#whereas my current boss asked how i felt about becoming a duty manager

[murraywalker]

Getting more responsibilities in 3 months at my new job than I had in nearly 9 years at my last job

[hiro-gari]

Batarou Headcanon - Yakuza AU

Hello guys, it's me again bringing more Batarou headcanon! 👀✨

While I'm still trying to finish my writing on webcomic Batarou headcanon/ficlet/oneshot (??), also battling with my stressed out condition, I will offering this silly AU headcanon instead in the meantime. Warning: implication of nsfw-ish thing towards the end, but nothing explicit, also many inaccurate depiction of the topic matters I'm so sorry.

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Badd is the firstborn of the strongest Yakuza clan, and also the Yakuza family's successor after both of his parents were assassinated by enemy clan.

The assassination happened when Badd was only a little kid while Zenko still a baby. Badd and Zenko survived from the tragedy after being saved by Bang, the leader and owner of martial art dojo, who worked as Badd's family bodyguard. They were both raised by Bang until Badd is reaching his adulthood, ready to take over his family's legacy.

Badd felt so sad after the death of his parents, sometimes mourning for them every night after Zenko was asleep. He swore to himself that he wont let the tragedy happening again, not when he still has the only precious person left from his family: Zenko. Once Badd reaching coming of age and finishing his school, he would be the Boss of his family clan.

Badd thought he wont get a friend because of his status and his intimidating look, until Bang bringing his adopted son into the dojo and introducing him to Badd. His name is Garou.

Garou, Bang's adopted son, was taught to be the next family bodyguard by Bang. So he can be the greatest martial artist to protect Badd for the rest of their life.

At first Garou was reluctant to take his future responsibility. But after seeing Badd, the most beautiful yet fierce person he ever witnessed, Garou gladly accept it. Especially after Badd bravely saving him from the bullies at school, showing how determinated he was to protect anyone he considered as his "family". Thus they started their relationship as childhood bestfriend, either in school or their home at Bang's dojo.

During that time, Garou encouraged himself to training as the best as he can in martial art. There's no way a bodyguard is weaker than the one they supposed to protect. He didn't want someone hurting Badd in the future, like what happened to his entire family. Badd is his bestfriend, his future boss, and also his first love.

Garou would be more than happy to be on Badd's side forever, protecting Badd from anyone who has ill intention towards him. It doesn't matter if Badd returned his feelings or not, because the most important thing is Badd's own happiness.

On the other hand, Badd was astonished by Garou's development and determination to become the greatest martial artist. It's like the "Fighting Spirit" is not only being inherited by his family's lineage, but also could be obtained by anyone who has strong determination. Someone who can be Badd's equal, not a subordinate no matter what people say. That's why Badd likes Garou, maybe more than just a friend along the way.

Badd also started to strengthen himself by learning how to self-defence, and to strike offensive attacks if it was needed. He didn't take martial art lesson like Garou did from Bang, instead Badd creating his own combat style using his family heirloom: a metal bat. Besides, it matched with Badd's current image as delinquent punk kid. In which could be frightening enough once he becomes full-fledged Yakuza Boss.

At school, because Garou and Badd didn't have the same class as Badd was one year younger than Garou, they would hangout on school breaktime and after school. Despite being a Yakuza's son and looking like tough kid, it doesn't mean that Badd is a bully. In fact, he was the one who becomes school protector along with Garou. There's bully gang trying to pick on poor classmates? These delinquent duo would showed up and make sure they wont get 2nd chance to do that again at all (everyone didn't know what exactly Garou and Badd have done but clearly they put the fear of god into those bullies effectively).

After school, they were either hangout on local diner/family restaurant/cafe/ice cream parlor/game arcade depends of their moods, so they could still living their live as normal teenagers for awhile. Or immediately went home at Bang's dojo to do training routines. Sometimes Badd and Garou training separately, sometimes they would sparring with eachother. Most favorite time was everytime they're trying on new techniques onto eachother in sparring session at training field, while Bang supervising them the whole time from dojo's main building entrance.

