There are certain mishaps that can occur in any career. Some are more dangerous or destructive than others. As a marine biologist, and more specifically, as a diver, I cannot operate in my profession without a healthy respect and sometimes fear of the power of the ocean. I have met several in my field who for inexplicable reasons lack one the above two. It seems like an obvious thing. Wouldn't someone who has studied the ocean or spent any time near it have any idea of how truly terrifying it can be? I find that complacency is what leads us to accidents and desperate situations when it comes to the ocean. How big we feel when the waters are calm yet how wrong we are when the waves pick up.
I guess I could have picked a safer profession. I mean, you never hear about anyone getting hurt or ending up in a perilous situation as an accountant. But after all I could be wrong. Those numbers on a page can be dangerous, I'm sure. And I can't say that I entirely agree with the pressure and expectations that are being placed on myself and my intern. We've worked two weeks straight with some pretty drastic consequences for our health (and maybe sanity?). Personally I've lost 9 pounds despite a more than healthy intake of food, sores on my knuckles from putting on damp wetsuits, sores on my feet from wearing damp booties all day, aching muscles, bruises from falling several times on the rocks and beaches while wearing almost 50 pounds of gear, and exhaustion that no matter how much I sleep and rest does not go away.
Yes, I am complaining. I take full responsibility for it. But sometimes we all need a little moment where we just say that we are not happy doing our job because it's not fun any more. And I've reached one of those times. It will get better, and I will enjoy myself again. But until the insanity that is spring collection ends, I will continue to be miserable.
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