THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: work


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Working hard

It’s hump day for those working away. That midpoint that inspires hope. Maybe thoughts of making it an early weekend after Thursday have come to mind. Those meetings today don’t seem as important as the weekend weather forecast.

I guess I shouldn’t have noted that it’s Hump Day because I went out to mow my yard and the mowing deck belt broke as soon as I engaged the blades. So, I push cut for hours today. And when I say push, I mean push. I don’t have one of those self-propelled jobs.

And there are now a few more things on the to-do list. That tractor is so old I haven’t been able to find any YouTube videos on how to replace the belt. It’s at least 27 years old and as one of my best friends reminded me, I usually keep things like that till I kill it. And a belt isn’t a killer but getting someone else to do it because this almost 70-year-old body isn’t good on the ground under tractors anymore. Yes, I can do it. Yes, I could pay for it to be done. Yes, it isn’t dead. But is it smart money spent or the time and effort?

I’m beginning to think it might be time to replace it. Plus, that will give me time to fix the old one when I can get my sons help and give it to him when he gets a home with a bigger yard. Push cutting the whole lawn this size in the coming heat won’t be smart and I won’t do it.

Onto more pleasant things. Like nature which I’ve been enjoying being outside today. Let’s see, some baby snakes, many varieties of birds. Oh, and my favorite hawk buzzed the backyard. This morning was a mother deer with her fawn again. Another newborn couldn’t have been more than a day or two old. And now just after some dinner I see our woodchuck grazing in the backyard.

I couldn’t tell you all the different smaller winged objects I saw buzzing around me today. It was nice to be out, even though it was working.

In looking this guy up, I learned there are 25 types of blue dragonflies. I’m no expert so when it wasn’t a choice of two or three, I folded. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Making prints for my grandchildren is a labor of love, I do have to finish it up before they get here tomorrow.
  • These are the beautiful mid-Atlantic days of summer. Low to mid-80s, mild humidity a breeze and sun with just the occasional cloud.
  • I hear my car saying let’s go for a ride tonight. And I might just listen to it and put the top down.
  • You will have to excuse me for a bit. I have to go wash off a day’s worth of work. More madness to come later.


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Tentacles

Some days I have trouble focusing. That isn’t entirely bad, sometimes I’ve made some great strides by stepping away from the computer to the easel to the workroom, then picking up the cameras and heading out. Like this post, which I started yesterday.

It’s good when I hit a sticking point or that I complete a step in the painting and want to look more closely or think about modifying my idea. After photo editing for a few hours, sometimes I must get up and away from the screen.

Scattered impulses. Photo by Mike Hartley

I thought I would lose that feeling of being lazy if I relaxed or slept. I haven’t. And when I do those things the flashback to beat myself up over it seems to be returning.

My mind feels like it’s in a million fragments. Split between decades of warring factions for my time and efforts.

When I started to schedule my time, it worked for a bit but then it became uncomfortable. Most of my life I’ve had to be very flexible. Able to respond to emergencies at all hours. At the same time having several projects and regular duties. So, my normal comfort zone is moving from task to task, task to project, project to project, project to meeting, meeting to meeting and emergencies thrown in between each often. And the fun days of going from emergency to emergency or the best one, multiple system or network failures at the same time.

Doing the job of two people is nice job security when they are only paying you for one. Makes it hard to replace you. It also helped me at times with my outspoken personality at times. That and some good people around me, that stood up for me.

Now I’m my own boss. It might look like I don’t work as hard as I used to. But in creative ways I do and much more. I like learning, observing, thinking and practicing. While a picture or carving might be good in time when I acquire some more skills, that work before it will be significant and maybe the most enjoyable part.

As I think back to my professional career, the journey was the fun part. There were several moves in positions that challenged me in ways I didn’t know I could accomplish. Some technical, some managerial, some personal.

People made it fun along the way and I’m grateful for that. I don’t have that so far in my retirement pursuits. Not that I don’t have people around me, just not working together on my arts. That was why I was kind of excited when my granddaughter seemed to like drawing with me.

Part of the dynamic that made me better was working with others. I’m feeling the need to return to that in the future in some way.


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Obscurity

There are benefits to being a rather obscure blogger. I don’t get hate comments, so far. My grammar or images might not be the best that day, or many days. That’s fine with me because I’m learning by doing.

