Life in a Box

Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed that my blog has gotten a lot of hits.  I hope that means that a lot of different people a checking it and it’s not just 6 checking it out 5 times every day.  Either way, thanks.  Also, I’ve enjoyed the comments from everyone.  It’s nice to hear from you.

I think most of you know that my first 2 years in this company would be an extended training period.  I would spend 8 months on a jobsite with the superintendent.  Then 8 months with a Project Manager (in commercial construction, they are responsible for maintaining the budget.  They also write the contracts and process change orders).  Finally I would spend 8 more months with the estimating department.

As I’ve mentioned, I spent my first eight months on a $60 million apartment complex.  I had two really big buildings I could walk through when I got tired of the office.  There were tons of people walking around, coming in and out of the office, and asking me for help.

As of 2 weeks ago, I was caged.  I was moved to my next 8 month rotation 1 month early.  As my parents will tell you, I was not happy about being locked in an office all day.  Now I have to wear a shirt and tie.  I can’t go outside whenever I want.  For the first 3 days I sat in a cubicle without a whole lot to do.  My new supervisor was busy with another project and couldn’t get away to show me what I was supposed to be doing.

First I flipped through the plans then I got bored of it.  After that I checked my email.  When I had checked it for the sixth time in one hour, I finally gave up on anything new or interesting.  And I could only surf the net for so long.  Then after that, I flipped through the drawings for the twelfth time that day.  Slowly, I began to lose consciousness and nod off.  So I would check my email, surf the net, flip through the drawings….  FOR THREE DAYS!!!!

Some time in there I started writing notes about all kinds of things I could say in a blog entry about cubicles.  In those three days Dilbert started to make a lot more sense.

My entry would have ended right here if I had made time to write it last week; however, some things have happened to make me not mind it so much.

After those 3 days, my new supervisor started me out working on a new project with him.  I am actually doing real work.  I’m talking with subs, negotiating prices, submitting questions to the architect, etc.  This might not seem like a big deal, but it really is.

For the last 4 months of my first rotation, I was stuck in the office doing secretary work.  I was supposed to be out of the office and working with the workers.  But because of the size of the staff, someone had to handle all of the paperwork.  That someone ended up being me.  So for those 4 months, I was doing a lot of stuff that they could have paid a high school girl $10/hr to do.

For the first time since I’ve been here, I'm finally enjoying going to work.  I’m still not excited about the cubicle, but I don’t mind it so much.   It’s not so bad now that I’ve got something else to focus on other than how to keep busy until the end of the day.

Comments

[Ken Bratt]

Hi Mark,
I try and check you blog every so often to see how the country boy is doing in the big city. What is the ward like out there? Got a calling? Things are good here, Emily and Ethan and families were home for Christmas and it was just wonderful. Unfortunately i had a heart attack just before Thanksgiving but that allowed me to spend all the holidays at home with the family so it wasn't so bad, and I am doing fine now. Write when you get a chance and hope all is well with you and your family.
Kenm Bratt

[Heather]

Hey Honey!

I know what you mean about keeping busy. When I worked for State Farm, I HATED days when noone came in or called. I felt like I was at work for 20 hours. But when we were busy the day would just fly and I'd like work much more.
You sound like a busy boy. How is business down there for homes? My brother and his wife are moving to Baker in a few months, and until he gets the rest of his drafting license (he has tons of experience, but no "degree" so to speak) he is working as a framer.
Just wondering.
You sound good thought. I'm glad. We check your blog all the time - I'll try and do better about commenting.
Be safe!
WE LOVE YOU!