Lucy and the Chocolate Factory

I wish I had a simple job. Like Lucy in the chocolate factory.

Whenever I see that episode of “I Love Lucy” it makes me laugh out loud. Not because she’s one of the best comediennes of all time (which she is) but because that episode is symbolic of my life and many others who navigate the white-washed walls of corporate America.

Chocolate Factory Work

Awhile back I was joking (with a former boss actually) that I just wanted a factory job. One where I turned a switch, assembled a part, watched what I made go by on the belt. One where you didn’t have office politics. You didn’t have to sit in meetings. You didn’t have to become a mind-reader in order to write copy.

I want my life to be simple. Like Lucy in the chocolate factory … before she gets behind and has to shove chocolates in her dress.

Bittersweet Reality Check

Then the other morning I was out walking my little white dog and I saw the recycling truck pull up. These guys hopped out, ran into my building and came out with the 40-gallon garbage cans on their back. One guy looked like he was sixty years old.

How do they do it--day in and day out?

They come to rich, white Montgomery County and pick up after us corporate crusaders each and every week.

Could I do it? Absolutely not. And every morning they make eye contact with me and say “Hello.” And “Have a nice day.” That’s more than I get from the corporate crusaders I sit next to everyday from 9 to 5.

So what is the answer? I can’t lug recycling and I can’t wrap chocolates. I simply don't know. Like Lucy, maybe I’ll try stomping grapes.