The Next Carly Rae????

One of the things I like to do when I’m bored at work is fantasize about really cool jobs I’d like to have. Because I’m a bit of a chatterbox, I have the tendency to do my daydreaming out loud (DOL). WARNING: This can get you into trouble when you’re at work!

When I went for my performance review awhile back, my manager told me that although I was doing a fine job, she was concerned about comments that I make and the impact that this could have on my co-workers. After all, “perception is reality.” She made it clear that she does not like it when I try to inject comedic moments into the dullness of the day by alluding to other jobs. For example, one day I jokingly told my co-workers that I was going to be the next Carly Rae Jepsen (of “Call Me Maybe” fame). This a) clearly will happen one day (have I mentioned I’m in my 40’s and can’t sing?)  and b) alert my co-workers to the fact that there are other jobs in world besides working at my insurance company.

My manager was rightly afraid that by me sharing my aspirations of becoming a pop star, my colleagues would quit and actually pursue their dreams (as if there would be no other possible reason to quit a company that doesn’t pay very well, doesn’t appreciate their employees and is in the insurance industry...the CANADIAN insurance industry...not even the AMERICAN insurance industry...translation: our industry is less alluring and intoxicating then that of our neighbours).

I was also asked not to mention my other dream jobs. For example, one hot summer afternoon I casually mentioned I’d love to have a job on a tropical beach...maybe selling jewellery. This was clearly an offensive remark (for obvious reasons). I was also banned from any discussions about starting a company called StarTrucks (I came up with this idea because I love Starbucks...I thought it would be cool to have a truck that drives around to businesses selling StarBucks coffee and food). This too was offensive (note: I’m pretty sure this has something to do with the fact my manager does not like Starbucks coffee and prefers Tim Hortons).

Basically, my company does not want me or others to have any other goals in life except working for my company. And, if my company does not want me to have any other dreams except for working for them for the next 23 years until I retire, well then that is exactly what I will do.

Since getting my verbal warning, I have ceased to mention all dream jobs when at work. In fact, the other day when a catchy Jennifer Lopez song came on the radio, I didn’t mention to my co-workers that I am the next JLo. I didn’t want to discourage them. They are young... in their 20’s and 30’s. I want them to be happy and not give them the impression that there are other jobs in the world. I want them to work at this insurance company for the next 30 or 40 years. If that is what my company wants for them, then that is what I want for them. And I also want them to buy my albums  J

Note: This blog post is fully supported by both Carly Rae and Jennifer Lopez.