As I was warned when I first started in my position, the days don't stay perfect forever. Lately there has been a lot of committees that go longer and because of that, many of us interns have to stay. It can be unfortunate sometimes, especially after a long day of work. However, I can't help but feel like it's preparing me for the real world.
It's pretty common knowledge that if you work in government, chances are you're gonna have to put in some late nights. Now that I've worked for the Senate for awhile I can see that it's the truth. My prediction is that days will only get longer from here on out. Each shift seems to get busier and busier. I'm not complaining though, I'm relishing the opportunity to see how working in government sector truly is.
The other day the appropriations committee went for five hours with only one break. I got the privilege of sitting in on the committee and listened to Senators discuss important matters. Its events like this that give me true insight into what government is really about and how it can be a very rewarding but highly stressful job. Regardless, by the end of the day people were still in good spirits. Dem. Caucus didn't start til around 4:15pm, but all of the Senators and staff seemed no different than usual, despite the long day. I've had a few people tell me that sometimes people stay all the way til' midnight on rare occasions. So I'm mentally preparing myself for that in the future.
I'm not surprised you are having long nights. I remember facing the same thing when I served as a Congressional Intern during the health care debates of 2009. You've got to be very passionate about government to be willing to work those crazy hours!
ReplyDeleteArizona, like the rest of the nation, is facing some very tough times right now. I expect, as the session gets closer to the end, you will get to experience a few of those midnight meetings.
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