Various roles we play
There are times I truly enjoy my job, when I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Other times I loathe my career choice and one of the many roles I fulfill. Today is the later.
The role I despise, being an efficiency expert. In this role I analyze a company's assets (human and capitol), work flow and management information system utilization. Once I'm finished with my analysis, I prepare a report with alternatives on how to reduce expenditures while increasing productivity and asset utilization. In other words, I'm a chainsaw consultant.
I roll in and make nasty decisions management doesn't have the spine to make. In most cases there are several degrees of separation, this go round that isn't the case. I've worked with this company for the past six years. This week was the first time I'd been asked to wield the chainsaw.
When I hand over my report tomorrow three or four people will be moved from office to production capacities, positions made obsolete due to training and utilization of newly implemented software. Another five to eight people will be thinking of me when they're filling out unemployment paperwork next week. All people I've shared at least one or two meals with.
I've never been fully comfortable with this facet of my job and probably never will be. If you're looking for me later this evening I'll be at the bar answering to el bastardo.
Ouch. Damn, sorry....
If I could I'd buy you a round at that bar tonite.
Posted by: Tammi at August 17, 2005 08:43 PMYikes! It's sad that a nice guy like you has to be the scapegoat for spineless mangagement. Sorry, phin...
Posted by: The Big Sister (who's 5'4") at August 17, 2005 11:16 PMSo what you are saying, in reaility you are one of the Bobs, but this time you had to do more than just fix the payroll glitch this time.
Having to tell somebody bad news sucks!
Posted by: Mustang 23 at August 18, 2005 03:02 AMHave a margarita for me too, Phin! I'm right there with ya...feel free to whine;-)
Posted by: sadie at August 18, 2005 04:18 AMThat definitely sucks, but it's not your fault the company cannot manage themselves!
Posted by: Theresa at August 18, 2005 08:54 AMWow. That's a bummer.
Wonder what would have happened if one of the people you recommended for elimination (or consolidation of positions) was the person that laid all this on you?
Posted by: basil at August 18, 2005 11:36 AMWow. That sucks. But boy, can I relate! I was the Quality Assurance B**** at a plant for 4 years, so I know your pain. I only have one piece of advice: Keep telling yourself, "It's not personal, it's business."
It's not personal. It's business.
Posted by: Phoenix at August 18, 2005 12:33 PMI know this is hard to beleive coming from someone who spent a considerable portion of our chidhood trying to brain you with various implements, but you turned out to be a pretty nice guy (as opposed to the way you were then, evil middle child), and so of course it hurts. If it stopped hurting, then I'd worry abot you.
Besides, if you were "el bastardo," I would have run over you instead of our younger (but very much taller) "baby" brother.
Keep your chin up, lil bro.
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at August 18, 2005 08:14 PM(Wow, you guys are brothers?)
The job...at least you have a heart about it, and I'm sure that shows. My ex-husband did the same kind of thing and actually RELISHED that part of his job, although he would say he didn't. You could just tell by the way he talked about it. Prick. It gave him an inflated sense of self-importance, like he held the fate of people's lives in his hands. (That right there says everything about why I'm happy as hell to be divorced from him.)
Y'know, everyone's got a job to do, and someone's got to do yours. Anyone you have to "realign" (ahem) that doesn't understand it's not personal is just in denial. I know it sucks, though.
I'm glad you were able to find another solution though...never underestimate the power of a few adult beverages! ;-)
Posted by: Beth at August 19, 2005 02:56 AMTo quote, "You DICK!"
You just need to wear the WWHD wristband I sent you....
(*What Would Homer Do)
Posted by: Steve the LLamabutcher at August 19, 2005 09:45 PM