When Garou and Badd weren't in training hours, they spend time to do their own hobby as a form of relaxation. Garou likes to study in Bang's library or writing poems, whereas Badd have a fondness on cooking or baking to try out his mother's recipes, Zenko often joined him, too. Sometimes whenever Badd has difficulty on studying for exams, he always comes to Garou for help, so he ended up as Badd's tutor. In exchange, Garou asking Badd to cook for him since his cooking is delicious, thus Badd making special lunchbox for Garou as the payment.

Imagine after both of them graduated from highschool, Bang with the entire Badd's family alliance clans holding an inauguration ceremony for Badd. Badd was officially becomes the Yakuza boss and the leader of his family clan, taking his family legacy as the survivor. Then Garou pledged his loyalty for Badd as his bodyguard during the ceremony, vowed to be always be on Badd's side for the rest of his life and would never betrayed him at all cost.

Imagine Garou kneeled before Badd when he pledged his loyalty. And as soon as Garou finished his vow, he took Badd's hand and kissed his knuckle softly. Then looking at Badd with so much adoration yet there's hidden fire in those golden eyes, his trademark smug grin slowly showing on his handsome face. If Badd didn't fully realized he was in the middle of inauguration ceremony, he would thinks Garou was proposing him! Not a bad thought, actually. Maybe someday Garou would do that, if it was allowed. Nothing can stop Badd from hoping.

Imagine how badass these two when they're on-duty, and their compatible dynamic is legendary among the clans. Everyone who is Badd's family subordinate really admired and respected them wholeheartedly. Not only both are very strong equally, they're also charismatic in their own way.

Badd is a good and kindhearted leader despite looking rough on the outside, but never hesitated to show the frightening side if someone trying to mess with his beloved family. A feared leader for the enemies, but a loving leader for the family. Also very protective for Zenko and Garou. Has the alias as "Metal Bat" regarding his choice of weapon during the battle. His "Fighting Spirit" would be activated as the ultimate power only when it was in a very necessary time, but enough to put a fear onto his enemies. Not very good at delivering speech at meeting but always has the best motivational words. Secretly in love with his own bestfriend a.k.a. his bodyguard. Badd has 2 kind of tattoos: Dragon tattoo on his whole left arm and Phoenix tattoo on his back.

Garou is a total monster when in the middle of combat, especially when it comes to protect Badd, Zenko, and their entire family. Have excellent sense to detect any assassin who tried to target Badd and would eliminated them in a matter of second. Basically the Best Guardian ever. That's why their enemies would call him as "Human Monster" based on his strength and abilities to fight. But even a "monster" still has the pure and softest heart for Badd, and only Badd. Have a soft spot for any underdog and bullied kids. Garou was kinda spokeperson for Badd since he's better at delivering speech than Badd. Garou has 2 kind of tattoos: Oni/Demon tattoo on his left torso and Wolf tattoo on his back.

Zenko is the "Princess" among the family clans, but that doesn't mean she couldn't participate on being badass. She was very intelligent and the most sophisticated person among the three. Also learning battōjutsu martial art for self-defense, it's always fascinating seeing Zenko training using real sword so elegantly. Really adores her big brothers, yet never hesitated to slap some sense onto them when they're being such dumbasses. Very proud of what Badd has becomes. In the future after reaching adulthood, Zenko has 2 kind of tattoos: Cherry-blossom tattoos on her whole right arm and Samurai tattoo on her back.

Both of Garou and Badd also taking Tareo as a part of their family, after saving Tareo's family from being the enemy's hostage in a war between clans. Thus, Tareo becomes Zenko's BFF and possibly also a great trusted advisor for Badd's family in the future. Admired Garou very much. Garou inherited most of his knowledges and nerdy side to Tareo, hoping they would be useful someday. In the future after reaching adulthood, Tareo has 2 kind of tattoos: Koi tattoo on his whole right arm and Lotus tattoo on his left arm.

