Not Happy

I am not happy tonight. I've been trying to think of ways to vent my anger and my blog seems like the best way to do it. I've just been informed that people will be switched around on all of the crews at work. That means people I've grown comfortable with and enjoyed working with will be moving to different crews, and new people will be replacing them. Yes, there will still be some people left of the old crew, but it won't be the same. With it comes a new schedule. Instead of working the 7/7/7 schedule, we will be working an 8/12 schedule. We will get an additional weekend off, but we pay for it with our other weekend days in the month (Saturday and Sunday) being 12 hour shifts. We will only have to work 5 afternoons, but still work 7 midnights and 7 afternoons. There is also an additional day off in between afternoons and nights, which will make that transition much more easier. Yes, I was in favor of the new schedule for awhile, but I didn't realize the crews would be switched around, too. This almost makes me wish I didn't vote the way I did. But then again, this personnel shuffle had been rumored for awhile. And what an excepional opportunity to change things around with the implementation of the new schedule. However, if I would've had it my way, I would rather keep the crews the way they are.

I was looking back at some of my older postings on the WordPress blog; reading about my discomfort in switching crews. I am proud to say I made the best decision when I did make the switch. The people on my crew are some of the most hard working, smart, and the best people you can possibly work with. It was a perfect mix of personalities and there hasn't been a day that I disliked working with them. Yes, there was some discomfort in the beginning, but that goes with the territory. But I can honestly say I am going to miss them when things get changed around (in two weeks). Just as I missed everyone from the crew before this one, even though I still got to see them (just at shift change). Yes, I am upset about it now, but maybe it will be for the better. It might be one of those things that takes time adjusting to. But right now, I don't feel really good about it. It comes as a shock, and it depresses me a little, too.

I will also be losing my plant operating duties, for the time being. This, as a result of an APO with more seniority being added to our crew. Another result of the big personnel shuffle. Who knows how long it'll take before I get that chance to operate again. It could be a short time, if people retire as a result of this decision. Yes, there were some adamantly opposed to this new schedule, and some that threatened to retire. We will see if this exactly happens.

This all happens on a day when I wasn't even at work! I was at my annual MSHA safety refresher at a location away from the mine. I called home to talk to my mom about my microwave dying on me (can you tell it hasn't really been a good day for me?), and then she relayed the information about all these changes taking place at work (since my dad was there today - he works there, too). First I got the news about the schedule changing, which I was happy about. But then I heard about the big shuffle, and I was shocked. Not exactly the kind of news I wanted to hear! But alas, I don't really know the exact details yet, nor do I know who we will be getting on our crew. I will find out all of the juicy details tomorrow.

Well, my initial shock and anger is starting to diminish, so maybe I am beginning to accept this decision. But it's not an easy pill to swallow right now. I am sure you'll be hearing more about this in the days to come. Looks like I will have to adjust once again to a new crew.