Observations

Hello blogland, nice to see you again. I've had a lot of things on my mind since I was here last, my observations with my interactions with my coworkers have gotten me to thinking about the human condition, the way people deal with daily life, and how it makes them interact. It's fun to just sit back and watch, and I talk with them, in my rounds sweeping and buffing the floor, it's neat to see the different personalities and how they see their job, their lives, and how they interact with the people around them, although it's not always pleasant

Many of my coworkers have been working there for many years, and have developed a severe dislike for their jobs, but still they have built lasting friendships with the other people that they work with, sometimes even with people that no longer work there, but that they still see when they come in to shop. Some have only been there only a few months, and find that they just don't get along with some people, or that don't even make the attempt, a concept somewhat alien to me, as I am one to try to get along with everybody. Being friends with my coworkers is important to me, it makes it a better place to work, makes the time pass more quickly, and makes the job seem fun in a lot of ways.

I've made the acquaintance of people that come from many walks of life, of different levels of knowledge on a wide range of topics, people with many varied interests and hobbies. They are also a diverse group, some young, some older, and I've found it interesting to see how each treats people, whether they are friendly, or just sociable, in other words, they only interact on a social level, saying hi, how are you, stuff like that. Others are more apt to want to talk to people about their problems, their personal lives, and things that are bothering them or what they are happy about.

Those that I've made friends with have become an integral part of my day, I go out of my way to talk to them as I make my rounds, to find out how their day is going, and I notice often that they talk about other people, and how they feel about them, or how they feel about how someone has treated them, and unfortunately it's not always nice. They talk about their personal relationships outside of work, with friends on the outside, or their partner, someone who SHOULD be the one they can turn to, but sadly in most cases I've found that the things I hear aren't good. People just aren't there for each other, they don't show that they care like they should. This is a trend I see a lot, always the lack of caring, and people only seem to be there for each other when it's convenient for their own purposes.

I've actually seen people only talk to others when they need something, like help putting up freight, or moving a heavy display, and then they go on about their lives like that person doesn't exist. All night long, I go around the store, and I hear people talking about how things suck, and it's largely due to the fact that they don't feel like anyone cares about them.

There's this couple I work with, both of them stockers, and they seem pretty close, I'm not sure if they are actually married or not, but I'm pretty sure they've been together for a while. The woman is down on the man a lot, she seems to be a bit controlling, nothing like the woman that I left a few short months ago , but there are similarities. They don't communicate very well, and now I know they are at work, like the rest of us, but if you are in a relationship like that, it is imperative that you communicate well or it just won't work. I can attest to that in my own relationship, it didn't work because we couldn't communicate. For all I know however, they could just be at a different stage in their relationship, and haven't created a lifelong bond, the one that makes you feel like there is someone that really "gets" you, and you can't spend a minute without them being there that doesn't make you miss them terribly. If it were me, and someone I was in a relationship with worked with me, I would be ecstatic to be able to work with them as well as be with them at home.

But then it goes back to what I observed earlier, people aren't there for each other. People that are just acquanitances, or those with close friendships or in romantic relationships just don't realize how special those people are. I really enjoy having the friends I have at work, and I go out of my way to make sure that they know that if no one else cares, I do. I come by, sometimes making a special trip, to say hello, how are you doing today, and really listen and let them know that I'm interested in what they have to say. You'd be surprised at some of the responses I get from them when they realize that someone is genuinely concerned about their well being.

I'm fortunate in that I have a close friend, now I don't work with them, but I find that having them to be there for me makes it easier to go to work and know that someone is thinking of me, and cares. So many times though I see and hear about those that do not have someone, or wish that someone they care about would be there for them, just show that they care, and not just concern themselves with their own lives, their own job. It doesn't take much either, just a friendly hello, and a smile. People get so caught up with what task they have at hand, or problems with their own situation, that they forget that there are people who want and need their attention. It makes me furious to know that there are people who just don't care about the feelings of others enough to just take a minute of their time and say something, it doesn't take long, just a smile and a hello can sometimes make someone's day.

So that's what I do. I talk, I listen, and I'm available. It's easy, and very fulfilling, and makes my job a great place to work. And maybe if i do it enough, it'll rub off on others.

This is just one of my observations so far. I'm going to work every night watching, listening, hearing, and it really is a learning experience to find out how people see their world, and the others in it, and see how they interact.