Fringe Benefits

I remember the first time that I knew I was no longer in the Sub-Optimal Job category (read: Grocery Stores and Fast Food). I had just gotten my job at Citizens Bank, a small community bank with 4 locations, and they sent me to an ?Introduction to Banking? seminar in Nashville.

Hotel? Paid. Meals? Paid. Entertainment? Okay, even in the dot com boom days, it wasn?t that good.

But it was great freedom to eat whatever I wanted or order room service with no fear of reprisal. Every night I dined on prime sirloin or lobster. Wow it was great!

?Until I got back in the office and filled out the expense reports. That lobster? About $50. Needless to say I was quickly briefed on how much is too much.

ORNL was another company that lavished on the benefits. I got more free lunches than I ever deserved, and trips were excellent in all regards. Expenses paid and the living was easy.

But my new job has all of this beat, hands down. Sometimes you know you got it good, and sometimes you can prove it. Allow me to direct you to the proof:

Check out this cabin in the Smoky Mountains (Warning: Slowest website ever). See that beautiful view? The two bedrooms? The full kitchen? The hot tub and the pool access?

My amazing employer has provided this cabin for a week so my family could come and stay with me while I attended a week long course in July. Wow! Now that?s what I call accomidating. There was even an upgrade to an additional bedroom with no hassle so my mother in law could come along and get in her own little vacation while helping out with the girls. Needless to say this will facilitate me and Ericka a night or two alone, not to mention her help with the groceries and other expenses while we?re out there.

For a long time at the end of last year I wondered if I could rebound myself from the position I left behind. I think I?ve achieved that goal.

Trying hard to speak and
Fighting with my weak hand

Tags: Jobs Fringe Benefits Fast Food Citizens Bank ORNL Smoky Mountains Vacation