Comparisons

Isn't  it lovely when you can only articulate the differences between two things with generalities, and then life goes and gives you a perfect comparison?

My old job: A co-worker fell down the stairs, twisted her knee, and texted my old boss that she couldn't walk and needed to go to the doctor.  Old boss allowed it, but when the doctor declared that former co-worker had no broken bones or sprains, just a really bruised/swollen knee, old boss complained to her that this was a real job that needed to be taken seriously, and she couldn't just take off work and go to the doctor for every little thing.

My current job: I crash my bike and bang up my knee to the point that I can't really walk, then text my boss to let him know that I'm not sure I can get to work tomorrow (Monday's commute: bike 25 minutes, take a train, walk 20 minutes).  Boss calls me back, asks if he needs to take me to the doctor and if I'm okay, and then asks if I'm okay to teach.  I say probably.  He offers to pick me up from my apartment in the morning, and drive me to work--if I'm 100% sure I'm well enough to teach and don't need him to take me to the doctor--and have someone come pick me up and take me home at the end of the day.

Now, my current job does have some stresses that my old job did not, such as a varying commute, fewer holidays, and coworkers who don't really want to socialize with me all that much.  But it's incredibly nice to know that I'm working for someone who understands that things happen in life, and then goes unnecessarily out of his way to help me.

Of course, other benefits include not changing diapers, not potty-training kids, and having adult students who politely pretend to be shocked when they ask me if I have a boyfriend and I respond in the negative.