Yet, the opportunity exists for each employee to transform their personal experience in the work environment into one of not only achievement, but also of individual growth and development as a creative, self-expressed, unique human being. Accepting a transformation of one's point of view as a first step is a realistic possibility, an individual choice. It may be helpful to read others' personal experiences at work, perhaps about transforming their work experience into a life lived more enthusiastically, and with greater meaning or purpose. This column is intended as a service to people who wish to share their stories about their personal experience at work with others. Anyone who has a story to tell about what their personal experience at work is like is invited to do so.
Work is the place where much of our lives unfold.
If work is our world, our spirit or soul, is at its center, however the two may be split due to the pressures of work. By describing our personal, human difficulties and successes, making known our fears, loves and dreams, matters of the heart, we can help ourselves and others pay attention to the real world, the human community we are part of through our relationships with others at work. When I was 13 years old, my father, who was a building contractor, decided that I was old enough to work for him during my summer vacation. The idea was that I would help him three or four days a week doing odd jobs that the regular employees just never seemed to have time for. Being accustomed to having my time to myself during the summers, the thought of being conscripted to a daily routine of hard labor didn't exactly appeal to me.