RECESS?
For me, the first day back at work after summer recess usually made me feel like a kid going back to school. The end of recess, like the Jerry Lewis Telethon, marked the official end of summer and all the glorious fun and freedom that goes with those lazy, hazy, crazy days. Whether work or school, the first day back came with a mixed bag of emotions, such as excitement, anticipation, and dread. It also prompted the same thought of how the summer seemed to fly by so fast.
When I was a kid, going back to school meant new clothes, new shoes, and new school supplies. However, the novelty of all that new stuff would slowly, but surely, wear away and be replaced by the hard work of studying, doing homework and taking tests. As an adult staffer, I still bought the new clothes and the new shoes to wear on my first day back. I also hit the Stationery Store in the basement of the Senate Dirksen Building to load up on new supplies. Old habits die hard. However, the novelty of all that new stuff would quickly wear off every time the legislative “bells” (that eardrum-piercing buzzer) rang. A Pavlovian response only a staffer can truly appreciate.
Nevertheless, there was always one tremendous difference between the summer recesses of my youth and the Congressional recesses of my adulthood. The summers of my youth were carefree days — summers on the Hill, not so much. Even if work on the Hill slowed down a bit while Congress was out of session, it never stopped. If you’re a staffer and you’re reading this, you know that, contrary to public perception, work on the Hill never stops and a staffer’s work is never done.
The Congressional recess of the summer of 2009 certainly was no different. In fact, for many staffers (especially those working on health care reform), this recess not only flew by, it never even existed. To paraphrase Thomas Paine, it was a time that tried staffers’ souls. Being back is hard, but it is even harder if you never really left. Time flies whether your having fun or not, but it’s always better if you can have some fun.
Maybe, getting some new stuff will take the edge off, even for just a few moments. So, find out who has the stationery card and go do a little shopping. After all, you might be in for a long haul before you can take advantage of those Columbus Day sales. Meanwhile, feel free to share your personal session survival tips or ideas with your fellow staffers by posting them here.
Tricia Ferrone
Life Coach/Capital LifeWorks
www.capitallifeworks.com