Hmm, what to talk about today? I think I will talk about something that most people look away from. Something that is talked about only in the office corners that needs some light put on it. That something is contractor prejudice. It is only a matter of time until we start to get our water fountains. Now that I think about it, what is so bad about having my own water fountain? That seems like a benefit. Now if they wouldn't let us drink water, that'd be bad. It is so weird to think that a white collar white guy can be oppressed but it is true. It is because I am a "lowly contractor". I've seen this at every company I have ever worked at since I started in the business, even when I was a permanent employee. For starters you are segregated and are not invited to meetings. They are for permanent employees only. Then you cannot participate in employee functions like Christmas and Halloween parties. You obviously don't get any perks like gym access or parking access. At the IRS permanent employees got single window cubes while us contractors were fit 20 in one large cube. Also, if there ever was a disaster drill they would only let the permanents come back in first, then the contractors. The permanents don't stop at that either. They love not telling us things we should know, like what we need to do the job, if our contract will be renewed, or if they are thinking about bringing us on. The segregated meetings get to me. As if their knowledge is so important our little heads would explode. It is not as if I don't know exactly what is happening in their system anyways. Then there is the talk - "He's just a contractor - we can't tell him that." "Sorry your not a perm you can't come in here." "Those contractors think they know it all." "If he sucks we can always let him go." All that kind of stuff. I suppose it is not really bad, but it is a prejudice. Then again I guess I am prejudiced against perms since they think they have job security when they could still be fired at any time. Also a difference in $40K does not equal out to their benefit packages, especially since I have good medical and dental coverage through my contracting company. I should start a contractor freedom movement to demand equal worker rights. I can see it now... "No meeting notes without representation!" We could throw our contractor badges that single us out into the little stream that runs by my building. Or even more daring, start showing up to their meetings and have a sit-in. That'll show them ;-)

Thought of the Day
"Oh look Elaine, the black and white cookie. I love the black and white. Two races of flavor living side by side in harmony. It's a wonderful thing, isn't it?"
"You know, I often wonder what you'll be like when you're senile."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Yeah, I think it'll be a very smooth transition for you."
- Jerry and Elaine, in "The Dinner Party"