Sliver you seem to be confusing 'friends and family' with 'co-workers'. Just because I work with someone dosn't mean I have to give an f about their lives or their bratty kids. I didn't become part of your 'village' because the same person signs our checks. I have no obligation to help out, but I will because I want the company to do well and therefore give me more money.
People in general will help out in the emergency situations you describe, things that pop up once in a while. Heck I don't mind covering for a co-worker that was at the bar partying til 4am, as long as it is a one-off thing not an every day/week occurrence.
But your attitude of OMG kids are hard everybody now has to help me really irks me. If you can't do your work and raise kids then its simple, don't. Find a more flexible job or don't have kids. Nobody forced you into this, you brought it upon yourself (same reason I give no sympathy to hangover victims). I really get bothered by the "woe is me" crowd (not directed at you Sliver). I lump parents expecting special treatment with the people who chronically complain about work. If you don't like your situation then change it.
I have a friend who gets dumped extra work for the weekends, is forced to go on extra business trips because she doesn't have a kid and rather than other co-workers thanking her for this they say things like, well you can do it you dont have kids. Shouldn't matter, she didn't sign on to do this when she started. I think this is the attitude that most people are bothered by and one that us single folks are encountering on an increasingly frequent basis.
P.S. you sound like generally good guy but I'm really glad I don't work for you. And sorry if I sound like more of a dick than intended as I'm quite sleep deprived right now.
|