Recollection of your career

[ER Eddie]

^ lol.

Re. the "cog" thing, I prefer the word "replaceable." We're all replaceable. I don't like "cog," because it implies you are a machine part. There's a dehumanizing connotation to the word. It's as if you are nothing more than a servant of the master system. You have no brains or independent mind of your own. You are just a robot.

I don't see myself that way, and that is not how I function at work. So I dislike the term "cog." But I am certainly replaceable.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ER Eddie ^ lol. Re. the "cog" thing, I prefer the word "replaceable." We're all replaceable. I don't like "cog," because it implies you are a machine part. There's a dehumanizing connotation to the word. It's as if you are nothing more than a servant of the master system. You have no brains or independent mind of your own. You are just a robot. I don't see myself that way, and that is not how I function at work. So I dislike the term "cog." But I am certainly replaceable.

Agree. Well said.

[Gumby]

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. -- Genesis 3:19 (KJV)

[aja8888]

My career by job influence:

Cog
Cog
Military - Keep your head down!
Cog
College - study/cog/study/cog. etc - part time jobs
Cog
Leader
Cog
Cog
Business owner

That's it, all over the place.

[RobbieB]

I recollect that I'm not working anymore -

I googled myself and yup, no results.

Cog.

[Idnar7]

Had a great 31 year career with many different jobs within mega corp. Relocated from MN to TX for 14 years and home again. After six years of retirement I still dream frequently about "work" but it is mainly about visiting with old friends. Can't say I would have done anything differently.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. -- Genesis 3:19 (KJV)

That's depressing. The author should have eaten his vegetables, like his mother told him to do.

[ER Eddie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. -- Genesis 3:19 (KJV)

Seems like the OT God was against early retirement. He wanted you to sweat and toil until you dropped dead. Then he'd break out the hoover.

[brucethebroker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadbh I had a great career, but I'm over it.

I like that so much I may steal it...........

[Alan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. -- Genesis 3:19 (KJV)

A popular verse used at funerals.

No wonder folks rush down the pub afterwards.

[RISP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud Yea.... kinda a good point.... but, I remember Bell invented the telephone...

Even that is highly debatable. Personally, I think the honor belongs to Johann Philipp Reis, whom no one has ever heard about. But others have reasonable claims as well.

Personally, I'm a cog. And that's fine with me.

[kcowan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by samsterdog Although I never considered myself a standout employee, all my supervisors over the years rated me from above average through outstanding. Only the last supervisor rated me average likely based on my confrontation with him which is what eventually what made my ER decision that much easier.

I considered my evaluations to be a measure of the boss since I did not change much. Ratings from award winning 1 to one 3. Mostly 2s. All the while, my actual performance never changed. I decided in was a measure of a sympatico style with the boss.

[brett]

Years ago my employer made significant technology and consulting donations to a local institution for people with disabilities. The could not speak or write.

The computer technology and software was adapted so that the students could communicate.

I will never forget one young man. The first thing he wrote on the screen was 'they are abusing me' or words to that effect. It really hit home to all of us involved in this project the power of technology to change lives for the better and the satisfaction of working for a company that truly believed in giving back to the community. Not just money.

[jollystomper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Badger With a SAHM, I am proud that, through good times and bad, I kept food on the table while my DW raised a family. My jobs were road warrior gigs from 50 to 100% travel. Just for giggles, I also completed my MBA while working FT. So, my reflections are not so much about my career, but how I did as husband, dad, and soul mate.

+1

I have blessed that my career allowed DW to choose when and where to work. She was a SAHM when our kids were young, then got back into teaching at the college level when they were older. She has always appreciated having choice in this area.

My career also allowed us to make financial decisions such as house purchases without depending on her salary (much to the chagrin of realtors ).

The travel would be the only downside... I had positions in MegaCorp that required up to 50% travel, and I think that hurt my relationship with some of our kids that did not manifest itself until they were in their teens... fortunately we have been able to repair and strengthen those relationships now that they are young adults.

[Shanky]

I now realize when I run into those folks who have an "air of self importance", that they actually believe it.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanky I now realize when I run into those folks who have an "air of self importance", that they actually believe it.

I dont think that viewing yourself as "not a cog" automatically qualifies you having an "air of self importance".

[kcowan]

I find people that have in air of self importance are actually insecure. Some of the best executives I have known are down to earth types who do more listening than pontificating.

[nun]

Quote:

Originally Posted by I was misinformed In my case I ER'd over 2 years ago but am still pretty involved in my previous career (academic scientific research) and I feel that I am still deriving satisfaction from the preparation and accomplishments of my work life. Somehow I feel that when I completely stop practicing science, my career will still be very important to me. I rather think there may be a wide range of opinions and feelings on this among the E-R.org folks....

I had to retire to start to enjoy work again.......

I also had a career in scientific research in government and academic labs, but I was not enjoying the job I had before ER. The salary and benefits were good, but it was a bit of a dead end without many resources and continual worry about grants. I left as soon as I vested in the pension without any regrets and enjoyed 2 years of full retirement. Then an old colleague hired me to do some contract work at his startup....I work about half time on lots of fun stuff and get $100/hour.

[Shanky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danmar I dont think that viewing yourself as "not a cog" automatically qualifies you having an "air of self importance".

I never said or meant that. Sorry if you took offense. My point is that humility has become a lost art.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanky I never said or meant that. Sorry if you took offense. My point is that humility has become a lost art.

I am sorry if I misread your post, but in the context of this thread, it seemed to imply that? Humility a lost art? Like most every other desirable attibute I guess?