It's interesting how there are certain personality attributes we tend to all have that can always be relied upon to remain the same, over time.
Going back all the way to when I was coerced into participating in a school play at about age 11, I have always known — without any doubts whatsoever — that my place to be was "the BACK of the house."
Technically speaking, I suppose that term borrows mostly from the hospitality and foodservice industries, where the "house" is divided into the front that involves direct interaction with guests and the back which is where much of the "nitty gritty" of putting on a perfect looking "show" happens.
I don't remember exactly what Mrs. Wedel (my 5th grade teacher) wanted me to be, in that school play, but I know I put up enough of a fuss and struggle to where I was eventually assigned to "leg work" relating to set building and organizing electrical cords.
As I look back on those early experiences, I sincerely wasn't trying to avoid being part of the production... I just *didn't want to be "on show" and visible to anyone. In fact, I was glad to help, and quite happy that I got to do something with my friends.
In the course of the ensuing decades, that particular part of "who I am" has always been consistent.
During my time in foodservice, I never worked in the front of the house... even though I was invited and even urged, on occasion.
I've been a warehouse manager, but have always run away from invitations to become a sales manager. Even when I was working in the IT industry and I was urged to seek a management position, I turned it down. I even lost a job once because I didn't want to be promoted to management. I guess they only wanted "go-getters," not actual hard workers.
I remember having some long conversations with my friend Ann, the therapist, about this and we fairly solidly established that I do not have any anxiety or social "disorders." One of the things I said, during one of our sessions, was that "I'll happily be accountable for putting 10,000 different products on precisely the right shelf, but do NOT hold me accountable for trying to remember my lines or a sales pitch!"
Ultimately, we all have our strengths and weaknesses... and things we have aptitude for. Lest this all sounds like I don't like people, far from it! I just do better when I keep my engagements with them on a purely social — not work related — level.
Thanks for reading, and have a great remainder of your week!
How about YOU? Are there any specific personality attributes or preferences that have ALWAYS held consistent in your life? What are they? How have to managed to arrange your life to cater to them? Or have you not? Comments, feedback and other interaction is invited and welcomed! Because — after all — SOCIAL content is about interacting, right? Leave a comment — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!
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Created at 20220315 00:15 PST
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