I have the dubious distinction of being a part of an industry that's taking a hit in our recent economy. I've been fortunate to have been born with a glass-half-full attitude, and blessed with great clients. But there's no getting around the frustrations of the times, and the inevitable news that associates have dropped out of the race to pursue other careers in teaching, retail sales, and one, as a flight attendant.

There's a measure of envy when I hear about folks who go home and actually leave their job at work. What, I wonder, would a regular paycheck be like, not to mention benefits? I find myself wondering if there's been a documented rise in coronaries and strokes among my associates. Certainly blood pressure spikes. I find myself wondering...if I didn't do this, what would I do? What would the Perfect Job look like?

That's a tall order for anyone, and one few people are able to fill. But it's always fun to dream....

First, there'd have to be puppies. Okay, dogs will do. Not necessarily as a part of the job, but at least on the fringes. After all, nothing improves your workspace like a canine foot warmer, and when challenges arise, what better source of sympathy than the amber eyes of a golden retriever?

Flowers would be good, too. I love flowers. They smell nice, they look nice. How can you be tense in a floral environment? Speaking of environments, I believe soft music has been proven to calm nerves, something meditative...and a waterfall; or a fountain. I may not be the "Greenest" worker bee in the hive, but I'm all about the work environment.

And coffee shops, nothing says "I love my work" like the cozy routine of a nearby coffee shop where everybody knows your name...maybe a bakery, too. I'd bring croissants for my co-workers. We'd be a happy bunch, what with all those flowers, fountains, Zen-fully beautiful music and puppies running around.

But what would we do? Something that matters, of course, for clients who are always appreciative and always polite--absolutely NO F-bombs in this job! Creative work is a must, naturally, and fulfilling work that, for me at least, would have to include writing. Not contracts, mind you, though I've written my share. Given a choice, I'll choose fiction.

"You love dialogue..."

"You're right; something with dialogue would really rock. Don't want to limit my options, though."

"Don't be so practical. This is a dream, remember?"

"You're right again. Give me dialogue or give me--"

"Hey! Nobody wants to hire a drama queen!"

"Right...sorry."

Now, about the hours, unlike Dolly Parton, I'm not really good with 9 to 5. I'm more task oriented, even if it takes more than eight hours a day, I like working toward a goal, so obviously, flexible hours, some tele-commuting, that sort of thing.

There. I think we have a plan. Now, have your people call my people and we'll do coffee.