TGIF - What's in an Acronym ...

[mrdreamjeans]

TGIF! I read these letters weekly in the journals of my friends. It's a positive exclamation of relief and an indication that after a long week of work, a weekend of hedonism and freedom is about to begin:) But I find this phrase has the flavor of privilege and the currency of routine. Today I get to say, "Thank God, it's Friday!!", but I haven't been able to do that in years. When you're unemployed the days run on, there really is no difference between weekdays or weekends. You have no shape to your week and money is always an issue.

For those employed in non-traditional fields such as entertainment, postal work, medical care, law enforcement, retail or company shift work, Friday is the tip of the iceberg. An actor on tour is only half way through the work week when Friday's show is done. What does he have to look forward to? There are two shows on Saturday, two on Sunday with one day off, Mondays, and most likely he will be working Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and other holidays. The same with the other professions.

There is much to be savored in working a steady job from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday and having the weekends off, in having a scheduled two-week vacation, in having a paycheck week in and week out. It is much less stressful and being able to plan ahead is comforting. After decades of risk, I'm going to enjoy working my desk job for awhile, organizing my brother's office to increase sales., being able to meet my financial commitments without worry, even being able to call friends and say, "See you the second weekend of April" and know I can make it. I haven't abandoned my muse, but hey, my friends, appreciate the inherent perk that comes in being able to truthfully toss out the phrase! TGIF! Have a great weekend! :)