The recent snowstorm that descended mercilessly on the mid-Atlantic, had adults thinking like children. Many were wishing (with all their might) that they, too, would have a snow day. The alternative--digging their cars out from beneath a foot of snow just to go to jobs that make them miserable--was not appealing in the least.
Those who have jobs but dread going each day are a group on the rise. A recent report courtesy of ABC News claims, "Even Americans who are lucky enough to have work in this economy are becoming more unhappy with their jobs, according to a new survey that found only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work. That was the lowest level ever recorded by the Conference Board research group in more than 22 years of studying the issue."
Since quitting isn't an option--we all need money--the malemployed among us have started asking to be fired. Not literally but humorously at PleaseFireMe.com. This Web site offers a safe (read: anonymous) place for dejected employees to gather and grumble about anything from their odious tasks, condescending bosses, or the mailroom lady with sticky fingers. Passersby can share their job aches or soak in the schadenfreude.
A few requests read:
Please fire me. My boss just came into my cube and asked me how my internship is going. I'm not an intern and never was one for this company.
Please fire me. We got a company wide email, which said that due to budget cuts we would no longer be able to purchase mixed nuts in meetings. We've never had mixed nuts.
Please fire me. I had to kick a homeless man out of the walk-in fridge.
Even some who seemingly have dreams jobs are venting virtually:
Please fire me. I work in fashion. If I hear the word fabulous one more time, I may have to stab myself in the eye with a pencil.
It is notable that Karl Rove is one of PleaseFireMe's many followers on Twitter. There's no word on whether he's contributed a post or not. Once upon a time, it would have gone something like: Please Fire Me: I Am Tired of Running this Country into the Ground. Then again Mr. Rove, might take his tweet and remind us that our forefathers never guaranteed us happiness, only the right to pursue it.