David McK (3425 KP) rated Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking in Books
Aug 15, 2020
One of the worst years of my professional working life.
In the early part of the year, I ended up getting dragged to the Doctor by my significant other, with the Doc then putting me off work with stress for just over a month. I returned, and then, roughly 6 months later, ended up putting myself off on unpaid leave for a year (which is ending soon, but that’s another matter).
Looking back on it, I believe a MASSIVE contributor to me feeling the way I did was the change in the office environment, and in my role: a move from being a key member of a small technical team (with its own side office) to being put in charge of a customer focused role I felt ill suited to, and slap-bang in the middle of a massive open plan office no less (which had the effect of leaving me completely and utterly drained each and every day, having to be always ‘on’).
Which is a long winded way of saying that I am, as I’ve always expected, a massive Introvert. (That could also probably be borne out by the fact that it’s now been more than 10 months since I last physically saw most of my friends due to Covid-19, and that I can count on the fingers of one hand the amount of times I’ve spoken to them in the same period (we more often text). Which I’m perfectly happy with.)
I’ve always felt exhausted by daily interactions, always felt happier in my own head than in the midst of a crowd. A music festival, or rock concert? My idea of hell. However, I’ve also always felt guilty for feeling the same, with society (seemingly) geared towards the go-getters, the ‘look at me!’ life and soul of the party (which I always leave early), to those who make the most noise. In short, to the Extroverts.
While it’s true that this book is American centric (I’m glad to say, in the UK at least, the large gatherings/conventions described in the chapter about ‘The Extrovert Ideal’ don’t seem to happen), I’m also glad I’m not alone, that – actually - there’s nothing wrong with me. There’s nothing wrong with being quiet, reserved, needing time alone to recharge. Just ask Mother Theresa. Steve Wozniak. Eleanor Roosevelt. Rosa Parks.
This should be required reading in our schools.
Go Jetters: Fix That Glitch
Games and Entertainment
App
Go Jetters, Go! Introducing the first official Go Jetters app! Safe, ad-free fun for your little...
Theory Test for Car Drivers - Driving Test Success
Education and Reference
App
**2017 EDITION** With over 11 MILLION users and all the latest OFFICIAL DVSA revision questions,...
Sous Vide °Celsius
Food & Drink and Lifestyle
App
Opinionated Sous Vide recommendations for chefs and home cooks alike! Tested, so you don’t have...
New York Post iPad Edition
News and Magazines & Newspapers
App
INTRODUCING THE NEW YORK POST'S NEW APP FOR IPAD! The New York Post’s app for iPad is all-new!...
New York Subway MTA Map
Navigation and Travel
App
New York Subway uses the official MTA subway map and includes a handy route planner. With over...
Hunting Call
Sports and Entertainment
App
Hunting Call improves your skill to bring in deer, predators, waterfowl, elk, birds and much more....
Crazy Hair Salon Makeover
Games and Entertainment
App
~~> Welcome to the Crazy Hair Salon! We care for CRAZY hair! ~~> OMG! These pretty girls need a...
Sweet Candy Maker Games
Games and Entertainment
App
Now make 18 sweet & yummy, crazy candy. Be an awesome food chef - make every candy with fun...