I would imagine that the first Monday after the new year has to be one of the most hated days of the year in America. Unlike Europeans, American’s really do not get that much vacation and the only time the majority get at least a few days off is at the end of the year. I guess Americans really shouldn’t complain too much because it is worse in Japan as their only real time off is Golden Week; a time when the entire nation tries to travel and so prices are sky high and everything is sold out anyway.
But here we are, the first Monday and I have to say I really appreciate the working from home aspect of my job on this day. To have to put on a tie and go fight the massive amount of traffic when everyone is most likely to be in a sour mood isn’t very pleasant. I’ve read that this time of year is when many are prone to massive bouts of depression; and this is also before they have even received their massive holiday season credit card statement.
As I write these words I’m most inclined to decline one of the possible job opportunities I have if I have to report to an office everyday. Perhaps I should make a list of necessary items that must be satisfied if I were to take a new position. I’m in no rush to leave the job I have now. In these early morning hours after I’ve just awoke and write in this blog is when I think most clearly and perhaps if I made such a list it will help me in making the right decision.
Right after I awake is also when I have my most profound and interesting thoughts. This morning my first thoughts were about how those that know and have experienced the least are most confident that they have all the answers and are confident in their opinions about everything. It is akin to trying to teach a little boy something when their reply is “I know, I know.” Or discussing a foreign country with someone who has never been to the country in question but has watched a lot of news programs.
After all, aren’t the majority of red state Americans experts in the history and geopolitics of the Middle East thanks to Fox news? And this superior knowledge isn’t limited to terrestrial matters alone but they are also quite confident they have the final answers regarding life, the universe and everything that may lie in the afterlife. The Catholics, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses etc. all claim to have the answers and are more than willing to “enlighten” anyone who may ask.
Conversely, I’ve come to understand that those that know the most, have traveled the world, speak other languages and are great consumers of books to be the ones who ask the most questions and realize that they in fact know very little – unless they should be arrogant of course which does happen. There is a saying along the lines that those who are most wise realize they actually know very little.
Well, it is 4:51 AM and I think I’ll try to grab a few more moments of sleep before the massive amount of e-mails hits my inbox as everyone begins to catch up from the holiday.
Happy New Year – The party ended three days ago and now it is time to return to reality.
