Day at the Office

Went into the office today. Contrary to St. Frances' notions, there are at least two days a week when I put pants on before noon.

I actually subcontract for the marketing & PR agency I used to work for, Mecklenner Epstein. I've been working out of their downtown SF office for about four months now and every single day I go in, I'm reminded both of why I quit and what I miss about it.

I miss the camaraderie, the common sense of purpose. I miss my days being structured for me. The free snacks. People to go to lunch with. People to chat with when my mind hits a block. Cute interns. The feeling of being part of something important.

But I don't know if I could ever go back. I'm horrible at following orders. That's not what we call assignments in corporate speak, but that's what they are. I'm horrible at smiling and being pleasant when you're being unbelievably stupid. I hate my days being structured for me. I hate the unhealthy snacks, the 25-cent Snickers bars when you skipped lunch for a client meeting and really, really need energy at 2:30 p.m.

I like spending Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Meck, I like seing familiar faces, getting lunch downtown, and making my calls from a real office. I even like wearing work clothes instead of sweats all day. But I have to do it on my terms.