Insta Gator

Are you one of those people who like to bitch and moan but don't ever stand up for yourself or what you believe in? Of course not, because you are one of the elite few who are fabulous. But what about the others out there? The ones who have so many complaints but hide behind the few bold women, with what Steven Colbert calls, "lady balls". I was requested to write about this topic and I think I know the thought pattern. It also stemmed from Oliver with a Twist's conversation way back about why people do what they do-what is the intention? Is it to start trouble-instagating things to get a reaction, or is to start a revolution that will better the majority? I don't know the answer, but I do think there are definite breeds of people.

Some folks, guys and gals alike, just don't get into the shit at work and try to stay out of politics and just go on their merry way. These usually are the people that don't get involved with the social functions or plan anything or do much either, they are kind of like lint. Just there and useless.

Then there are the die hard bitchers. They hate everyone and everything. If you look at them cross eyed because your contact is falling out they will file a grievance against you for some form of harassment. These people are dangerous. They are vindictive and miserable in and out of work and it shows. These people rarely smile and do so only when they see someone being taken down. Stay clear. They are energy sucking vampires. Bad news. Get garlic.

Then there are the gators, the ones who like to take bites at folks to try to stir up trouble. Last year a colleague had a wandering bad mouthing session going on trying to pit people against each other. Why, to start trouble=she was instigating trouble to get the pot hot and everyone riled up. These are the drama queens. They are ambulance chasers. Be careful, they won't give you the Heimlich if you are choking because they are too busy video taping your death for Youtube.

Then there are the fairly normal people who find a balance of what to get involved with at work. They pick their battles. They let some go because it is trivial and out of any one's control. They have ideas and they share their beliefs with passion and do it respectfully. Nobody is perfect by any means and nobody can have the perfect workplace but as long as you are personally happy with the choices you make day to day, then that is the world you have to answer too. You may have to deal with all the loose or tightly wound cannons, but at least you know when to shoot your mouth off. Usually these people are thanked by lesser ballsy folks and if you're lucky the lint may even speak up once and while for representing them (even though the issues probably didn't effect them, nothing does), if an ice cube falls in hell, the chronic bitchers may say thanks, but it is in an It's about freak'in time tone of voice.

It is hard working. It's hard working in even lesser conditions. It is hard biting your tongue. When do you give up? Are you being a quitter? Do you cave? Do you continue to fight? The answer in my opinion is you do what you think is right...you don't have to explain yourself although we often feel obligated to do so. Know you tried to make a difference and that your intentions were in the right place=to make changes that would benefit the masses, not yourself.