My worst nightmare

Taking work too seriously is injurious to health. The side effects are hair loss, permanent headaches, low vision and dark circles, there is also a high possibility of suffering from a severe dream disorder. I realised it last week after I had a bad dream in which I almost lost my job.
There was a mad rush in the ministry and my rival reporters were busy fighting their way out to the minister’s room. The fellow had just won elections. While those who were already close to him were beaming with pleasure and confidence, for me, it was a day of mourning. I never got along well with him and was hoping that I would not have to face him after elections. But, as the luck would be, there he was, grinning at me with a ‘what do you say now’ kind of looks. Adding to my miseries, the very next morning every paper carried an exclusive interview with him. In office, I was asked to go on a permanent leave immediately. I had been desperately looking for a break. But, a permanent break was unbelievable. I woke up to the sound of thunder.
Though there are positive effects too, depending on the kind of day I had at work. Who on the earth would believe that I am the first Indian to own a sea plane or powerful enough to bash up one of the top companies’ CEO. And imagine, getting $10,000 to splurge in US for a week for a lifestyle assignment. There was a sudden urge to shift from hardcore business reporting to lifestyle pages in the anticipation that the dream might come true. The experienced fellows, however, call such dreams beginners’ luck.
Once you have spent few years in the profession, it’s never a happy story, a senior reporter told me. Either way, dreaming is dangerous for health. After all, who wants to have ‘only work’ in mind 24/7?