I’m fine with it because it’s kind of a selfish effort. I do it for me and anyone else who could get enjoyment out of it. Be it a laugh, an emotion from a picture. Or maybe a random thought that connects with someone.

I do it for my family so they might have something to reflect on later because I know they are too busy to keep up with this now.

I create in hopes that something comes together that fits in with the wonderful work I see others create with such ease and frequency.

I’ve been reminded through my professional career that it’s the journey that’s the fun part, not the destination. So, I’ll get my lunch pale, tools and gloves and get to work each day.

Put in a good day’s work. It’s always rewarding, even if you encounter a few a-holes along the way. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve always liked to work. I don’t like to refer to my hobbies as work, but they are work. I devote time and effort to them just like a job. Just with a lot more personal passion and fun, mixed with the limitations of time being a senior citizen and busy grandparent.

Sometimes in life I’ve felt obscure, almost invisible. Lots of times actually. And the older I get the more that feeling seems to come around. I guess that is why I feel okay with it. I’m cool with doing my own thing and enjoying life as I cook it up each day.


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Busy Day

What have you been working on? – Asks the daily writing prompt. Not a bad question to answer each day.

I’m working on building out my new laptop, installing software, migrating some data and working through a few issues. I let my technology knowledge lapse and I’m playing catch up.

Lots of work on editing photos from the trip to the beach and yesterday’s No Kings rally. Plus, I’d like to get out today and capture some of the change of season colors.

Writing has been a focus for a bit but I’m going to give that a break for a bit except for the blog.

Food is always something I’m thinking about and hope to be working on more. Maybe I’ll grill out today.

Just watched the sunrise on one of the Ocean City webcams

Later I’ll be working on the backyard, mowing it which I postponed from Friday.

The bottle of car wax is looking at me reminding me to accomplish that task before it gets too cold out.

What I’d like to be working on is some hammock time, some seat time in the Miata with the top down on this sunny Sunday before the rains this evening.

Back to work. Sailors returning to ship at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Photo by Mike Hartley

See others work here


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Fighting through

The last couple days I’ve started strong but ran out of energy. That old ability to light the candle at both ends and keep it burning long, seems to be fading. Yes, it still works some days, but more often than not, when I give the day a good effort for 8-10 hours, I’m getting spent.

I wouldn’t blink at working 12-18 hours in a day for decades. I wouldn’t even guess the number of 24-hour days I put in and some 36-hour ones here and there. I believe there was one 60-hour day when the press broke down, and then the inserter.

Hey, I’ll take 8-10 hours. Any day I can be productive and get an opportunity to create something, its a good day.

Partial success on one of my photo projects yesterday. Over 140 images edited and uploaded to the gallery of the 100 that were there. The end is in sight for collection of all the images of a very important subject. One that has been a joy and sorrow at the same time.

The collection of shots from my son’s first pet, one that was very loved and is missed. Step one is almost complete, going back 12 years. That’s one of my goals to finish this week. 80% done.

The next goal is to edit the 400 remaining shots from the first pass through of the Endless Summer Car Show and upload the best of those to the photo site and add a few links to share them.

One of the colors that caught my eye last weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m not intimidated by bullies.
  • Hopefully the next to last lawn cutting of the season.
  • I work with pastels, and I got some charcoals and a pad recently. Which reminded me I haven’t tried black and white photography in a while.
  • I became a better listener recently.
  • It’s grandchildren and grand-dog week.


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Working hard

I believe the saying goes “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it” if memory serves me correctly. It’s not a bad guideline to follow at times. Unless you intend to cross a drawbridge, then timing is important.

Got some cardio pushing a mower, raking and moving some wood. I have no problem keeping active in the summer, spring and fall. It’s winter that kills me. I’m like a bear and I’m inclined to hibernate.

Today washing the cars and some power washing are on the agenda. Might visit a local landscape show.

Unless we get lucky later in October, today and tomorrow might be one of the last 80-degree days of the year. So, I’m going to be outside enjoying it and soaking up some sun. And then finish the day around the firepit relaxing and hopefully enjoying the Yankee victory from this afternoon.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • My first good night’s sleep in weeks.
  • There are few things better in life than hearing your better half say medical test results were good.
  • Woodworking is fulfilling because it’s so easy to see progress.
  • To say I have an issue with the current administration would be the understatement of the year.
  • I think I’ll call my children today.
  • I’m holding down the fort. My best friends are both out of town.


