to work and knowing if I don't have a valid reason, it is a bad reason not to go into work.

Most companies I've worked for have attendance policies and they have them because if people had a choice, most would not want to be working. Even with the shot to the pocketbook, they can find other "fun" things to do with their time.

I don't feel guilty because I called off, but I do because I like and respect my co-workers and I feel I'm letting them down if I skip a day or two.

My job isn't difficult or stressful. It is challenging but because my company controls my time by minute detail, I've grown bored. Most would say, "Then quit."

I would if I could find a job similar in duties and pay but I know that is not likely.

I can tell I'm bored at work because when I am on break or lunch, the time flies by quickly. When I am working the time seems to stand still. 8 hours seems like I am stuck in my own hell.

I've tried to read or write to take my mind off the ticking clock. I've even taken to covering up the clock on my computer so I don't watch it, but none of it is helping.

I'm playing with fire and I can't help myself at the moment. I know I'm going to need a real day off due to a family emergency, health issue when the Bird flu hits, or some other reason that is more real than "I don't feel like working today." And if I'm not careful I'll have plenty of time not to work as I collect unemployment for violating the rules. And it will be nobody's fault but mine.