To get what we want….
One thing which may stand the deaf employee in good stead, but one which is also too often overlooked by employers, is the simple fact that the typical deaf worker (like Erin in her essay below) is usually more attentive and focussed during work. We have to, else we might miss out on information.
Now in the real world, I still have to work harder than my peers. Not because I’m proving myself to them, but to myself. It’s interesting because I find myself working more than them because they’re able to talk while they work. Of course, I can’t really do that. I envy hearing workers because they can talk to one another without having to look at each other or talk on the phone instead of having to wait for an email from one of the executive directors. But you know we all still do the work, we all have to make sure it is done. The deadlines are no joke here.
We all work harder and live harder as well. I guess the very fact that we are using all we can to stay in touch with what’s going on at any point of time means that we are always interested and focussed on what we do. It may be a road less travelled and more challenging than that our hearing counterparts trekked on, but it’s beautiful and teaches us to soak in more along the way.
It’s an irony. Being deaf means we are disadvantaged in some ways, but it also means we don’t take things for granted and work harder in relating to people. All things considered, our lives usually become richer by the fact that we stopped and smelled the roses along the way because we noticed they were there.
Comment by Thomas Tan — October 1, 2006 @ 8:26 am
Yes, that is indeed a very good antidote to the poison of wallowing in misery and depression about one’s deafness.
In some ways, we experience more deeply and intensely.
:)
Comment by Dictatorial Editor — October 1, 2006 @ 9:01 am
It’s always a challenge to live life to the fullest. There’s really no point in thinking about ‘what ifs’ because it ain’t gonna happen. Just make good and full use of what we have (left).
I don’t think it’s an irony. Things happen for a reason, and perhaps, it’s meant to be as such to enable us to lead fuller and richer lives compared to our ‘normal’ friends.
Comment by Shades of Pink — October 1, 2006 @ 5:23 pm