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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Bug Eyed Desk Jockey

I have been a language teacher for the past 12 years or so, both in the US & abroad. About a year & a half ago, I came to Shanghai, China to teach English.

I love teaching, but I figured that it was time for me to expand my horizons - diversify, so to speak. So when I got the opportunity to take a job as an editor for my school, I jumped on it. The new job came with a great salary, weekends off & opportunity for advancement. How could I pass it up?

After only four months in the office, I think my brain is starting to turn to mush. I sit for close to nine hours a day, staring at a computer screen. The only time I interact with my co-workers is when we go to lunch - everyone is busy doing their own thing. I've started drinking more coffee lately because it gives me an excuse to move around, to talk with someone - anyone.

I have to admit it - I'm not sure I'm cut out for this. I mean, it's a great job with great benefits. I work for the fastest growing English training company in China - possibly the world. We're creating really interesting stuff, & I'm learning all kinds of new skills. & I have weekends free.

But when I think of working at that desk day in & day out for the next... however long, it makes me cringe. & it makes me really miss teaching. I miss the interaction with students. I miss the energy of a classroom. I miss preparing lessons (did I just say that?!). I miss sleeping late.

What about you? Do you have a desk job? If so, why?

3 comments:

... said...

I know exactly what you mean. I've switched from teaching ESL / working in restaurants (both very interactive jobs) to being a receptionist in front of a computer 8 hours a day. I feel a bit like one of those cartoon characters that goes to generic work to do generic "stuff" even on the odd day that I do genuinely interesting work!

scott said...

Wow, Nancy, you aren't lasting long! :-) I'm at 16 years! Only 20 to go...

Nancy Lewis said...

Maybe if I gave it more time I would get used to it. It's a big change from teaching, that's for sure!