Old Man Morgan

Sorry about yesterday’s lapse in blogging – I needed to house sit and did not have my personal laptop with me. Really not much to blog about.

Decy says she is continuing to build a base of clientele for her salon. She says that certain folks are starting to form a pattern of coming in during the week (not just weekends) and get “packages” of services when things are slow and quiet. This is very good … 1) because it is a steady stream of customers, 2) it gives the staff things to do during the slow periods, 3) it only takes a few folks each day doing “packages” to pay the daily bills.

As for me, consistent with the title of this blog, I am burning out … I have continued to work about 70-75 hour work weeks (plus commute) … even after the peak planning period. I desperately need a break … but the work keeps coming faster and faster and more work is shoved on my plate daily. Some folks (management) recognize that I am overloaded and about to crash … but at the same time the business needs are so great.

I have 30 (yes 30) days of unused vacation this year plus 3 compensation days (gift from company for hard work during planning cycle) … and I must use at least 20+3 this year. That is nearly 50% of the time between now and year end. I have 5 days scheduled next week. BUT, first I have to go to Aceh on Friday and won’t return until Sunday. Then, on Monday folks want me to attend a meeting. AND, I will need to do some phone calls every day next week – perhaps more. When I return, I will return to a fire-storm of work backlog. What kind of “vacation” is that?

Our domestic staff and Decy and being very supportive. They are doing everything they can to help me. Bless their hearts – all of them. But, they cannot give me strength, hours in the day, nor sleep …..

This week I received what was technically considered a “performance review”. I will be careful here – it was NOT from someone who takes an active interest in me and my performace. Discussion lasted about 3 minutes – it was over the phone … and wasn’t any more meaningful than what I have received the last couple of years. In fact, it wasn’t even a performance review – it just was advise that my ranking was “unchanged” in spite of my many and substantial contributions this year …. including successfully implementing our SAP system (recall I was the Startup Manager). That’s like saying “you’re still not fired, now get back to work”. Candidly, I find these events absolutely meaningless, demoralizing, and demotivating. If a person wants to give feedback this way … then they just shouldn’t say anything. This is not what the company expects of its managers. Thanks God – I look to others for true leadership and true (and honest) feedback.

I need to go. Ciao ciao. GBU.