Over the last months work has gone through a few changes and not all as anticipated or what I should have hoped for.

After five months working in a lovely job which I would have loved to continue in, I worked out I would be in serious trouble with the law if I did. So I asked my old manager to act as referee in my quest for another change of direction, and three weeks later she begged me to go back to my old job. Not something to be entered into lightly!

Well it comes about that in fact I have been promoted by the simple fact that the departement is so busy that the staff with a thorough knowledge of the job (making conserves) have been spread out, and now I am in charge of our shift. No wage rise though!

I have two Poles working with me, who are absolutely first rate. Then this afternoon I was asked if I would start a night shift (22.00 to 06.00 hours), and I felt honour bound to accept even though it is about the last thing I want to do. Both my Polish assistants heard this and straight away volunteered to make up the team. Only one was allowed as they have a fair idea of the job and good workers are rare enough. That made me smile to myself as I suddenly realised that not only were we getting more work out than the other shifts, but not one ill-word has passed. Patience and showing the way forward have paid off. It may be quaint, but I simply don't think being bossy and clever with people pays off, and finally, now some faith has been shewn in me, I already have a willing and apparently loyal team, even if I am to loose one of them. That was a nice feeling, and also the thought that old fashioned decentcy can still work, in a world where so many seem to want to walk over others, either equal in the hierachy, or, even more often, lower in the order. That is something I could never do.

Good night from Fredrik

Welcome to night shift Fredrik.

Nice story too, I'm happy for you, even if nights does suck!
How many will you be working in a week...?? And are they giving you extra time off to 'swing' back onto days...???

We work two weeks on, two off, out here and 12 hour shifts (6 'till 6) this is my third trip on nights in a row....
It's especially bad this time of year as you don't see daylight for two weeks!!
But hey, most of us are out here for the money and time off....so I can't complain.

Cheers,
Ali

Fredrik

In my estimation the mark of a gentleman is not his gentility but his gentleness.

Good luck.

Deane