Friday, September 4, 2009

Do I Get MCs?

MC stands for Medical Certificate. In Malaysia, if you need to take a sick day from work, you call it an MC. It stems from the need to show your boss the medical certificate if you say you're out sick.

I don't know why I never thought about it before but I started wondering about my MC entitlement today. What if I need to call in sick? Hold on, I'm in charge (supposedly) so who do I call? Maybe the second in charge? But then, he'd have to go get himself an MC to cover for my "absence" at home.

I needed to go read the terms and conditions of this job so I dug up an old email about motherhood. Its been around awhile but is still fun to read:

POSITION : Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Momma, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

6 comments:

John A Hill said...

A great job description! I liked the wages part the best.

Mike said...

Benefits - You do get holidays ... You just get to take your job with you.

Cynthia said...

Who can pass up free hugs?;)

Anonymous said...

I guess the PROMOTION would be to become GRANDMA?

Bilbo said...

I agree with Anonymous!!

elizabeth embracing life said...

Can't tell you how many times I have grumbled when my husband is not feeling well and puts himself to bed for the day. FOR THE DAY?!!!! Then I quietly count my blessings of being able to be home with my kids, smile when all three are piled in bed with me watching TV all day while I put myself to bed when I am sick.