Sometimes, in our office, we feel like orphaned step-children

I have to shake my head at upper management. I really think they're trying to chase good people out. As part of the whole "realignment" process, the qualifications of Senior Personnel were identified (and that was part of the reason it took so long for my boss to get me an answer about my raise). Only three consultants have been given the distinction of "Senior" and it certainly wasn't anyone I would have expected. Apparently there's at least one person in the office who is NOT happy with the choices. So much so he about walked out when he got the news that he didn't make "Senior". Now - this is one of our best consultants. If he hasn't already been looking to get out, he sure as shooting will be now. Keep in mind, too, that in the last year we've lost seven consultants over this whole re-alignment project. That makes me think Columbus is trying to clear this office out in order to close it down. They can't come right out & do it because they "promised" us they wouldn't so now it seems like they're doing it on the sly. Which is another reason why I'm looking to get out of here. I don't want to be here when the other shoe drops.

And while I'm on the topic of "Senior" qualifications....supposedly I'm not "Senior" material. One of the "competencies" Amy said I didn't have is management-level communication skills. Ok, I can see that. But what chaps my a$$ is that Shawn, my counterpart in Columbus who is a Sr. Analyst, has the peronality of a wet noodle. Everyone in our office who's dealt with him says it's difficult to work with him. For example...when we had the changeover to our new server I asked him if he would be kind enough to write a script (mini-program) my users could run to re-map their drives & printers. Instead of taking a WHOLE FIVE MINUTES to do this for me, we spent almost an hour haggling over it! He told me to use the script he made when our old server died & just change the server name. I couldn't get it to work. He told me to try this, that, and the other thing. Back & forth, back & forth like I said for almost an HOUR. And that's typical from him! I ask him to help me find something, he asks why do I need it. One of the ladies in our office was having computer issues when I was out so she sent him an email. Instead of emailing her back or even calling her, he remoted in to her machine without warning. Just took it over when she was in the middle of something. I tell ya, if arrogance is a trait needed to become a Sr. Analyst, I'll pass!

As if things aren't bad enough, Amy suggested that I job shadow Shawn as part of my "career path" to Sr. Analyst. This has been set up for this coming Monday. The only good part of this is I'll get ~$100 in mileage expenses. I just have to keep telling myself, "It's only for one day, it's only for one day..."

I was just discussing this whole business of "Senior" qualifications with a couple of co-workers and something occured to me. The fact that Shawn is a Sr. and management feels I don't have the "competencies" to be a Sr. offends me. But hey, most of the office feels slighted in some way, why should I be any different?

Ok, deep breath. Enough of that. Lessee...last time I wrote was Tuesday morning. Nothing much happened at work Tuesday. That evening went shopping for a b-day present for Vicki, one of my friends at work. I had decided to get her a Dream Pillow since she doesn't sleep all that well. Stopped at Enchanted Moments since I know the owners (and my Vickie worked there last Christmas). The only Dream Pillows they had were $13. THIRTEEN dollars. I can make them cheaper than that! But since I needed it right away, I got it. I wonder if I could make a few to sell...

Final piece of news for the moment: I'm no longer the Baronial Chronicler! Yea! (And the people rejoiced!) I'll just have to give my time where it's appreciated.

'Til Later!