12.10.05
One exam down, and 2 to go. Fortunately the format of the evening program is such that 2 of the three exams we take in the fall semester are recalibrated to be more like midterms, being that the courses go throughout the entire first year.
Had some crunches with working out the studying and work schedules, I had some brushes with time managment issues that resulted in probably my first and only slip-up at work so far in the past year and a half. What is strange about it was that it had nothing to do with the actual work that I do, but the response I got was at the level that you would’ve thought I had totally messed up something huge. Feedback on a whole has been odd as well, leading to the impression that maybe the institution values appearances over content much more than I had originally thought.
I find this very strange logic, but not too surprising, as the nature of organizations is that they get fat and burdened with process. It is just that I can’t help but find it ironic that I am running into this line of reasoning at this place, considering what we are supposed to be doing in the bigger picture and scheme of things. Maybe it is just the growing pains involved, with what they call human resources and public administration reform and what not.
Someone once told me that promotions can be a double edged sword, in that every subordinate’s performance is reflective on his/her manager. This I think is very true, better to go with the gut. The ironic thing is that I don’t respond well to the traditional incentives of fatter paycheck or a more prestigious title, especially over something so small on the process-oriented as opposed to job-related specturm.
I suppose my motivations in life and don’t quite fit the norm of the corporate institution, maybe my work ethic is a little old-fashioned, or maybe I can draw the Amber-ire by attributing it at least in part to my cultural roots. I will embrace the eventual title change and the fat paycheck when I am good and ready to deal with the politics and responsibilites that come with it. In the meantime I have some other important long term goals to work on that may or may not cross paths with my current job. I still believe that they do, but I could be proven wrong.