Imagine Garou and Badd had been mutual pining the whole time, but managed to keep it down so their family and subordinates wont noticed. Once Garou successfully confessed his romantic feeling for Badd (very awkward but sweet nonetheless), in which Badd accepted immediately, they're having a secret relationship behind the family's back. Because they didn't want to cause a ruckus between the clan family just because the Boss is currently doing lots of scandalous things together with his own bodyguard for every single day. Also the fact that Badd the Boss is the bottom most of the time, since he prefers to have Garou being an aggressive top (but there's no way Badd would never be submissive, as he always serve the good challenges for Garou to prove who's Boss).

Eventhough the family hadn't know yet about their "scandalous things", they could see how affectionate Badd towards Garou and vice versa. It's almost like those two men are lovers instead of only boss-bodyguard or bestfriends.

The way Garou being so protective for Badd, the way Badd patching up Garou's battle wounds, the way they're always looked so harmonious on fighting side-by-side in combat, the way they're gazing at eachother whenever they think noone noticed, the way Garou always kissing Badd's knuckles everytime they were going to clans war, also the way Badd kissing Garou's forehead as a blessing, the way they looked so happy when spending off-duty freetime together doing whatever they like at the moment, etc.

All of those proving that whatever relationship Garou and Badd have together is already beyond what the family members could imagine.

One time the family finally found out their nature of relationship was when Badd gotten hurt seriously after failed attempt of assassination, done by the order from another leader of clan who eventually becomes a traitor in the alliance. Garou was a second too late on completely protecting Badd because he didn't expect that there was a traitor among the family alliance. Knowing Badd was hurt sent Garou in berserk mode as he annihilated all the rest of traitor's assassins in the building, while Badd's family taking care of their unconscious Boss.

The whole betrayal angered the entire alliance members, especially Badd's core family. Garou's wrath was totally understandable because he was the closest person for Badd, seeing the devastation he caused upon the traitor clan. Zenko was in rage once she knows who was betrayed her big brother, she almost going to execute that person by herself with her own sword. Bang, who had seen this kind of assassination happened twice on Badd's family, and already considered Badd as his own son, in a silent fury immediately arranging what punishments the traitor clan would get.

The traitor clan was punished severely, and its leader was executed on the following day. Badd still resting in his home, in which guarded securely by his subordinates. Zenko was helping the caretakers to heal Badd's wounds, worrying for her big brother's condition. Garou never leaving his bedside, his hands holding Badd's hands as he quietly apologizes profusely for letting Badd hurted, for nearly losing Badd because of his own carelessness. Garou was ready if Badd wants to punish him, anything will do to get his forgiveness.

Regaining consciousness a little bit after hearing Garou's long rambling, Badd weakly ordering him to shut up and stop apologizing, because there's nothing wrong with Garou. In fact, Badd was actually grateful for Garou's good reflex to prevent the assassination from being 100% successful. That's why Badd still survive and alive, soon to be back being the Big Boss again. He smiled tenderly to reassure Garou, the hands that Garou was currently holding caressing him back.

If Garou still a small weakling kid like back then, he would be sobbing pitifully seeing his only bestfriend almost died. But now as a full-grown adult and the strongest martial artist, he just silently crying out of relief having his secret lover smiling brightly for him.

Just like a Phoenix, Badd wont die too easily, always regenerating fast and reviving again so he can comes back stronger than before. As Badd said, "Death is just a flesh wound, you can totally revive through fighting spirit and have another go!".

Wiping Garou's tears away with his hands, Badd whispering a "Thank you" for him. He cupped the bodyguard's cheeks before trying to get on sitting position, which Garou quickly supporting Badd's back by pulling him closer with his arms so he could sit properly on the bed. Now that they're facing eachother, Badd slowly reduce the distance between them until he could kiss Garou softly on the lips.

Garou was so happy to have Badd in his arms again, without any hesitation he reciprocated the kiss so it would go deeper, one hand still supporting Badd's back while the other caressing his nape, pulling the Boss even more closer than before. As the kiss becomes intimate, Badd humming in joy while his arms encircled Garou's neck, never letting him go.

They both were deep in passionate moment to notice that some of their family members saw the entire thing from the window, or from the door when the others wanted to relay the meeting report to Garou so he could tell it to their Boss. But since they were already in their own world and looked so happy, they just backed off silently and keeping the secret for the sake of the Boss. Or trying to cleanse their minds because it was "too much information to see".

