ATOM feed
Well, I have finally decided enough is enough, and I really needed to get some mulch back around the garden, particularly the new plants I have put in. So we have had to block his exit path, or paths as it turned out, as soon as we blocked one, he created another, but I think we have finally convinced him there is no point gathering it all up if he cannot get it out of the yard, and I've taken a chance, and done some composting and mulching.
Well, guess what.. I looked out the window the other day, and who should be under the avacado tree, scratching away as if his life depended on it - no, not the daddy turkey, but the BABY...
... only not such a baby any more. We haven't seen him around much, I was surprised at how much he has grown. There is at least one other, a smaller version - we've been worried about their survival in this very urban environment, but it seems as though we could end up with a 'family'.
SOAPBOX
Whatever happened to promotion? As in job promotion?
For instance, the place I work employs a lot of people, over a thousand altogether, with offices in 3 different cities, and a huge workforce here on the Gold Coast. There is a constant buzz - people jostling for positions, trying to 'get-ahead'. There is a funnel towards the top, of course, and not everybody can get through.
I actually never meant to stay there, I took a part-time job while I was studying, that was over six years ago... I got lucky, I suppose, I was offered a position in the training team, I did that for 2 and a half years, and enjoyed it - hard work - long hours - and a lot of satisfaction... I quit that, and the senior position that went with it, to reduce my hours and take the first step to full retirement.
So I can sit back now, work my 3 days, and watch the antics. There is always some group or other going through the motions, preparing for interviews, doing skills tests, the big wait to see who got the 'job' - the frustrations and disappointments, it's good to be out of it really.
I can remember the days when it wasn't so hard, you did your job, showed your ability, and with time and patience, your turn came and you were offered the next step up the ladder. Not today though, today it's all about having to apply for that 'opportunity' - redo your resume, address the 'selection criteria' sit through panel interviews, judged by people who should already know your abilities, asking silly bloody questions about 'What would you do if?' -- 'Tell us about a time...' --
But it's that 'selection criteria' that really gets me going. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you probably haven't had to apply for a job in the last ten years. I've done a few myself, not many since I've been pretty well settled, but I've done more for Noel. Well, not done for, of course, he is perfectly capable, but 'helped' with... and that's what has brought on this little soapbox...
Noel has been given an opportunity to apply for a more senior position. Now, he is more than well-suited for the job, he has spent the last 3 years proving his ability, there is really no-one else to touch him for deserving the job, but, no - he has to 'apply'. So, we've spent the best part of this week, burning the midnight oil, filling in page after page of 'demonstrating' proven skills! How bizarre... if the managers don't already know what you've been doing, and how well you've been doing it - what's the point?
For instance, the place I work employs a lot of people, over a thousand altogether, with offices in 3 different cities, and a huge workforce here on the Gold Coast. There is a constant buzz - people jostling for positions, trying to 'get-ahead'. There is a funnel towards the top, of course, and not everybody can get through.
I actually never meant to stay there, I took a part-time job while I was studying, that was over six years ago... I got lucky, I suppose, I was offered a position in the training team, I did that for 2 and a half years, and enjoyed it - hard work - long hours - and a lot of satisfaction... I quit that, and the senior position that went with it, to reduce my hours and take the first step to full retirement.
So I can sit back now, work my 3 days, and watch the antics. There is always some group or other going through the motions, preparing for interviews, doing skills tests, the big wait to see who got the 'job' - the frustrations and disappointments, it's good to be out of it really.
I can remember the days when it wasn't so hard, you did your job, showed your ability, and with time and patience, your turn came and you were offered the next step up the ladder. Not today though, today it's all about having to apply for that 'opportunity' - redo your resume, address the 'selection criteria' sit through panel interviews, judged by people who should already know your abilities, asking silly bloody questions about 'What would you do if?' -- 'Tell us about a time...' --
But it's that 'selection criteria' that really gets me going. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you probably haven't had to apply for a job in the last ten years. I've done a few myself, not many since I've been pretty well settled, but I've done more for Noel. Well, not done for, of course, he is perfectly capable, but 'helped' with... and that's what has brought on this little soapbox...
