"Hi, Principal Skinner" "Hi, Super Nintendo Chalmers"
So I started my new job. It's great, but I've been working until about 7 every night which leaves little time for cooking, eating out, or posting!
It's been a long time since I needed to explain my Veganism to anyone. At this point in my life everyone I'm around knows I'm Vegan, knows I don't joke about it, and knows what I eat. Well, starting a new job started the education process all over again.
Unrelated to food issues, everyone at my new job is phenomenal. They are so helpful and really, really friendly. Everyone jokes around all the time and really makes an effort to make work fun. And the coolest part is that as I meet more and more people I realize that I've actually worked with a number of them before in other positions that I've had over the years- it's such a small world!
Oh, and I have a secretary that opens my mail for me! So bizarre!!!
posted by jenny at 8:13 AM
7 Comments:
Congrats on the new job! Glad to hear everyone is helpful and friendly. I've gotten so tired of trying to explain being vegan and listening to people try to rationalize eating meat. In the beginning, I used to love to talk about veganism but at this point, it's cumbersome and not usually productive. When people start to talk about veganism/vegetarianism, I say, "If you are truly interested in veganism, I would be happy to give you some additional information. Otherwise, I would prefer not to discuss it right now." It doesn't matter what you say because as long as people can justify their actions (and they certainly find many means to do so) they're going to do whatever they want.
August 05, 2006 11:20 AM
Jenny, i'm thrilled to hear about your new job. Of course it is to be expected, the questions, the looks, the curiosity... It's wonderful that they at least notice and care.
As you know, and as we all really do, it is true what you write about the rationalization that goes on for the non-veggie peeps in this world. They KNOW it's not right.
I get the same attitudes (and the sad animal stories as well) even from people who know i don't eat animals and they know WHY i don't eat animals.
It's maddening but i keep the proverbial veg door (and my mind and ears, when i can deal!!) open, just in case i can sway them... someday, somehow, some way, little by little. I'm ever hopeful!
Hope your job continues to provide you happiness and that some or all (see how hopeful i am) of your co-workers may hop on the veg bandwagon one day... the sooner the better! :o)
August 05, 2006 11:21 PM
It's been a long time since I've had to explain my veganism as well. I don't think I have much tolerance left for the "I'm almost vegetarian, I don't eat meat very often" comment. That one drives me batty. The usually say this while eating meat, having eaten meat in their last meat, and likely just before eating meat in their next meal. It's like they forget!
August 06, 2006 12:42 PM
Good luck on your new job. I know it must be frustrating t have to explain yourself, but just living your life the way you do--and leading by example--will enlighten them a great deal. The novelty will wear off, and they'll see how gracefully you live your cruelty-free life.
As a last resport, bring in a Vegan Treats cake! (And if you do, call me. I'll crash your office party.)
August 06, 2006 2:07 PM
I'm glad you're enjoying your new job..
I feel for you, having to do the vegan stuff all over.. People's reactions are so strange. It's really annoying.
August 06, 2006 6:47 PM
aint it nice having a secretary? You've moved UP in the world Jenny.
yes yes bring them vegan treats. and you tell THEM the sad animal stories...i'll guarantee you they will put their hands up in protest.
but i like telling poeple why idon't eat meat. it makes them ask me more qeustions. one even wants to try some of the stuff i'm always talkinga bout (course that's becuase i always save one bite of my vegan food for her to taste)...
August 07, 2006 7:31 PM
and anything anyone does to try and not eat meat is the best we can ask for for now. di dyou know that if the whole world cut back just one meat meal a day, there would be no more factory farms?
and tha'ts what i tell them...just don't eat meat for one meal each day. ONE MEAL!
August 07, 2006 7:32 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home