Despite their status, with Badd as the infamous Yakuza Boss and Garou as his monster bodyguard, the family wont mind about their love life. As long as Garou keeps their Boss happy, why not? They both deserved everything best in their life..

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---- THE END ----

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Notes:

I'm so sorry for spawning another dumb AU headcanon again! And for working on completely impromptu writings instead continuing current WIP aaaah I can't focused enough my mind was going everywhere-- 😫😅🙏💦

Originally I was currently working for webcomic headcanon feat. short haired Fedex man (or mover?) Garou and tired Neo Heroes Badd, but something happened irl made me stressed out for whole 2 days nonstop. My mind was like a bottomless pit full of darker thoughts, I tried to think something anything so I wont be too focused on those thoughts. Hufff..

Then suddenly, this headcanon was born! Idk why I got this idea but I saw a Batarou fanart when scrolling through my phone gallery, it has nothing to do with Yakuza things but it sparked the whole idea! It was just Garou and Badd wearing matching Boyfriend Jackets™ with delinquent-esque tattoos motifs on the fabrics, with Badd resting on Garou's thigh while they're holding hands, both blushing brightly. I wish I could show you all but I forgot the source, since it was older fanworks from a Batarou Japanese artist on twitter 😢

I even trying to search what's popular tattoos motifs for yakuza members, and which one that matched their position/personality/depiction. It was kinda fun, imho.

Did you notice that tattoos placement for Badd and Zenko are mirrorring eachother? And that the tattoos motifs on their arms = their images (Dragon and Cherry-blossom, respectively), on their back = their way of life (Phoenix and Samurai, respectively)? Or Garou's tattoos, Demon on the front = his mask/job, while Wolf on the back = his true nature as both predator and protector? While Tareo's tattoos, Koi on the right arm = his soft and loving nature, Lotus on the left arm = his life journey to reach his full potential?

Also because I like the image of Zenko handling a sword like a badass, I was researching which sword martial art that suits her, both to self-defense and also to combat in emergency times. After looking through the types of sword martial art, I choose battōjutsu since it looks awesome yet still so elegant! Kinda punny when Badd choosing to use bat (literal bat) for fighting, whereas Zenko using battō (swordmanship) for fighting. Both words has similar pronounciation in Japanese, lmao! 😆

I hoped you enjoyed this AU, despite I know this wasn't impressionable enough as usual I'm so sorry. This idea was only done for 1 hour, another 1 hour to edit so it would coherent enough, so the quality was not quite good enough.. 😔 And after re-reading for several times, I just realized that I reused many elements/dynamic from my WereVamp AU welp, there goes me not being a creative person, already proven several times hhhh 😓

If there's anyone who wants to say something about this AU, please let me know. I'm always happy to receive some feedback even for the smallest, it's okay 👀💦👉👈 Also if anyone interested to use this Batarou AU, I will gladly rolling out the red carpet for you~ 👍❤❤

Thank you always for: @hiro-gari, @the-goddessfighter, @kaincuro, @garous-nipple, @jusqu-une-etudiante, @guby1620, @lovelybutnot-ablankcanvas, and @personne-tmblr, also all of Batarou shippers in the fandom! Thank you for always putting up with me on my lowly stupid af writings, I LOVE YOU guys! 😚❤💜💙💖💝💐

Wished me luck I can bounce back from the depression soon (I haven't getting any sleep for a whole day by the time I wrote this sentence ehehehe), and I hope you have great days, guys. Thank you all.. 🙏🙇💕💞💖🌼🌻

-Little1993lamb-

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~Lilia:

dw I gotchu😉 it’s opm_small_dduck on Twitter, their art is amazing ✨ I knew exactly which one u meant, definitely sets the tone for this hc!!

YAAAS tho I LOVE this AU! Especially them growing up together and having a reliable partner while being raised to fill their unique roles AWWW. They’ve had each other’s backs since the beginning and nobody better mess with them! Big Boss Badd 😤 it suits him so well 👏

The scene at the end tho 🥺 agh, I can imagine how shitty Garou would feel if something happened to Badd under his watch 😖 even if there was nothing he could have done to prevent it, he’d still be all emotional about it... Just might make out with the Yakuza Boss in front of his family without a second thought.., 🤷🏻‍♀️💗

And yes omg I’m love the tats!! The symbolism 👌 you nailed it!! Sword wielding Yakuza Zenko though 🙇‍♀️ Queen. Yes.