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Balance and Work

I answered the question last year – In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? – In a post called Hard Work.

I reviewed that post and it’s hard to add to those reasons I felt fulfilled from work. All of them are still true today. Of course, being retired now has changed that perspective a bit.

Hard Work is tough. And when you’ve done it for decades you think about all the things you weren’t doing that seem far more important now. Things you set aside. Interest you postponed. New things like grandchildren enter your life and take the place of work. Though watching grandchildren as seniors is sometime hard work.

Hard work is always rewarding. But so are other things so keep a balance in life. From a person who has had things out of balance at times and knows what the cost is now.

A good day to get out and enjoy the sun. Photo by Mike Hartley

See other results from hard work here


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Fun work

List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter. I answered this question last year in a post called Pursuing and it’s still the same answer this year.

I will add three things I’d like to pursue each day that I’ve been slack on starting since retirement last year.

  • Volunteer at local animal shelter.
  • Make someone else’s life better each day.
  • Mentor to my grandchildren.
The dogs name is probably Blue. Photo by Mike Hartley

See others desires for jobs here


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Hear this

The daily writing prompt asks “What do you listen to while you work?” on this fine Monday morning.

In full discloser, I don’t really work anymore, or more correctly for anyone else. I work on my hobbies and interests, but I don’t look at that as work.

I do listen to a lot of music, some podcasts, and the TV occasionally in the background. On breaks I’ll step outside often and listen to nature.

Being my office is below our bedroom I listen for my better half to stir in the mornings so I can run upstairs to say good morning.

I listen to the roar of the engine while cutting grass and doing the trimming.

When I did work the sounds of the jobs were very important. An aluminum plate getting crunched and shredded or piece of film jammed in the processor. The sound of a web break on the press.

The sounds of scanners and huge reproduction equipment being moved and adjusted.

The constant roar of a datacenter computers and the cooling systems surrounding them. The endless pings of new emails, alarms, texts or calls for this or that emergency.

Of course as I matured, I realized listening to the wise people around me was far more important than talking.

But I think the thing I liked listening to the most at work was the sound of fun and laughter. I had the pleasure of being surrounded a lot by people who worked very hard but also liked having a good time doing it.

Work I did was very deadline and pressure orientated. So, a lot of us used humor to balance things out. And we all know the workplace is full of humor.

The old College Park Pressroom.
Photo by Mike Hartley

View some great replies to this question here


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Job for a day

What’s a job you would like to do for just one day? – An interesting thought from the daily writing prompt. It’s kind of funny I get up thinking that each day now.

Working for anyone, for even a day now isn’t a desire I have, but if I were I’d want it to be a fun one.

I have no idea if I have any musical talent, but I think being a Musician for a day would be a lot of fun.

Park Ranger sounds like a good gig because I like being outside in nature. Long as I can pick a nice weather day.

My better half might not be crazy about this one, but Race Car Driver sounds like something I could put my feet into.

Food Critic is something I could sink my teeth into for a day.

Ice cream shop is my idea of a job where people come in and leave with a smile. I did have a job in a ice cream factory when I was a young boy. The half gallon line. Right next to the fudgesicle and cream sickle lines.

Great ice cream. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Missing

I think I figured out what was missing in my home office. I have a small desk flag but what I had behind my office at work was a bit more obvious.

My old office at One Franklin Square used to be very near these flags. If I turned my chair around, I had a good view of them. I’d pass by them on this wall display, several times a night going up to the Editorial floors or out to the computer rooms.

They were the flags that flew outside the entrance to The Washington Post on 15th Street. In meetings on the 3rd floor from that site I would see them waving outside. I really liked the 15 Street building. It felt like a real newspaper. Even after the presses were moved out it still had that feeling.

Since my retirement just over a year ago, I thought I might have more trouble stepping away from the intensity, pressure and that daily deadline cycle of excitement. It was surprisingly easy except for the sleep issues. I don’t miss that grind. I certainly don’t miss the commute. And with the return to the office 5 days a week, that wouldn’t work for me any longer.

I feel for those friends who don’t have the flexibility they once had.

Management told me the times are changing. And they did. Ownership change, technology change, location change, personnel change, all things I’ve experienced before, many times. I changed with them for 5 decades, but it wasn’t the natural fit it always had been in the last few years.

And that’s okay because nothing lasts forever except some loves and passions. All my work experience has been great. Oh, I had bad days and ran into some bad people, but you’re going to get that just about anywhere. People can make or break a job no matter how much you love your work.

