I wish it were under better health circumstances. Somedays I swear, my body conspires against me, especially when I have bitchin’ plans, often during weeks with a great concert on the horizon.
This week was obviously no exception, I was acting Team Manager again while my boss was in training. Not exactly a no-stress week but I’ve been enjoying the opportunities to help with my co-workers’ development. Have frank conversations on where do they want to go, what do they want to work on, etc. The hard lesson for me is letting my peers spell it out for themselves. It’s not laziness, it’s really wise; people don’t like to have orders imposed from “outside,” if you state a goal and ask for their input on how to solve it, everyone is happier with the outcome. I also work super hard to make sure they take credit for the awesome things they do. People mistake not drawing attention as modesty when all they do is gyp themselves.
Anyway, on this day, I started my 15-year journey with the struggling computer company that has now reclaimed its title as a fellow Tech Titan. Did I think Apple would transform into what it is today? No. I also didn’t think Apple would die. I figured at best, Apple carried on as a dominant force in its specialized markets; Apple is the BMW to Microsoft’s GM approach. At worst, Apple would be acquired and transformed into a division of another corporation; say how Marvel is being handled by Disney. It’s amazing what a 180 has occurred in Austin along. When people asked about who I worked for and I replied Apple, the response was “oh, that’s too bad ,maybe you should go to Dell, they’re doing great.” Now, the answer is, “Can you get me an iPhone?” while Dell isn’t looking too hot. Sadly, Michael Dell will walk away with his subsidized fortune (as the biggest welfare recipient in the state for 20 years) and thousands will get the golden handshake before it’s over.
I don’t regret much about staying and toughing it out. After the dust settled in the dot com meltdown, I never seriously fretted Apple’s future. I may have missed a couple chances to leave, work elsewhere or get in on the bottom floor with some new trend like my friend Jeremy did. Despite what the Millennials, Gen Y and fellow Xers may see as complacency has been its own challenge. Thankfully, I have been working in a constantly evolving department with some thoughtful managers, mainly some who “got me.”
Thanks everybody! I hope to have a little celebration once I have shaken off this damned head cold. I never bothered with photos last time.
On to 20? Let’s see. Right on the cusp of 15 I was headed toward being a Sr. Specialist. Nowadays, I am the Sr. Sr. Specialist and sometimes a backfill team manager. Thanks to Eddie, I may aspire to be a Team Manager after my last real opportunity was 14 years ago, things have changed for the better in my opinion.