Kristine Joy, Writer

To Whom It May Concern and FWIW,*

• I needed a Sunday morning storm because there are few things that I love more than the cozy warmth of a home, my dearest loved ones contented nearby, a pet or three snuggled up beside us, a good book in hand and rain pelting against the windows amidst crashing and clapping thunder and lightning.
  • BUT, I didn’t need to hear the splitting of a tree that sounded near enough to the house to be a tree near the house. Nor, did I need to discover, while the storm was still producing rippling winds, that the tree WAS near the house, quite large and quite compromised.

• Per input from several others on the above ☝️ oak-casion, I needed for MY insurance company to respond as THEIR insurance company had responded (tree-mendously):

def check_circumstance(circumstance):
     if circumstance = tree is compromised due to an Act of God and is overhanging or touching the home
          print(f"Since the {tree is compromised due to an Act of God and is overhanging or touching the home}, the felling of and removal of said tree will be covered in full by your homeowners insurance policy.")
     else:
          print(f"{circumstance} is not covered by your homeowners insurance policy.")

But, it turns out that my insurance company marches to a different drum. 🥁

“This would not be covered by your homeowners policy.”

“All carriers limit trees to this coverage.”

If I weren’t the nice person that I am, I would have immediately responded to my female insurance agent with a one word reply: BIRCH

In all seriousness though, I arbor some strong feelings here and find myself a bit stumped and now needing to know TWO more things.

1. I need to know if my neighbors and co-workers were being fir real or if they lied to me about the response of their insurance company?!?
2. And, I need to know if my homeowners policy (☂️ included) will pay up IF I tackle the task myself and end up six feet under:

All in all, do you be-leaf how this has transpired? You probably wish that I wood stop with the puns? But, don’t worry about me; I’m pine. In fact, leaf me to my devices so I can go e-limb-inate the problem.

• I needed for a fellow member of the tennis community to throw together a friendly game of ultimate frisbee. #hadn’tdonethatinawhile

• My husband and I needed to stumble across the movie, The Accountant, and sequel, as movie options for a Friday and Saturday night.
  • Being one that doesn’t sit still all that well and often chooses movies closer to 90 minutes in duration because of this trait, I was captivated for the entire 4:20 (the duration of both movies combined) and was 💯 compelled to FINISH both movies without break.
    • You NEED to see the movie in order to understand that the☝️(needing to finish the movie) is a corollary joke.

• Two days after watching The Accountant, I needed for this conversation to be a little more light hearted and less deadpan.

Golfer: I am going to pay for my friend because he’s running late and will pay me back.

Me (handing him a receipt for $44 and 💯 joking because I am 💯 honest): Tell your friend he owes you $50 given your convenience fee.

Golfer: No, I’m an accountant and that doesn’t add up.

Me: Oh. Have you seen the movie, The Accountant?

Golfer: Yes, but that movie is not an accurate depiction of what an accountant does.

Me (thought, but unsaid): Thank goodness! I had a moment of panic when you first told me that you were an accountant. I was about to ask you if we were going to find dead bodies in the parking lot. And/or if you were here to look at the books. 📚😬

Note to Self:

Accountants do not like the movie, The Accountant.

• While training as a Beverage Cart Attendant under the supervision of an experienced Beverage Cart Attendant (a local college student), I needed for one of the golfers to ask if the two of us were athletes at (Insert Former President) High School. As the mother of a high school student, I took it as a compliment, but guessed that my partner in tee time crime felt otherwise (and she did).
  • And I needed for another one of the golfers to offer us apricot kolaches from My Mom’s Bakery because they were delicious!

Me: These are delicious; thank you!

Generous Golfer: They’re from my Mom’s Bakery.

Me: Oh, awesome.

Generous Golfer (while speeding away to the next tee box): SHE’S NOT ACTUALLY MY MOM. THE BAKERY IS CALLED MY MOM’S BAKERY.

• I needed to read When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi, for more than a few reasons:
  • It was due back to the library soon.
  • To continue my journey to become more well-read.
  • PERSPECTIVE; enough said.