Thankfully a majority were good. Some great. I’m still in touch with a lot.

But back to what is missing. I think I’ll get one of those nice triangle frames that could hold the flag that was over my father’s casket at Arlington. I’ll put it over a nice pen and ink sketch of the Destroyer he was on in WWII. The office needs some more family touches.


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Yet another reason

I was reading this morning in The Washingtonian that The Washington Post is telling it’s staff it’s back in the office 5 days a week. Boy, am I glad I’m retired! I could never get used to going back and forth to that site after working at home for the last few years.

I feel for the people who had made a better life and avoided that horrendous commute downtown and the associated problems in working there. The cost of parking, expensive food options, crime, and other perks await them again.

That new office never felt like home anyway. I wish them all well, there are some good hard-working honest people there. For some reason, I’m suspicious of the collaboration reason and leaning more towards the control one. Just my opinion.

Also it could be a way to thin the herd being they just lost so many subscribers. Only time will tell. Hard to predict what song Jeff is telling them to sing now.

Jukebox. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Hard Work

In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? – A good question from the daily writing prompt. I feel like I touched on this in another post recently, but I’ll give it another go.

The sense of accomplishment, that I’ve done something well, important, and to the best of my ability.

As part of a team, that feeling that you pulled your weight and maybe more where everyone was successful is rewarding because of the shared sense of accomplishment which in some ways is even more fun.

Physical hard work leaves my body feeling pumped. But as I age that pumped feeling lasts a shorter time and is replaced by pain. But the mind still feels good and stronger about the hard work regardless.

Hard work for someone who expresses appreciation is a reward that strengthens the heart.

Hard work for someone who doesn’t appreciate it cuts the heart.

Hard work presents other opportunities that present more fulfillment.

Some days hard work is just exhilarating.

Being a parent and having a family is hard work. But it’s been one of the greatest rewards in life for me.

Remember hard work doesn’t always result in a win. But if you worked hard you will know that at least you had the chance and maybe just a touch more will get it next time. Photo by Mike Hartley

View other responses here.


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I bow no more

Well, I will bow before my grandchildren if they want. But not for a job anymore. And that feels liberating in many ways. Working for some was like oil and water, those days are in the rearview mirror.

The perspective change is a nice one. But it’s still very new and strange. Maybe it was just my view of the job that was a little off. I always looked at things like a partnership. But it isn’t. Some are very resistant to ideas, change, or being challenged.

I’ve been told I was rather outspoken at the job. I said what was on my mind. I wasn’t afraid to say the same thing I said to a coworker in the hall to management. Landed me in HR a few times but I have no regrets. That’s okay, I don’t have to deal with that anymore. And thankfully most of the time wasn’t negative.

I see the weight of the job and the imbalanced relationships some fostered on many people. The bigger the company the bigger the gaps a lot of times.

No more bows in this beast. Photo by Mike Hartley

I keep thinking it’s time to get on some schedule around here but I continue to wing it and I’m not upset by the results or feeling. My sleep schedule is still screwed up from many years of night shifts so that does interfere with plans sometimes. But the ride so far is nice.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Laughter and music, a good way to start the day. Grilling up some bacon was a nice addition.
  • We are about to see how educated this country is in the next election.
  • Time to get outside and enjoy the heat.
  • I think we have more kid’s stuff in the house than when we had our own kids.


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Professions

What jobs have you had? – The Daily Writing prompt inquires.

Before I graduated high school, I delivered newspapers and worked in a few kitchens and an ice cream factory. I did some drywall work for a bit.

A bumper sticker I can Support. Photo by Mike Hartley

At 18 I started in Newspapers in the Engraving department. Occasionally I’d get out to the pressroom and mailroom when they were short-handed. Next, I became the Graphics manager and then the Photo Coordinator. Then I was moved to Pre-Press Technology and Development manager and finally Systems Operations manager. This was 21 years of my life with the Times/Patuxent Publishing Newspaper group.

After that, 3 of us struck out on our own and started a weekly newspaper. I tried to learn how to sell and, that I wasn’t a salesman after a year and a half. We all wore a great number of hats being so small.

For the next 26 years, I was a Pre-Press Systems Programmer/Analyst, a System Consultant, a publishing system Team Lead for CCI, a Senior UNIX System Administrator, and a System Analyst again at The Washington Post.

