You’ve met these schnickelfritzes, haven’t you? The crazy multi-tasking corporate dudes on the train who are working on their laptops, talking on their cell phones, reading the Wall Street Journal, drinking a grande Starbucks and chasing it with a Red Bull, all while their Blackberries are buzzing in their pockets and the nannies are beeping in on the call waiting to remind these guys what their kids’ voices sound like?
I sat by one of these men on the train the other day. He was visibly shaking — possibly from over-caffeination, or perhaps from the stress of trying to balance all these technological devices on his lap while not spilling his coffee. He sneezed at one point, and when I said bless you he looked at me like how dare you disturb me with your platitude? Don’t you know how important I am?
I laughed. Not because it was funny — because I actually felt a little sorry for the guy — but because that’s totally the path I was headed for. Somehow, I detoured and derailed myself from that existence. For that, I’m grateful. Sitting next to Mr. Schnickelfritz was a happy reminder that sometimes I don’t realize how lucky I am to have freed myself from Corporate Hell.
Don’t get me wrong; I have my own workaholism as a freelancer, which is totally sick and twisted in its own way. I’m addicted to my iphone. I spend way too much time online. I care about my clients more than I should. But I can also kick back with some tunes and a book for a thirty minute train ride and not worry that the world I’ve built for myself is going to come crashing down around me. However, I would never have gotten to that point had it not been for spending several years observing oh-too-many folks like this, all of whom inspired me not to want to be like them.
So thank you, Mr. Schnickelfritz, for the lesson.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh Amy,
You just made me laugh. But it was a laugh at my old self in a not so very funny way. I think I am an ex-schnickelfritz. One of the moments that the lightbulb started to go on for me was at my annual physical at the height of my Real Estate Frenzy.I was IN the doctor’s office and my cell phone, which I was addicted to like heroin, was ringing incessently. We were in the middle of negotiating two contracts and I made my partner, who, luckily was my daughter, come INTO the appointment with me so I wouldn’t miss anything. The look on my doctor’s face was priceless. Can you say LOST IT, NUTS, OUT OF CONTROL????!!!!!
Luckily for me, I have a VERY good doctor. That was the beginning of some serious life-altering changes.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Saving Summer
Wendi - I am still a schnickelfritz when it comes to my iphone for checking email. At the dentist’s office yesterday, I was checking my email. But it was to keep up with blog comments for fun stuff, rather than for work. Work I’ve learned to ignore while I’m getting the drill. Progress, I suppose. You sure have had a lot of jobs!
I often have the same moments (well, not exactly the same but ones that make me so thankful I freelance now). It’s so unfortunate that so many are either unable (for whatever reason) or unwilling to leave that kind of situation when they’re clearly not happy.
steph’s last blog post..To English Degree Students Everywhere (and to those who make fun of them)
Steph - I agree. I can understand how some folks feel trapped and/or addicted to that constant stress. I honestly went through panic-withdrawal when I stopped working at the law firm. I can only imagine how the lawyers themselves feel! A few have now retired, and they tell me they went through stress withdrawal too.
Man, I used to be like this. Except I wasn’t corporate but working in the field of natural resources. It doesn’t matter, it all translates. I was always trying to get ahead. Get ahead to what?
I just don’t care to be so stressed anymore. But that means I have to cut some stuff out. Either that, or take longer to reach my goals. Like making more money. hehe. Seriously, I don’t need a lot of money, just enough to keep our heads above water.
But now, I can kick back and read some good fiction! Yes, a story and a memoir that are awaiting. I have been waiting all day for this. I would much rather read this stuff (published or not!) than the f***ing wall ball journal.
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..Archetypes and Symbols are for Everyone
Ellen - I just emailed you about your story!
I understand about the money thing. I have never cared much about money — just need enough to get by. And now that I have more than that, I am trying to cut back on the working too. I don’t care to be so stressed anymore either. Have a good weekend.
Amy, I think whoseitface is a cousin of schnicklefritze. I can relate to being and the derailing as well.
I’m so glad that I got off that merry go round years ago.
I hope that you are haveing a great day today. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Big Time Hugs and God’s blessings comming to your place from my place!
Mike Golch’s last blog post..The refurbished me.
Mike - I was just thinking of you earlier today. When is your surgery? Or did you have it already?
PS, I like the refurbished you.
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