This week I started my first work project composed primarily of recycled material. It’s a big change, and not a good one. To be clear, I don’t entirely disagree with the premise of using old copy. Some parts of the projects are suited to that, and if I’d had my way we would have switched to recycled material for those sections eons ago. I wasn’t allowed to make that call because a certain someone always stood in the way. I believe his many bad decisions over the last three decades are part of why were are where we are now. This adds a dash of resentment to the stew of sadness, frustration, and worry roiling in my stomach.
It was an unpleasant week, and it doesn’t bode well for my long-term job satisfaction. I’m being severely restricted in what I’m allowed to edit, and the new rules are in many cases the opposite of the old. I’m not always sure when I’m allowed to intervene, so I’ve been running everything past my boss. I feel like I’m asking her, “Please, may I do my job?” It’s ridiculous. But all of my coworkers have done the same, so at least I’m in good company.
Another thing my coworkers have all done is to choose pseudonyms for themselves. I get it now. I’ll be choosing one, too. If I’m not allowed to edit the work to my standards then it isn’t worthy of my name.