When I was younger, i loved to play chess and it helped that i was good at it.
I had a neighbor who was book learned in chess and played in tournaments,
I played for fun and did not study anything except the allowed moves.
I would regularly beat him.
I thought it was some kind of fluke, he was really into it and just enjoyed the game, so I would play others and would win way more than I lost.
I played a nationally ranked player when I was on vacation and we basically tied (1-1-1).
This is not about my ability to play chess, but I find myself in another chess game with work.
Some times it is a cat and mouse game, some times it is a game of strategy.
The other side has all the power pieces, but I seem to be making them squirm.
Today i delivered the letter from my doctor to my boss and found him squirming.
The bottom line is that they will try to do without the verification tests at this time and i do not need to come in on the week ends.
If any one challenges the tests to see if they were collected correctly or were kept at the proper temperature, there is no validation as of today and that is fine with me.
The reality was stated, "We need you here during the week and can not afford you to have a day off in the middle of the week, We will try this and see if they (the collectors of the samples) get it right."
I am leaving by 1 or 1:15 at the latest.
I feel better and I am laughing at the whole system.
Being civil service, there are limitations to what can happen.
There is a new administration coming in which is inheriting the actions taken to correct the problems found and is also frightened of the enormity of it, so much so that the political appointed position of "head of operations" (read public works here) will in all likelihood, remain on until the situation is resolved.
That gives more more bargaining power.
What is it i would really like?
The remain on in a part time capacity directing the work that the lab needs to do in the environmental area.
The easiest way for this to be accomplished?
To be allowed to retire in a disabled capacity (meaning I keep medical benefits) and be rehired in a supervisory capacity at 19 hours a week.
It has been done before and I am looking for the chance for it to happen again.
Meanwhile, the games go on and I, I am laughing!
5 comments:
Chess is okay, but it's no Carmageddon.
Joe: I really enjoy your readings....keep them coming. Olga
Chess is a good analogy to the lives we often lead. The key is that it is not us against them for they are us and we are them. Be careful in your game.
those retirement plans sound amazing, don't they? ...however..the best laid plans of mice & men..
Mark, any one who has played the game of chess knows that the best way to lose is to beat your self. Strategy in life is what is it is, always prepare for the unexpected, as well I know.
Often tho in this life there are real sides and that must be taken into account. it is not that management is "evil". but they have their needs, which are most often not yours.
It is not adversarial, but a manner of strategy to see how much of what I might want i can get, while giving "them" an offer that they make out for the best.
Convincing them of this is always a challenge.
Libby - my plans are my hopes, my worst contingency is that I quit, live on my 457K (untouched by the recession) until I am 58 and then receive my pension which would be 60% of my current salary.
I would move to a place I have prepared where that will suit my needs well.
I am still in the middle of this chess game and I do not see the ending yet.
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