I've now realised work can be fun, even if you're not getting paid for it.
I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying working at this organisation.
But let me clarify: I am not doing anything like partying, chatting all the time, drinking, or going to karaoke. At least not anymore (those were more for the weeks preceding and following Tet), that is not why I am enjoying work now.
I think one of the main reasons I am enjoying it is because I feel valued. The directors of the organisation as well as my co-workers feel that they can benefit from something I can offer (whatever the hell that may be), and I feel like I have a lot to learn from them. I think this mutually-benefiting situation motivates me, and helps me enjoy whatever work I do.
Next week they will be sending me on an all-expenses trip to the south of Vietnam in the surrounding areas of Nha Trang. For seven days I will be busily visiting communities, a national park, participating in workshops as well as relaxing on some of the best beaches of Southeast Asia. That could also be why I enjoy this job. But really, they are investing in me because they believe I can offer them something in return (in the form of a long and thorough report). This in turn motivates me to try my best to prove that I am a valuable investment.
They are learning a lot from me, too. After spending about 10 minutes trying to find a lemon tea in the cupboard but only finding lime tea, I taught them about the difference between lemon and limes. It turns out there is no distinction between these two fruits in Vietnamese.
In the spirit of learning, I have been reading a lot about Non-Violent Communication. I'm interested in learning more about this type of communication. I think that when I communicate, I often express the root of my feelings, but still phrase it in a way where I am blaming the other person for making me feel that way. And because of this, the person I am communicating with forms a defensive block where we can't come to a solution.
So cheers to feeling good about life and wanting happiness for all!
I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying working at this organisation.
But let me clarify: I am not doing anything like partying, chatting all the time, drinking, or going to karaoke. At least not anymore (those were more for the weeks preceding and following Tet), that is not why I am enjoying work now.
I think one of the main reasons I am enjoying it is because I feel valued. The directors of the organisation as well as my co-workers feel that they can benefit from something I can offer (whatever the hell that may be), and I feel like I have a lot to learn from them. I think this mutually-benefiting situation motivates me, and helps me enjoy whatever work I do.
Next week they will be sending me on an all-expenses trip to the south of Vietnam in the surrounding areas of Nha Trang. For seven days I will be busily visiting communities, a national park, participating in workshops as well as relaxing on some of the best beaches of Southeast Asia. That could also be why I enjoy this job. But really, they are investing in me because they believe I can offer them something in return (in the form of a long and thorough report). This in turn motivates me to try my best to prove that I am a valuable investment.
They are learning a lot from me, too. After spending about 10 minutes trying to find a lemon tea in the cupboard but only finding lime tea, I taught them about the difference between lemon and limes. It turns out there is no distinction between these two fruits in Vietnamese.
In the spirit of learning, I have been reading a lot about Non-Violent Communication. I'm interested in learning more about this type of communication. I think that when I communicate, I often express the root of my feelings, but still phrase it in a way where I am blaming the other person for making me feel that way. And because of this, the person I am communicating with forms a defensive block where we can't come to a solution.
So cheers to feeling good about life and wanting happiness for all!
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2 comments:
OMG, totally keep reading about non-violent communication.
Job nirvana... I want that!
Post some of your thoughts about non-violent communication & some of the books you're reading. I"m interested!
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