Karma Cleanser - August 19 2004
Dear Karma Cleanser: I need to figure out how to get cleansed. I am not sure what I have done, but I’ve had an endless streak of bad luck, or what I call “losses.”
I lost my house, two cars (one in an accident that could have taken my life), lost my job, lost over $10,000, lost an aunt to a ruthless murder, lost my apartment and now I’m just living on the grace of friends (if I can call them that).
I’m not sure what I did to warrant such losses or bad luck. I would be considered by most a patient person and all-around nice guy. But these setbacks are now wearing thin. I feel like giving up and labeling myself a failure.-- Is There an “L” on My Forehead?
We think that Bananarama said it best when they opined, “It’s a cruel, cruel summer.” Sounds like you’re going through a season when the universe seems to be your enemy. The operative word here is “seems,” though, because these difficulties are actually happening back-to-back for a reason. Your challenge: Resist playing the role of eternal victim. Yes, you’ve been through some crap lately. We all go through turmoil. Don’t make the problem worse by fixating on it. If others really do consider you a patient person, here’s your chance to prove them right.
Dear Karma Cleanser: I work in an office where there are lots of people walking around all day, popping into cubes and making conversations, etc. My job tends to be more thought-intensive than some other people’s who work here, and I am lucky not to work in a cubicle but in a physical office. Sometimes I have to close my door to concentrate on my work. I also know that when I do this, it sends the message that I don’t want to be social with my co-workers. My boss even mentioned to me that I’m seen as being a snob because of this.
How do I spare my workplace karma and still get my job done?-- Not a Snob, Just Busy
Perhaps you could structure your day so that the door stays open for a certain period, but then closes while you concentrate on your harder tasks? This might keep your co-workers who want to chat happy, but also give you some much-needed quiet time. Of course, your boss seems to be the one mainly at fault here. She loads your plate with cerebral tasks, yet also is urging you to shoot the shit with Lenny from accounting? That’s not bad karma, just bad management.
Been bad? karma@creativeloafing.com.