Plaques For The Memories

Last week we had a big working group meeting with out head honchos from D.C. I received a cool plaque showing their appreciation for me doing my job. I had my picture taken receiving the plaque and all. Today at an "All Hands" meeting the Captain (I work on a Navy Base) was supposed to present me with a Letter of Appreciation (Suitable for framing). At least that's what my supervisor said before he left on his month long vacation. I went to the "All Hands" but there was no letter. I don't know what happened there.

I never was that ambitious. I spent the first 15 years or so of my career keeping my head low, keeping a low profile, and keeping out of sight. This place can be a whore house at times - the better you perform the more you get screwed. I did my job and tried my best to keep everyone happy with what I was doing. The way to advance here is to go into management and I've never been interested in management. I have always been one of those people who try to steer the leadership from the background. It's kind of like being a manager without the responsibility that comes with the position. Five years ago my old job was moved to another state and I moved to my current position which has a lot more responsibility. I think I've done an O.K. job. I met schedules and solved problems as they came up. It took me about three years to overcome my aversion to responsibility enough get into the swing of the job.

My supervisor came to me a few weeks ago and asked me to write up a list of accomplishments and achievements over my career. This input would go into the letter the Captain would present to me. I sat down and realized that I really didn't have any major achievements. I had supported other people in their achievements. No ones fault there but my own. I submitted a rather bland description of my rather bland career. Gee, I wonder if that's why I didn't get the letter.

I feel like a walking contradiction. On one hand I don't want the attention. On the other hand I want the recognition. I guess you can't have it both ways. I do like the plaque though.