Now I’m working on my passions and I don’t call that a job but it’s a fair amount of work.

Wall of front pages on 9/11/2001. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies can be found here: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1953


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Balancing act

How do you balance work and home life? – The Daily Writing prompt inquires.

I’m retired now so this is hindsight. Also, know that I’m no success story at it. But here are a few suggestions/observations.

Know yourself and what you want. Know what your home life needs. Communicate often as things change both at home and at the job. Also, recognize balance may shift from time to time. But don’t let imbalance go on for too long in one direction.

Use your vacation or holidays off the job wisely with your family. Try not to be stupid like I was and take work with you or worse yet, not use it.

Over time professional desires/goals may change. Don’t forget to communicate and include that partner/family significantly in the equation.

Do something special to break from the routine from time to time.

Lots of times both parties are busting their asses and just need a little appreciation from each other along the way but are too busy to see and appreciate it.

Find a way to turn off work when off of work.

Sometimes at different stages in life, different balances will be attempted. Maybe one partner stays home raising children when young while the other works Or as we also did for a while, one works nights and the other days and the child care is tag teamed.

If you have sick time don’t be afraid to take a mental health day if things are getting out of control.

I did work/home life balance poorly in a lot of ways and some successfully. I once turned down a manager role because I knew the hours and stress would be worse for myself and the family.

Usually, I errored on working too hard and too long which of course led to problems. On the other hand, it led to opportunities to improve the family.

Don’t forget, it’s just a job. You can get another one. You might not be able to get another family.

The best balance I had was brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I was able to work from home full-time for the last few years. The hours of life reclaimed not sitting in a car for double-digit hours a week and avoiding the madness that comes with commuting to one of the worst places in the country as far as traffic.

Best of luck to you all. All I balance now are my hobbies and home life. Most of the time they take place together so it’s a lot easier.

Family walk. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies to this daily prompt question: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1942


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Job for a Day

What’s a job you would like to do for just one day? – The question from the Daily Writing prompt today.

Getting me to think about working a job again for someone else being I just retired, even for a day is a rude question to start the day with. So let’s have some fun thinking about a job I’d love.

To, be able to play drums like Neil Peart, just for a day, and do a concert with the band RUSH.

I could see myself being a driver for those classic muscle car auctions. You know the one who brings them to the center of the stage for the bidding. I’d only last the first day anyway, getting fired for doing burnouts to the stage spot.

Lifeguards – Head and shoulders above the rest. Or at least above the umbrellas. Photo by Mike Hartley

Lifeguard, as long as I didn’t have to save anyone. – Best chair on the beach, lay in the sun all day, have pretty girls hit on you. Ah, scratch this one, I got the prettiest girl on the beach already and I’d just hurt myself getting up and down from that tall chair.

NASCAR Driver on Daytona 500 race day – in a generation 2 or 3 type car. What a way to spend a Sunday.

That’s all I got off the top of my head. I hope the roads dry off today. Seems like I need to put the pedal to the metal. Maybe that lazy Sunday and good music this morning have me keyed up and ready to Rock & Roll this foggy start to a Monday.


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Buzzing along

The land of endless weekends is where I hang my shingle now.

One of my best friends told me the other day, he has decided to work a little longer in his profession before hanging up his nameplate. It’s probably a good decision for him if he doesn’t keep extending it beyond that next point.

I’ve seen so many reactions to this next chapter in their lives. Retirement is a big leap for some. I know 2 that are close, that have to work the rest of their lives. And they certainly don’t want to. And I suspect I’ll know more along the line in that spot.

There are a few others that I think will work till they drop because either they love what they do so much or don’t know what else they would do without it.

I thought retirement would be wonderful, and it is so far. I miss work, but I don’t. I miss some people and challenges but I’m good now without any of it.

In some ways having the decision made for me was a blessing in disguise. There was a cutback at our company and either take a buyout or be laid off. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed but I got this one right.

I was entertaining thoughts of part-time work but that is out the window. The last 4 months have allowed me to get to the place I didn’t know I could be in. I’ve experienced the land of endless weekends. And I’m thriving in this role both mentally and physically.

At one time in life, I thought I would have a real problem walking away from work that I loved. I’m so glad that wasn’t the case.

