Leisure is here!

Hustling has been part of our lives, since we weren't born with silver spoons in her mouth. My two brothers and I grew up with our mother who singlehandedly raised us. It wasn't a joke but a serious life of stress. We were always called upon by our mother for one task or the other. It was either, "Maria, go and roast some groundnuts" or "Maria! It is time to hawk the groundnuts". My elder brothers, James and John were coping well but I wasn't finding it funny at some points, though I was always willing to help her. I was the baby of the house, so I expected some pampering but none was forthcoming. It was work, work and work till we grew and became adults. At this stage, all I wanted was to be free. I wanted fresh air and opportunities to do my things, my way and to use my time for myself. So, I had always looked forward to when I would finish my education and become my own person.

Imagine, no one told me otherwise that the corporate world is another place, till I got a job at this company. My boss does not even spare me 5 minutes, before assigning other duties. ", Maria, I need you to give me the report of the project". "Hey, Maria, quickly generate a link for our meeting and send it to the staff". At times, I would still be buried in an assignment given, while another one would knock. Sometimes, I would just smile and shake my head, "Does this boss think I love working that much?" The fact I do my work effectively and efficiently does not mean I'm a workaholic. In fact, I'm not. I look forward to closing time. Yes, closing time is that period of ease and a time to be where I actually wanted to be. "Don't let me forget who I am" is my response to anyone that wanted to delay me after closing, "I'm a baby girl! Let me go and take care of myself".

So, I'm always excited when it's closing because it is a time to loosen up from many things. Imagine, there are some kinds of clothes you must wear at the office. They even make me wear only 5 percent of my beautiful clothes, because my boss will complain that most of my clothes don't suit my profession. There are hundreds of rules that govern our dressings in that company. So, it is sometimes choking. Hence, at closing time, I was always eager to loosen up my corporate wear, and wear my other lovely, cute dresses. I flaunt my hair and sometimes head to a restaurant. "What do you care for? The waitress does ask me, friendly and politely. C'mon! That feeling of honour is great. It is far from order, pressure, anxiety or ultimatum. The weather is cool and calm and the right atmosphere for a baby girl.

Despite the fact that I don't entertain any work related issues at closing time, my colleagues do wonder how I manage to be the best employee at work for three consecutive years. "Maria, I'm usually here in the office till 8pm, everyday, yet you are the best employee ". I smiled, "Do you know the fact that I leave as soon as we close, doesn't mean I don't do my job as and when due. It just shows I value my time. Besides, it's the time I get to see my fiance after the stress of the day.

The funniest moment was when my fiance and I went to a get together after work. My dressing was simple but elegant. My fiance could not even afford to take his eyes off me. As we were seated, I looked up, and saw one of my bosses, "Wow, Maria! You look really more amazing at closing time". I smiled, "This is the way I get to relax and get refreshed for tomorrow's work. "Wow, I see!" Mrs Johnson exclaimed and left. The next day, my boss summoned everybody at work, telling us to always leave the office at closing time to focus on ourselves. Wow! I couldn't believe my ears. "Is that coming from someone I know?" Everybody laughed and clapped, taking jabs at the workaholics among us. "You need rest", once it's closing. Julie, one of them asked, "Even if I don't have anywhere to go?" We all chorused, "Go home!".

Thanks so much for reading my post.

All pictures are mine.

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