Thank you so much for this anon!! Hope you are getting some sleep 😩💖 LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU😚

[getpregnant-blog1]

5 Tricks for Eliminating The Golden Handcuff Syndrome

New Post has been published on http://www.karanschmidt.com/2019/05/09/5-tricks-for-eliminating-the-golden-handcuff-syndrome/

5 Tricks for Eliminating The Golden Handcuff Syndrome

5 Tricks for Eliminating The Golden Handcuff Syndrome

This is a phrase I learned just recently, and I thought it so apropos! The "Golden Handcuff Syndrome" refers to the all-too common problem in today's work … too many people in the wrong job because of fear, lack of self-knowledge or pure laziness. Often we get into a job because it has good benefits, a great paycheck, or for the respect we'll gain from peers and family. These reasons tend to land us in jobs that over time, lose their interest for us, and we find ourselves walking numbly to work each day, wondering how we got to this point in our lives. But from our childhood, we've been programmed to find a job, no matter what. Especially in this economy. It is ever more essential to find a job, and if you have one, to stay in it – regardless of how little it fulfills us. That never seemed to be the point.

What we've all forgotten, bosses included, is that a person who works in a job because they have to, will under-deliver up to 50% compared to a person who is in a job because it engages their natural skills and interests. This is a known fact, and yet employees continue to pursue or stay in jobs for the wrong reasons, and bosses continue to go along with it. Who cares, as long as there is a body in that position and they're doing a reliably marginal job? Besides, it takes too great investment of time and money to train someone new, or to rearrange your work.

But is it worth it ? What if I give you simple tricks that you can employ to tap into each employee's natural skill set (or your own), thereby increasing their engagement at work and your productivity? Not only will the employee feel fulfilled in their job, but their boss will be more than satisfied with their work. In fact, most bosses report a huge upswing in work ethic, company loyalty and attitude. It's a simple matter of helping another person perform duties that match their natural skills and interests. Much like putting a fish back in water, giving a person an opportunity to undertake tasks that are a natural fit for them, causes increased fluency, greater efficiency and enhanced skill. A fish was never meant to walk on dry land, and we were never meant to be good at all tasks.

The fact that we're not "good at all tasks" is commonly referred to as areas of "weakness." We've been sold a bill of goods with the idea that we need to strengthen our strengths and improve upon our weaknesses. Well, our weaknesses take so much time to "improve," that we never have time to focus on "enhancing" our strengths. It's hard to improve upon something that you were never meant to do in the first place. Does a hammer do a good job tightening a bolt? Then why do we try to tighten bolts, when we're meant to pound nails? Does your job feel like this 90% of the time? No job can fit you perfectly, but there are jobs out there that can put your natural skills and interests to good use 80-90% of the time. My good friend told me that she "sits at work all day, feeling her wasted potential." Yuck! She worked for a company that had a job that she was interested in, but they were not giving her the chance. Does this sound familiar?

There are lots of reasons why someone might have lost interest in their job. Some, like my friend, may have learned over time that the ever-promised promotion was never going to happen. Others may have never liked anything to do with their company, and have become fed up with the sacrifice of personal passion for personal security. Whatever the reason, it is time to turn inward and make yourself the priority. Yes, even over your pay, the benefits, and the respect of your peers. As you've learned, those things are not worth the sacrifice of living in a job that does not suit you. And that's exactly what you're doing, living … because the amount of time we work at our jobs takes up the majority of our lives! Did you know that you were not put here to make money? You were put here for a reason that is unique to you, so it's time to figure out what your uniqueness is, in order to gain clues as to what you're here to dor.

Whether you are an employee or an owner / manager, you can tap into these tricks and maximize either your work or your work efforts! But first, you've got to be willing to invest the time and attention to figuring this stuff out. It will not come easily or quickly … you must be patient, but I guarantee you that the results will be as thrilling as finding the right key amidst hundreds, that unlocks the treasure's door!

