Do You Need a Project?

I had very few jobs before I started doing nails. I worked at McDonald’s for about five minutes, then I worked for a small mail order company that sold ancient coins and artifacts for about two years (I mean I worked there for two years; they sold ancient coins and artifacts for several years — I think they might still even), and then I had the profession of questionable virtue for about six months before I enrolled in nail school.

That’s my entire job history. But that one office job was oh-so typical. Nothing to do? Did the boss hear you talking to your coworkers? Next thing you’d know, he’d be standing in your doorway asking you if you “need a project.”

I’ve always wondered why so many offices are so against conversation in the workplace? It seems to me that as long as the work is getting done, it shouldn’t be an issue. But it seems a universal truth that bosses just don’t like the sound of chitchat.

Then companies wonder why so many of their workers are out on stress leave and why morale is so low.

That is something I truly love about my work. If people aren’t talking, something is wrong! I love that no one has been hovering over my shoulder for the last 20 years (except that one crazy salon owner) telling me I shouldn’t have time to talk, insisting I not spend my free time texting or on the phone or checking the Internets.

In this business, you should be talking to your clients, it’s fine and dandy if you’re talking with your coworkers, you need to update your Facebook page several times a day... all those things that I used to get scolded for in the office job havebecomethe projects I need to get done in the in-between times in the salon.

Just another reason why working in a salon is awesome!