• I needed to not come to the realization that I’ve spent a lifetime trying to find a happy medium between…

Conforming to Societal Norms

and

My Unwillingness to Play Games or Politics

And somehow, shake the feeling that I’ve failed terribly at trying to do so. Apparently, AI knows exactly how I feel (and they say, AI doesn’t know emotions) because typing in “unwillingness to play games or politics” generates the following:

In a professional setting, a disinclination to engage in workplace games or politics is a common sentiment. It often stems from a desire for authenticity, a preference for objective meritocracy, and a reluctance to participate in behaviors perceived as manipulative or self-serving. However, workplaces inherently involve dynamics of influence and interpersonal relationships, so completely avoiding “politics” might be unrealistic or even detrimental.

– AI Overview

I needed this advice 15 years ago because based on my experience, we can re-write the end of the last sentence:

…completely avoiding “politics” might be unrealistic or even will be detrimental. 

Perhaps there is still hope IF I take the advice of AI (pasted below in full**)? Probably not though; if my competence and contribution hasn’t spoken for itself over the course of 15 years, it certainly isn’t going to kick in now, let alone override the ways in which I anti-the-advice-of-AI pushed back. Oops.

• I need to find a career in which the only politicking and games are with myself! Maybe, just maybe, I can be a writer?

I appreciate your readership. I need the validation as (an executive) writer; if there is a like or heart icon for you to depress, I’d most appreciate the support!

Sincerely,

K.J. Sculling

* The content is presented as “needs”, and some of them may front a harsh reality that evoke strong emotions. Others are expressed in pure jest to entertain myself (and maybe you?!?). Ultimately, the notion that we all live in a more idyllic world is at the core and not actual need. Life can be tough; regardless of your own circumstances, please keep up the fight because life can also be grand! The idea of ‘I Need…’ stemmed from my thought process while sitting at a red light listening to the song, Alright by Darius Rucker, on the radio (you can read the original ‘Idealist’ post here and all ‘Idealist’ posts here). If you’re inspired to submit your own ‘Idealist’ “needs” for future reader write-in posts, I’d love to hear from you via this form.

**AI Response

“unwillingness to play games or politics”

Instead of complete avoidance, consider these approaches to navigate your preference while remaining effective and professionally sound:

1. Focus on building genuine relationships

Prioritize developing authentic connections with colleagues based on mutual respect and shared goals, rather than seeking alliances for strategic gain.

Show genuine interest in understanding others’ perspectives, challenges, and motivations.

Practice active listening and open communication to foster an environment of psychological safety and trust where everyone feels heard and valued, according to Achievers. 

2. Emphasize competence and contribution

Consistently deliver high-quality work and showcase your skills and expertise.

Proactively contribute to team projects and company objectives, demonstrating your commitment to the shared goals.

Let your performance speak for itself, rather than relying on self-promotion or competitive maneuvering, notes Measuredability.
 
3. Be professional and diplomatic

Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor even in challenging situations.

Choose your battles wisely and focus on issues that significantly impact your work or team goals.

Handle criticism constructively and use it as an opportunity for growth.

Be honest and direct in your communication while remaining mindful of others’ feelings, recommends Workplace Ethics Advice.
Avoid engaging in gossip or spreading negativity, as these behaviors undermine trust and can damage your reputation.
 
4. Seek mentorship and allies

Connect with mentors who can offer insights into navigating workplace dynamics ethically and effectively.

Build alliances with colleagues who share similar values and a collaborative work ethic. 

5. Be strategically transparent

Communicate your goals, expectations, and concerns clearly and openly, but without oversharing sensitive information that could be misinterpreted or used against you.

Share information transparently when appropriate, but understand that complete transparency might not always be feasible in complex organizational environments, says Nulab. 

In conclusion, you can maintain your integrity and preference for avoiding negative workplace politics by focusing on genuine relationships, competence, professionalism, and strategic communication. This approach allows you to thrive professionally without feeling compelled to participate in unproductive or unethical behaviors.