Noel has been given an opportunity to apply for a more senior position. Now, he is more than well-suited for the job, he has spent the last 3 years proving his ability, there is really no-one else to touch him for deserving the job, but, no - he has to 'apply'. So, we've spent the best part of this week, burning the midnight oil, filling in page after page of 'demonstrating' proven skills! How bizarre... if the managers don't already know what you've been doing, and how well you've been doing it - what's the point?
Day off today (Friday, my time)... and, I plan to spend the day, umm.. in the garden... finishing the composting and mulching. Unless it rains, of course, it has been raining a bit, which is why I want to get it done now, get the benefit...
Oh, and I did do some work towards 'the new career' - started a new beta-blog 'MyWorkPlace'; currently researching what to put on it - looking for examples of on-line portfolios and resumes, this is new ground...
8 Comments
wow, your mulch must have something magical in it! That turkey sure has grown! lol..
I wish you luck on the new site for your "future career".. I hope we all get to see it.
With you on Noel's help list, he should do just fine...but what a "pita" to have to do all of that when they already know what he can do!!
Hi deslily, yes, it does look big doesn't it - it's a zoomed in picture though, you can get a better perspective if you check the size of the bricks behind him - but if I made the picture smaller (like to scale) I lost that marvellous look he has in his eye. (he, of course it might be she..)
I have finished in the garden, for now - hooray - I have to go shopping, and pick up the lawnmower from the repair shop - then I am going to indulge myself for the rest of the day, it's supposed to be a no-chore day (single day off) so I am going to come home and go visit blogs! See you shortly...
hi Della at first glance I thought was daddy turkey, but my error hasnt he grown hope you blocked all his getaway spots so you can keep your own mulch.
Regarding CVs etc., Della...they are a load of BS...always have been under whatever name they come at an given time...and they will always be. In different positions I've held, whether in my own business or otherwise, I never ever gave any credence to them. I believe in my own judgment and no amount of data will change that! Rarely did I be proved wrong in my judgments...and if I was, I knew at the time...intuition is a wonderful thing!
There is so much time wasted these days with all the unnecessary time, paper and energy because people have little confidence in their own abilities to choose another who is right for the job at hand. And they're too busy either stabbing someone in the back or watching their own backs. Well, that's in my humble opinion..anyway! ;)
Oh I am so glad I am retired and I too can look at this whole paper and time-wasting stuff from a distance and with disdain.
It says more about the lack of perception and skills on the part of the managers who dream this all up. And what about the performance appraisal hoops you need to go through annually? I think it IS good to critique yourself, but the paperwork required is so counterproductive. Despite a 15 page report to complete, our manager never did understand what our work was about. She was an outsider - promotion from within was not on!
Well, well, Turkey is not flying the nest, he's building one! Time does fly.
I know what you mean by selection criteria. It's ridiculous the hoops one must jump through to get a promotion nowadays. Like you, I'm glad to be out of it, too.
Have a good weekend.
Very frustrating, having to prove One's capabilities . As you say there is a problem if management do not already know who that person is. One could be forgiven fo assuming management themselves need replacing,( not the right persons for the job) if they are so unaware.
I do wish you well with your turkey family, as much as I love nature and all things in it, ( Well....maybe not snakes and spiders I am happier if they keep to their own side of the road so to speak.)
I have some friends who have resident turkeys, which eat all their bulbs and vegetables what they don't eat they destroy in foraging, it is not viable to turkey proof their entire property.
Hi, Della, just couldn't help notice the similarity between the turkey scratching in your beautiful garden and your Noel having to scratch through all the "mulch" just to get ahead. It's the same all over and I'm so glad I'm not the one doing the scratching anymore.
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