Mysore - October 2007!!!
It’s been a while since my last entry. I’m not sure if I still know how to blog. I thought I would never blog again but I’ve realized that it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends without having to constantly write the same thing. It’s like a mass email.
A lot of things have been happening since I got back from Mysore. I just haven’t had much time to write. I think I’ve been sucked in this LA/corporate black hole or whatever you might want to call it. I’m presently an employee again…yeah, I’ve really been sucked in. I’m no longer an independent contractor, which means I can no longer pick up and go whenever I want…what a scary thought. Believe it or not, I’m at peace and happy with the situation…OMG, have I been drugged???
Life has a way of throwing some unexpected twists and turns. When I left Mysore, I didn’t have a clue on what my job situation would be. I knew I had work until October 15 but beyond that I thought I would be on my knees begging for work. There’s not a whole lot of work for us from October 16 to January 31…maybe in December for a couple of weeks but that’s about it.
So a few months ago, I approached my boss and said, “I’m assuming that you’re not going to need me after October 15. I just wanted to confirm this with you because I need to line something up after.”
My boss responded, “No your one of us now. Remember we talked last April about converting you to an employee and keeping you for tax season until October 15.”
I said, “Yeah, I remember but I didn’t think you were serious. We also have a few issues to discuss before we can make that happen. First of all, I can’t do more than 55 hours a week during tax season. And second, I don’t get in work until 10AM. I know that the firm requires all employees to be in by 9AM. That’s too early for me. I don’t finish my yoga practice until 8AM, then I need to go home to have breakfast and shower. My drive is almost an hour. I’ve been rolling in around 10:30AM the past weeks so coming in at 10AM is already a compromise.”
My boss said, “The 55 hours a week is fine but the 9AM start time is difficult because it’s unfair to the other employees.”
I said, “I agreed. It wouldn’t be fair if you allow me to come in an hour later if the rest of the firm is coming in at 9AM. What if I work 7 hours a day/35 hours a week instead? That can justify me coming in at 10AM. I’m working an hour less than a full time employee.”
My boss said, “That might work. I’ll get back to you. I need to talk to the run it through the managing partner and the HR head.”
A few weeks later, we sat down again and discussed my situation. We agreed that I’m on a 35 hour week which mean I can come in at 10AM and that I’ll be an employee from October 1, 2006 to October 15, 2007. After that I go on leave from October 16, 2007 until January 31, 2008. I return to the firm on February 1, 2008 and will work until October 15 every year after until either one of us decides to terminate the arrangement. We also agreed on the 55 hour week during tax season but I’m already getting hints that they will push for more once tax seasons rolls in. This means I won’t make it back to Mysore until October 2007. It will be more than a year until I make it back…bummer. It also means I can only stay for 3 months in Mysore at a time. I accepted the position because I was too lazy to go on interviews and I don’t feel like learning new office procedures and software. I’m also broke and I need to build up my savings again. There are a lot of upsides and downsides to this arrangement but as a whole I think there are more upsides.
Oh before I forget, it’s was in November 2003…3 years ago when I embarked on this journey. A lot has happened since then. I’m happy about the choices I’ve made and learned a lot about myself. I’m a better and happier person for taking this road. My trips to Mysore have changed my life in many different levels. I don't think I can put into words. I look forward to more trips and more experiences. In the meantime I’m stuck in LA for about 11 more months. I’m cool with that. I’m using that time to learn how find a balance between working and maintaining a daily practice. It's a lot more difficult than it sounds...for me anyway.