06.04.07
The Final Stretch: Just 2 More Days
I have received several e-mails and comments the past two days wondering if my stint at the barber shop is over. This probably needs a little bit of explanation. I originally started working on May 2. After two days I had an unexpected personal situation that needed tending to, requiring me to take three days off, hence the break in the blog around that same time. When I went back to work I wanted to ensure I would work a full month, so I decided to elongate my tenure to June 5. I was a little concerned that this might in some ways devaluate my little experiment. Interestingly enough, when I talked to Mr. Zheng about this, he informed me that there is a special allotment of time for these kinds of unexpected situations called 事假 (shi4 jia1), and that under normal circumstances I would not have been fired. Nonetheless, I still wanted to make sure I worked an even 28 days (3 days are for vacation time), hence June 5 will be my last day.
When I first began this project I thought it would be a relief to finally be finished. I anticipated learning a lot from this endeavor, but I knew at the end I would be ready to leave. After 26 days on the job, I can honestly say that I am beginning to dread that final day. For much of this, I have my coworkers to thank. It is amazing how well you can get to know people when you are stuck in the same room as them 11 hours a day for a month, and I look forward to continuing my friendships with them long after this project is over.
In terms of my life, I have found my self surprisingly acclimated to this lifestyle. With each passing day, the 11 hours go faster and faster. Today I took my final half day of vacation time, arriving at 5 pm. Before I knew it, it was clean up time, and I was on my way home. That all being said, I still have not worked in the barbershop long enough for the boredom factor to truly kick in. As I have been told by several coworkers “You are having fun now, but if you worked here for a year, you would hate it.” This is probably true.
There is still a lot more to write about, so after the 5th, I plan to continue blogging about the barber shop, and hopefully going into more depth on some of the topics which were discussed earlier. Thanks to everybody who has been following along, and wish me luck for my last two days.
LB
said,
June 4, 2007 at 7:59 am
hi, Ben,
It is nice to see Fuzhou from a different point. Do you read Chinese? Have you visited a very popular local site 78fz.com? It is all about food in Fuzhou.
BTW, which university do you teach currently?
Benjamin Ross
said,
June 4, 2007 at 9:20 am
LB-
Yes, I read Chinese and have used that site before. It’s very helpful. I do not teach English anymore. I used to teach at the Agricultural University.
Zhongtang
said,
June 4, 2007 at 11:21 am
What are your plans after June 5th ? I mean, you need more renminbis to continue eating, lodging, and so on. Any new typical chinese job plans ?
Marc
said,
June 4, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Ben, I admire your decision to spend a month at a barbershop, and sharing your experiences with your readers. When I go to my barbershop in Shanghai now, I look at the people there in a different way.
I enjoyed reading all your posts, they are well-written and very informative. I look forward to hearing your future plans. Keep on blogging.
Cheers,
Marc
Peter
said,
June 4, 2007 at 2:16 pm
GL Ben
Jeff O
said,
June 4, 2007 at 2:45 pm
You really should do something like this for a year and then write a book. You have a gift for writing which I wish I had. I have been here for 11 years now and have worked for local companies (yea the same ones where you sit all day doing nothing wiating for the next meeting to start) as well as multi-nationals….with the standards of living being all of those areas in between. I wish I could put it all in words….it would fill up a few volumes for sure!
I have enjoyed reading your posts….gives me a laugh because I can really relate to it all…..good stuff…keep it up
ym
said,
June 5, 2007 at 12:28 am
i add this blog into my favorite!
Peter
said,
June 13, 2007 at 2:55 am
Hi Ben,
Your barbershop piece has some similarities to my retailing days. We both worked long hours, got paid small amounts, yet we really enjoyed the company of our co-workers. It’s been 10 years since I left that job but I had fond memories of it, I’m sure you will too.
Oh, this is my first time reading your blog. I have to say, your Chinese is right on! I do wish my Chinese is as good as yours, I’m about sub 1st grade level. Will be back to read your adventures!