You may have noticed, by focusing on yourself, that there are activities that engage you and energize you, just as there are activities that drain you and make you want to take a nap! The more we allow ourselves (or our employees) to focus on the areas in which we are enthusiastic, the better performance we will see! Watch yourself over the next few days and make a list of those specific job duties that engage you the most. I liken it to a spigot in your side. There are some activities that open that spigot wide and let all your energy and emotion drain right out; whereas other activities shut the spigot so that energy is maintained and even increased! So … what activities do you do on a daily basis that keep your spigot mostly closed to closed all the way? What activities do you do where your spigot is wide open, and all your energy and enthusiasm is gone shortly?

Think back to previous jobs … when were you most excited about work, and about which activities? Often, by scanning our past, we can add more activities to our above lists (those that give us energy and those that drain energy), in order to get a more complete picture about the jobs that suit our natural skills and interests the most. When did you receive the most kudos at work in your past, whether from co-workers or bosses? What jobs were you doing that wave you a spring to your step, or put a smile on your face? It's okay to think back even to high school days, as your natural skills have always been with you and do not change over time.

A BIG indicator of jobs that suit us are those fly by. All of us can recognize that there are job activities that seem to take forever; ones that typically end up at the bottom of our "to do" list! Thereas, there are other jobs that we require tackle – even before we bother writing them down, because they seem to take no time at all (even though hours could pass you by), and they seem to take no energy. As we talked about before, they maintain or even add to your energy. So what job activities, whether current or past, make it to the top of your "to do" list and fly by, regardless of the amount of time you need to invest?

I want you to put your imagination caps on … I know, you are an adult, but still this can be a valuable exercise. I want you to sit still and imagine for a moment putting yourself in the shoes of those around you, whether co-workers, family or friends … or even co-workers from your past. When have you been aware of someone else's job that sounded exciting to you? When have you heard about or seen someone doing a job that piqued your interest? Often, the jobs that we are traditionally drawn to, are also jobs that we have natural skills for. So what are your dream job activities, remember to be specific … not job descriptions (titles that include LOTS of jobs), but rather individual job activities?

I always say that if you're looking for a job that suits you naturally, you should look to the combination of your natural skills and passions. So, what you have to ask yourself, again whether you're a boss or an employee, is what skills do I naturally express? Now, this is a hard question for lots of people, because it looks so wrong to compliment ourselves! But you can relax, because everyone is naturally skilled at something. We will not get anywhere with this exercise until you can honestly say, "Yes, I have natural skills and this is what they are …" Only in that way can you or your boss tweak your current job responsibilities to fit you better , and that is the objective here! So, let me give you some tips as to how to clue into what you're naturally good at, and you can do this to yourself or you can ask these questions of your employees:

When do people compliment you, and you find yourself shaving your shoulders and saying, "Oh, I've always done that," or "That's just me," or my favorite … "Anyone can do that!" The point is that not everyone can, that's WHY they're complimenting you! To them, you've done them a huge favor, where to you it feels like you've done very little – because it comes so easily to you ! This is a clue.

What do you do for work (whether past or present) where you also feel passion, or a great deal of interest, excitement or curiosity?

What are you doing when you are completely engaged at work, without thought of what happened five minutes ago or what will happen the next day? In other words, when do you not have to force yourself to stay focused at work, whether in your current jobs or old jobs?

What are you doing when you notice that the fatigue you felt before you came to work has dissipated? This even works with illness or grumpy moods. Some activities are so cool to us, that any negative feeling neatly dissipates as we engage in the work in front of us.

That's about it, folks! These are great ways to re-engage yourself or your work force in the job at hand. Often, it just takes a few, minor adjustments to get someone back on board in your company, or to renew your own energies at work. I highly recommend you print this article and share it with your boss and co-workers. Why not share the wealth? And in time, we'll have more and more people engaged in what they do, happier bosses and more productive companies, providing greater services to their customers and so re-energizing this economy!

Go to it! And have fun creating more space for you in your life!