Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-02
Self Pity.
Pictorial Review for March has the
following concerning the woman who
works and her new freedom:

Pictorial Review for March has the
following concerning the woman who
works and her new freedom:
Women are contented In a gainful oc
cupation only when, like the men around
them, they express themselves in their
task and work with enthusiasm. There
is no joy in working with one eye on the
clock, and a brain teeming with plans for
the evening. The average man enjoys his
work and plays after working hours are
done. That is why he lasts longer and
gets more satisfaction out of his work
than the average woman.
Here is an illustration.
A young woman secured unexpected adj
vancement through chain of unusual
circumstances. She would never have
been picked for the position, because she
had never made her personality felt.
Her family circumstances were such
that the handsome increase in salary
was timely and welcome. Her co-work-
ers congratulated her heartily and did all
in their power to help her. She turned
out more than the required amount of
work. She brought her department up
to a new and highly creditable standard.
But she took 1t all too seriously. She
faced the days work With a long face
and she sighed when those around her
tried to cheer her with commendation.
isn't it dreadful to be woman and
have to work for your living?' she said
one day to a girl who was working much
harder for less money. might after
night / go home. fit for nothing but to
chine-breakfast, run for the car, eight
hours here, hang on strap dinner, bed.
And there are girls in this, world who
dance and go to concerts and matinees.'
Then she sighed again and attacked
basket heaped with letters.
1t just happened that man high In
authority overheard the speech. He con-
ferred with the office manager, and the
latter official sent for the young woman.
eve been wondering, Miss Blank" e
said quietly. whether you are really
happy in your new position. Perhaps it
is not congenial | have noticed that you
look disheartened, worn out. Is there
anything wrong? Would you rather go
The girls heart almost stopped beating.
Go back to her old work, the old salary.
What did it mean? Surely the compli-
ments paid her work had been sincere.
"Why-why-" she stammered Il love
my work.
The experienced employer was watch
ing her keenly.
"And / am proud as Punch of the way
things are going I feel tired at times
but I'll soon adjust myself to the new
responsibility. And if you are satisfied
with my work"
The man turned away so that she
might not see him smile.
ooh, we are satisfied. We thought you
were not-and we want no one to remain
with US who is not satisfied and happy
in her work."
And then this girl suddenly realized
that the successful management of her
department was the biggest thing in her
life, that she loved her work and that she
would not exchange her opportunity for
the idle pleasures Of her girl friends who
enjoyed leisure on limited means.
This young woman had narrow es-
cape If she had not found JOY in her
work she must inevitably have lost
golden opportunity, profitable position.
For we women have passed the stage in
our economic evolution when we were
pitied because we were unhappy in gain
full occupation. We are workers by
choice Therefore pity has turned to
scorn. The girl who whines at her work
is no longer tolerated. She is dismissed.
So many of us. when confronted with
responsibility, take ourselves too SER
iously." When we begin to realize how
much more we are doing for the busi-
ness we are in, for the community or
for humanity than are those about us,
we sometimes awaken our own pity for
ourselves. for the number of unappre-
ciated emanations given off. Self pity
robs many competent person OF the
satisfaction and enjoyment of splendid
and conSenial employment.
Not every girl, or man, is fortunate
enough to be jolted into realization of
the folly. The above described case Is
only one out of many all about us, and
not few defeat their chances of sue
cess because they cannot see what in
stantly dawned on Miss Blank.
We have seen really brilliant young
men and women enter an occupation
long sought by them as their ideal,
only to fail because their common
sense was not equal to the disillusion-
ment.
The job had it's disagreeable and dis
heartening phases, not apparent on the
surface. 1t was not all money and
honey. 1t was work in the exercise of
brain or Drawn or both.
Sometimes the thrills of illusion give
place to resentment and bitterness.
The unfortunate feels that he, or she.
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