Saturday, July 30, 2022

The Saturday Morning Post: If It Was Easy


 I don't write about my work, because if I do, my employment contract says my employer owns it, and I don't want them to claim ownership of Travel Penguin.  This is my flightless waterfowl.  

It has been a challenging time.  I have been dealing with some difficult and delicate budget and personnel issues, and we are reorganizing our workspace, moving people around.  One challenge was a pure surprise - something I thought I had resolved for this year- and things changed that were beyond my influence or control. One is a personal issue for a colleague that I can't do what would be best for the person and comply with "policy," and while I am flexible I keep being reminded that I need to comply with policy. One is a long term issue that has been put off for years, that I thought I was going to be able to pass off to my replacement when I retire, but the "surprise" is forcing painful decisions. There will be tears. 

I thought about retiring early, walking away and making it someone else's problem.  Or deciding now is the time to claim my health is to fragile to handle this.  

I agreed to take on this responsibility, leadership trusted me to do the job, it is time suck it up and do it. The tough parts of the job, come along with the rewarding parts of the job. There are few jobs that only bring the pleasure and rewarding parts, without the hard parts. I can't think of one. The only jobs I have ever had that had no hard parts, also had no rewarding parts unless you count $9 an hour as a reward.  If it was only about the money, I'd stop tomorrow.   

I have been working for others for something over 40 years.  I don't remember when, or for sure who it was that told me this, I was moaning about how difficult something was, and my boss simply said, 

"If it was easy, I could hire anyone to do it. 

It isn't, and that is why I hired you."  

They trusted me to be able to do this, it is time to honor that trust. 


14 comments:

  1. Wishing you all that you need to see it through.

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    1. So far things are working out.

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  2. You've got that rare condition called "The Work Ethic." It may be bothersome at times but it does serve you well, and is why your employers chose you for the job.

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    1. Thanks, at times it would be easier to be less competent

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  3. Good luck with your situation. I've been in similar situations over my career.

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    1. I think I have worked out a compromise, to prevent a worst case outcome

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  4. Well, that sucks. It's always a bummer when others have kicked the can down the road for years but you're the one it hits in the head. But I know you'll do what needs to be done and what others shirked. Good luck!

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    1. Friday I discovered another item that was overlooked, a $6,000 mistake, in the last few months of my predecessors term. I can't change it, I can only try to prevent it from happening again.

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  5. Not being good at encouraging words, I'm sending you another set of big, squishy hugs. Take care of that beautiful mind and heart of yours.

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  6. I'm burning out at work.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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    Replies
    1. I have to remind myself, why I do this from time to time

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  7. Sometimes I feel less like they trusted me and more like that just wanted someone to do the lion's share of the work and push the bullsh*t on.

    Sassybear
    https://idleeyesandadormy.com/

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  8. I read these in reverse so I know it is working OK

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