Mistakes

Yesterday was a bit hectic at work — I think the changeable weather was to blame. In the chaos, I made a couple of small mistakes. Nothing earth-shattering, but I wasn’t pleased.

This morning the sun is shining. I got off night duty at 8:30, but hung around for another hour drinking coffee and chatting with colleagues and residents. As I drove home, I had a big smile on my face. Like my boss said: “This is a great job for perfectionists, because mistakes are inevitable.” Why the smile? Well, I realized I’ve learned a lot in the nearly one year since starting the job. I do it well, and am critical of the little mistakes, because I’ve become so competent. But there is always room for improvement. That’s what makes the job challenging.

And one day at work is never like the next. The residents (mentally handicapped) have ever changing moods, needs, and topics of conversation. Thus there is no danger of settling down into a routine. It keeps me on my toes, and that is good. I don’t want a boring job.

Last night the one mistake bugged me. But then I thought to myself: “Okay. You see that even you can be unnerved and unintentionally let something slip by.” It’s not such a big deal. Next time I bet I’ll do better. And all of us make mistakes now and then. I think it would be irritating if one colleague was perfect. Have a nice day!