Basement or Boardroom?

You're not wrong Trout. As my last position was with a small to medium sized company, my responsibilities were quite broad. 'Mucking in' with the lads in the warehouse to me was a welcome break from the offices; if I hadn't got so used to the money (which kept me there for longer than I should have been), I could have quite easily dropped it in favour of a permanent position on the 'shop floor'.

That statement is the story of my life

My job was a lot more fun & gratifying when I was a tech. Now that I'm in management, I dont get to do the cool stuff anymore, and instead make high-level tactical decisions that carry little immediate gratification.

Problem is, I'm used to the money now. With a mortgage to pay for, and a local economy that's in the toilet - its just not an option for me to go where my heart takes me. I'd love to pickup everything & move to San Fran - but it'd mean starting over in a place where the cost of living is obscene - and I doubt I'd be able to match a salary that came from 12 years of healthy merit increases.

This has got to be one of the biggest differences between folks in their 20's vs. folks in their 30's. When you're in your 20's, its much easier to make big changes, and take big risks. By the time you get into your 30's, 'responsibilities' start creeping into your life you never counted on - cementing your feet in the ground whether you like it or not.

Boardroom, unfortunately, since our last year’s annual meeting was scheduled for the Saturday before Christmas! I’m a finance professional with a full RL, I have a stressful and demanding profession, I’m a Trustee and active volunteer for my Unitarian church (Yo Bradley), as well as a dedicated singer, studying voice and singing in multiple choirs.

I started SL as an escape a few months after losing my son and only child to a drug overdose. My friends here and my wonderful RL friends have seen me through some really dark times. Lurking in these forums, and laughing with you all has brightened many of my days, and I thank you all for that.

One never knows, as you go through life doing your thing, what kind of effect you have on those around you. Just don’t underestimate your own power to do good in the world, even in small and (by you) un-noticed ways.

/me hugs you all.

One of the best jobs I have had so far was as kind of a librarian type person at my local registry office. No responsibility, no stress, just hauling dusty books all day. It was the best fun I've had!
The warehouse guys where I work are the most laidback guys I have ever met. Nothing phases them at all. And they get to have the radio on lol.

I took a year between High School and College and worked behind a Deli Counter. It still is the best job I've ever had.

I try not to stereotype anyone, it's unhealthy. although I'm not sure what "category" I'd fit into. I'm in college and -do- still live at home (2nd floor bedroom though, no basements in Cali!), but my rl is actually pretty rockin. I live in southern Cali, live the life of a beach volleyball bum and spend too much time in bars with friends. But I still get a kick out of SL when I'm at home relaxing.

Odd thing is, I do the same stuff in SL that I do in RL. I shop and dance. Isn't that odd? Either I haven't found my niche, or I fit into the "WTF" category. Either works for me.

Maitri, I so sorry for what happen to you. I probably the age of your son - mid20s - just guessing - I dont mean to sound flippant (most of the time) and I am selfish sometimes in stupid comments. I hope you find peace in your life and in this community. I hope you live a good life and be strong and courageous. That all sounds so trite and even insincere in a blog BUT your comments touched me deeply.

Actually I said I use to be boardroom but that's not true of my last job. I worked many years in the hotel industry. Not in the hotels, but corporate offices. After 9/11 many of us were laid off and eventually I was too. After taking a year off I decided the big office with the nice view was not as fun as I wanted it to be. I ended up working a couple of years managing a coffee shop. I didn't like the company I worked for (it wasn't Starbucks) but the job was a lot of fun and though the money wasn't nearly as good I was much happier.

Boardroom: I'm the resident genius at a certain startup in Silicon Valley. I just turned 37 and I don't even have a basement. I'm quite used to giving the orders, which is probably why I seem a big cranky to some. SL is my escape, and I love it.

Hmmm. That's almost my description. Not Silicon Valley, do have a basement (but I avoid it - that's where the exercise equipment is), but otherwise the same.

/me compares our join dates.

Hey, am I your alt?

I'm a little worried about what kind of "exercise equipment" you keep in your basement.

*gushes* "You sound dreamy."

If you are i wonder which of us is the evil alt...

This thread makes me glad my husband took the basement for his office!

I'm a web designer, and am currently working from my brand new home ... on the main floor! I wouldn't say boardroom, because I know if you take a management position, you don't get to create any more.

It sounds like there aren't many "basement losers" here. Wonder what loser website they're all hanging out in?

Actually he's 22 now. You really think it would be okay to let him out now?

No still too young, show him pictures of roads and shops