Multi-tasking sucks and I'm tired of every damn job ad listing it as a must-have skill. In the last year I have come to realize that I am not a multi-tasker. I am a list-writer. There is a difference. Crossing items off my list (which is unnaturally exciting) means that you've done one thing. One. And now you can move on to the next or as I like to do, rest - relax or eat a treat and then move on to the next thing.
When I am forced to multi-task (at work-every day-every moment of my 9 to 5) I get flummoxed and inevitably make mistakes. Mistakes which are constantly thrown back in my face. And to admit you are not good at multi-tasking is considered a real sign of inadequecy (in the corporate world). This makes me as qualified and good at my current job as if I were to attempt to be a surgeon or astronaut or president of the United States.
Why has multi-tasking taken the lead over focusing and doing an excellent job one at a time? I can understand why this could be a good thing for mothers to have and possibly the only way to stay sane and get through the day. I am not a mother. I have 2 cats that ignore me on a consistently daily basis.
I'd like to start an Anti-Multi-Tasking movement. Who will join me? Courageous souls that can admit that doing more than one thing at a time just confuses the hell out of them. Will you admit it? I have and I feel so much better that I'm going to go relax now!
i think you're right about multi-tasking. all it really means is that you do several things without your full attention on any of them. and that can't be good.
ReplyDeletehappily, i haven't seen it as a job requirement here. but it's probably only a matter of time.