One of the things that I have struggled with since moving to the desert (outside of no Pho, the comic shop closing, and driving everywhere) is that people here really don’t give a shit. The work ethic in general is severly lacking.
Now, I love to slack. Love it. But I work my ass of and get my shit done, then slack. I also have a fairly high standard for completed work. So, you know if I’m busy and not slacking that I’ve got too much work on my plate and, if I miss a deadline, you need to hire more people.
But here, people slack, and then only do work when someone notices that something is not done or gets pissed. They are also clueless about what their jobs are or should be – I get a real sense that the idea that you get paid for WORK is not taught in schools here or something. I have yet to meet a real professional here.
So, in reality, I can half-ass it and still be THE top performer in any work environment. It’s fucking weird. I’m used to working with really good workers, who took pride in a “job well done” whether it was reception or client management or fucking link-farming.
It’s really been sitting on my mind-grapes of late because the people I interact with just keep getting worse and I think, “I never would have hired you and if I had (made that mistake), I would fire your ass.” And no wonder the agency recruiters I tried to get work with or through down here didn’t know what to do with me – apparently, when your candidate is more qualified than you, you ignore them and hope they go away. When the recruiter redid my resume and made me look like I hadn’t done anything but filing for the last ten years, I told that her that she made me look like dead weight, when in fact I’ve been steadily promoted until I could break off and consult, and that I’m incredibly valuable… she told me she used her resume as a template, and I responded, “Well, then, YOUR resume needs work.” Oops.
I guess I’m weird because even though skating by is okay, I prefer a challenge and a commensurate reward. But these people aren’t even skating by, they’re being dragged along.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I think Seattle was an anomaly and that we were surrounded by really smart, really driven people who did really good work. Maybe it’s a city thing. Don’t get me wrong, the people in Santa Cruz are smart, they’re driven, but it’s just…*different.* I can’t imagine how it must be in the desert.
I miss you, by the way. I also miss the Pho. We finally have a Thai restaurant here selling it, but it is going for $9.50 a bowl. No thanks! I had a really good Pho experience in Reno of all places recently.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I miss you too, Shay! Visiting Seattle without you being there was just WEIRD. Soon, we will meet up somewhere and eat some delicious pho…
January 10th, 2009 at 7:19 AM
(There are at least half a dozen Pho restaurants in walking distance of my apartment. Come over!)
I think you should consult. I think you would be happier putting your skills to use. Could you cut your hours to part time so you’d still have a steady income? Is that even something you want to do?
January 12th, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Hmmm, weirdness. Also, you playing Okami?!
January 12th, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Yes, Simon, I am playing Okami and I am LOVING IT. I just started, so I haven’t gotten too far, but I see myself really savoring this game.
January 17th, 2009 at 1:02 PM
That is rather depressing. Yes, it’s good to be better at certain things than other people so that they value you, but having talented people around makes you raise your bar all the time. This is just… weird. I’m sorry.