This is something I wrote when I was really mad at my boss. He retired because someone told him to do the same things he told me! Couldn't take it huh?
I’ve told him time and time again when frustrated he becomes. My friend,
Be happy where you are, after all the economy isn’t good, so we can learn
to hold our tongues, do our work, knowing we’ve done what we could.
What a fool I am to say such things! Listening to the “Man” rant and rave
as only he could do. Why didn’t you tell me one of our men wasn’t in the right place!
When you know something is going on, you say it to my face!”
I didn’t know what he meant, but thought for a while. He was blaming
me for something that wasn’t even my fault! Well that’s par for the
course, I should have known, it’s his way after all. A deed I am accused of
I have to take the fall.
And when I’m hurt or angry or sad, “I don’t care what you feel. Greet people
with a smile. When people come in this office, you are the
first one they see, so hide your feelings for a while. No matter what is wrong, no
one cares anyway, so always put a happy face on.
Let’s see, don’t show emotion, take blame for what is not yours.
Must I be so fake? So dollars I can make?
I remember what I told my friend and tried to grit my teeth. But the enamel is wearing thin, from this false face
that I wear.
Just remember, you have a job, be happy where you are.
But is it right to be miserable for money in the bank? Some would say,
yes it is, be thankful you have food to eat.
So I try and try, along with my friend to be happy where we are, but when
I can work no more for all the stress I take, when life passes me by, and my
whole life revolves around a job I hate, do I still have to put on a happy face?
Mary Lacey
2010
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Reviews of "Put on a Happy Face"
Reviewed by D. Vegas (Reader)
Reviewed on November 24, 2015
Been there...when I retired years ago I never, ever
looked back!
Your complaints resonate with so many. Organizations tend to come down from family structure and tribes. Benevolent leadership is hard to find. Very few people can be true leaders and steer a ship well with kindness and caring. Often people get in higher places through seniority or power struggles and don't make the best bosses. During my working days, I saw so many come and go.
The advantage of the person out front with the "happy" face is that you rarely become the target of the eventual wrath of some, higher up. I have observed some women who took a lot of abuse while smiling, suddenly being given a very well-paid and important position, not because they had any special skill or talent in that particular position, but because they were willing to work through the worst of times with a smile and caring attitude.
Almost everyone in the working world breathes a sigh of great relief upon retirement and getting out and under from all that stress. I'm so glad you can vent your frustration here and now. (2010?)
looked back!
Always,
Deborah
The advantage of the person out front with the "happy" face is that you rarely become the target of the eventual wrath of some, higher up. I have observed some women who took a lot of abuse while smiling, suddenly being given a very well-paid and important position, not because they had any special skill or talent in that particular position, but because they were willing to work through the worst of times with a smile and caring attitude.
Almost everyone in the working world breathes a sigh of great relief upon retirement and getting out and under from all that stress. I'm so glad you can vent your frustration here and now. (2010?)
Ron