It has been a hectic few weeks to say the least, and for
that I apologize. Due to an insanely high work load and a complete shift in
things at work, it has left little to no time to blog. Things here have not
been the best. The organization has been losing employees in droves. Most taking
jobs going to other organizations that offer better pay with easier workloads. And
others are going to other systems that simply, “aren’t here”.
It is a very sad reality to witness great employees leave.
Some that bring a very personal touch to those in the field. Some that will
brighten up you’re the last few moments of a hellacious shift as you walk out
the door. Others were those clutch team
players that would always manage to help you get out of a sticky situation. And
then there were the few transients who viewed this place only as a stepping
stone, in an effort to go somewhere else.
I can proudly say that I have poured a great amount of
blood, sweat, and tears into the organization. I cannot make a sound decision
nor put myself before the welfare of my coworkers, because I view them to be
family. I have witnessed births, deaths, buried our own, as well as picked one
another up when they were down. I would be lying if I said I didn’t take it personally
to see the organization in this shape.
Before every shift, I pull myself together in a grand prix
style fashion… Racing through a shower and shave, while I grab spare uniforms
and sprint out the door. In an effort not to be late for work, and as I get to
the car, I realize that I forgot something. Upon the return into the house, I
am greeted by the dogs ecstatic to greet the person at the door (despite
leaving 2 minutes prior). Once gathering the remainder of my uniform, it’s time
for the pre-work phone call to the girlfriend. The commute usually allows for a
15-25 minute conversation about how much dislike other people, and how we can
enjoy the next 4 hours a week we will have to see one another between the
conflicting schedules. Once battling for the parking spot at work, it’s time
for goodbyes and the hopes that I will have enough time for one more phone call
before its time for her to sleep.
The sad part, is as soon as the phone is hung up, I am
overcome by a head pain that stems from the base of my neck, to my eyes. A
stress headache always seems to strike at that exact moment. It last for about
the ENTIRE length of my shift, and usually subsides when my head hits the
pillow the following morning. Why does it have to be this way? I ask myself
almost daily. I wish that there was an answer to this question. Is it
dedication to the organization that causes you to feel this way? Is it the fact
that you do not like watching all of your hard work go to waste? Or is it that
you know that the organization is capable of doing better, but is too caught up
in their own drama that it has an overwhelming effect on morale? We may never
know, but I can assure you, I don’t like it.
So here is to hoping that everyone can put all the nonsense behind
them, start showing up for their assigned shifts, handle the increased work
load, and we can get through this. Because this certainly isn’t the place that
I fell in love with.
