the people and the work.

No, I'm a programmer. There have been times I've had more managers than colleagues, thanks to the miracle that is matrix management; sometimes Dilbert doesn't really do that sort of stupidity justice. There have also been times we've had no manager: amazing how both morale and productivity were significantly improved for the duration.

I hate not being able to lie down for a nap when I need to. I'm serious!

I also hate management-speak and bad grammar. If you want to "fly it up flagpole and see who salutes", you really do not want to know what I'm thinking I'd like to do with that flagpole!

I make steaks on a hot grill, standing next to the baker's hot oven. You want to talk about hot. It's not as bad as construction out in the middle of summer, but it gets pretty bad. Especially when the hood ventilation isn't working.
People that don't know how to order a steak.
Servers that don't know how to put in an order.
Servers that drop food on the way to the table.
Servers that don't know how to tell a guest that we aren't supposed to cook something a certain way.
Managers that make me cook it that way anyway.
Bakers that walk away from their station. When both of our timers go off at the same time, something is getting over cooked. Usually the bread. My steaks are more important.
Servers that ask me to do the bakers job because the baker is not around.

I should stop there.

I had no idea how bad cheffing was until I'd stayed at the same hotel for long enough that I was on friendly terms with the chef, who invited me to have a look around the kitchen. It was like walking into a furnace. I don't know how anyone could do that, day in, day out: even if you get used to it somewhat, it must still be very uncomfortable. So, er, yeah: I don't envy you.

I know all about stupid laws, I work at a bank and constantly have to make sure we are following all the rules and regulations that make no sense to anyone who works here. I can't even count the number of times I've had to tell a customer "Yes sir I understand, but federal regulations require...", when I fully agreed that the law was poorly written and unneccesary. I was once named in a lawsuit against the bank because I'm the one who talked to the customer. I also get customers who call me and ask what Washington is going to do on a particular financial issue, like the White House calls me for input on a regular basis.

I genuinely like my job, I get to see the impact my work has on the community. But lately I'm afraid to tell people what I do because with the current economic state it automatically makes me a villain and they either want to vent, argue or never speak to me again.

Yeah, luckily I get to wear a t-shirt to work. I feel for those that have to wear a chef's coat. I just wish I could wear shorts to work.