Introductions and endings

Hey, I'm back. 

Did not think I would stop writing that easy.  Well a lot has happened in a week. My job like most had Layoffs.  Only my company puts a nice tag to it. They call it a RIF (Reduction in work Force).  Sounds kind of nice, almost like a bump in the road.  But I assure you if you are one of the unfortunate folks to get RIFED, its no bump. It’s more like a mountain.   A friend got RIFED this week, which got me to thinking about all the people who through RIF's and job changes  I have come a crossed over the years.   It’s amazing in the twenty odd years I have been gainfully employed how many folks have come and gone and added something to my life.  Some bad but looking back I'm happy to say more good.  And the way a person meets another for the first time does make a big impression.   When I was starting a job about 15 years ago I was in the break room and in walks the Sr. VP. Richard Mann.  He says hi my name is Richard Mann, but I prefer Dick. (TRUE STORY).  I said Hi I'm Vinny I’m the new computer operator.  Then Dick says "Vinny, what are you in the Mafia".  And like a bolt from above, I’m thinking. Did "Dick Mann" just make fun of MY name. WOW.  And now that I think of it no one ever called him Dick or Mr. Mann.  It was always Dick Mann.  Like he was a super hero.  And I’m guessing like me you are right now thinking, thats a super hero NO ONE wants a visit from. 

That job was a good one even with its strange caped crusader.  And most of my jobs have been like that.  Some better than others but I have always thought it was the tapestry of folks that make a job enjoyable or not.  Like the time I was working at Chemical company and the guard at front desk took a likening to me. Now today it would have been called a BROMANCE.  On his part not mine!  And this security guard,  lets call him Jay, because that was his name.   He would follow me anywhere just to keep the conversation going. You know the type of guy. When he was young his parents most likely tied a pork chop around his neck just so the dog would play with him.  And he would follow me into the men’s room and keep talking to me though the stall door.  One night during a fierce thunderstorm he followed me out to my truck. Still talking while I got in and closed the door. I yelled at him, "Jay you better get in before you get hit by lightning". He says "Nahh I have no metal on me". Which I replied "how about that badge that sits above your heart?"  And jay lets just say didn’t know that our company carried dental insurance.  He would down ice-cream sandwiches with no regard for his one last good tooth.

Now you all have had these types of co-worker relationships.  Yah right. Or more normal ones.  But like me if you think back you will find these types of characters in your past employment. 

And theses people are the spice of the boring work day.  So to my friend who got RIFED this week, he is a very funny guy and I will miss him.  But I’m sure he will hook up with another company in the near future.  He added fun to my mundane workday. I wish him the best.

So if you are one of the lucky ones to still have a job.  And you are out with you co-workers having a few after work drinks,  you may be in the presence of a super hero.  Here’s to you "DICK MAN". 

See ya  

Vinny.