I have a better view now. Photo by Mike Hartley

Some could be because I had a plan, prepared in advance. I talked to others, thought a bit, read on it a bit, and when it came time, bada bing. As the end to so many jokes go, – So far, so good.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • What others think only matters if you think it does.
  • I’ve been far less productive today than possible but I’m just as happy as if I had been.
  • I’m going to try to cook every other day this week.
  • It’s been a day without music. I knew I felt there was something odd about the day. Mistro, queue the loud Rock & Roll, please.


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Sunday dread

I woke this morning remembering how unsettling Sundays used to be. Like most people, it signified the end of the weekend. Only that in my case right after Sunday dinner, my workweek started. Which meant being up for 24-27 hours straight.

Sunday I would fit in the last of the family activities and home/yard chores into the morning and afternoon. Dinner and then work overnight till 6 or 7 am Monday. That was the beginning of my workweek.

For the last decade, I would pull an all-nighter after being up all day to flip back into night shift mode for the rest of the week. Then on Thursday at 7 am when my workweek would end I’d sleep for 3-4 hours in the morning after work. Stay up till 11 pm, sleep, and wake up the next morning, to get back into a day mode for the weekend with family and friends.

Because I quickly discovered nobody would be around to interact with me if I stayed on a night shift schedule throughout the weekend.

When I started that schedule, I was a bit younger, but in the last years, it took a heavy toll. But I knew I had to hold on to get where we wanted to be.

So here I am retired now and Sundays have returned to a normal schedule. When I get tired this evening I can go to sleep instead of war trying to flip my body and brain into some twisted switch to nocturnal existence.

Life is good again.

Hold on. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Working

Funny thing, it doesn’t seem like the start of the workweek. But it is for many that I still have regular contact with. I now look at life, day to day, instead of the previous workweek/weekend schedule.

Roadwork in Frederick MD. Photo by Mike Hartley

No end, or start, just days that I get to make of what I choose. At least till my better half rises or after she crashes. And even though it might look like work to many it’s just me having fun. Writing, photographing, drawing, carving, working on the home, or cutting our yard.

This old man washing and detailing his ride (Miata) isn’t cheap, I like doing that work. It reminds me of being young. The pride I took in polishing, motor, paint, and chrome.

It’s not that I retired young, I didn’t. I contemplated working till 70. But given my past health history, I jumped when I had the opportunity.

A couple of relatives will be retiring this year. It will be a year or two before my good friends follow me. So I will have more company soon.

I saw a recent AARP article headline that if I recall correctly said 1 in 4 seniors plan on working the rest of their life. Pew Research says 9% of those 75 and older are still working. That is way up from the 4% in 1987. And these numbers will continue to grow would be my guess.

I know a couple of people I love in situations where they will end up working the rest of their lives and not by choice. I also know some who may choose to work out of their desire or fear of having nothing to do in retirement.

I hope I can stay retired from working for someone other than myself. Well, other than doing some volunteer work in the future. Time will tell.

For those of you rising, risen, on their way, or already at your workstation, I salute you. Have a Great Day, regardless of that asshole customer, boss or coworker.

And for those of you in school for an education, suck it up, enjoy it. Work is the real bitch. And that is for those of us who love what we do.

What retirement brings me are passions, not work.


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What I miss

A few things I miss (and don’t) about a job

I miss everything and nothing about my job. And I’m fine with retirement after a few weeks.

I miss seeing some of the people as often as I did. But have replaced that and the time I had to spend with others I don’t miss, with people I like is nice.

I thought I would miss being challenged or having a manager to challenge me. Nope, I’m fine with this because I’ve often challenged myself more. And I like being in charge, for a change of pace.

I do miss being part of an organization and people that I thought were doing an important service for society. So I do have to find a way to replace that.

I do miss messing with people who think they know everything.

I miss my office chair, it’s more comfortable than my home one.

I miss watching the power plays, games, and maneuvering people do to get ahead at work.

I do miss having a second home but am relieved I no longer have to commute to it.

I do miss standing shoulder to shoulder with valued co-workers doing difficult things in difficult times. And of course, I miss the fun times and laughter we shared very much.

I miss the “thank yous” after helping people on the job. But I hope to replace that soon.

I don’t miss night shifts.

I miss the excitement of the daily news cycle and deadlines all day long causing a constant flurry of action and reactions.

In some ways, I miss the pressure of having a machine and keeping it running at all times, and if it had a hick-up we had better have it fixed before someone sneezed. No failure to publish under my watch.

I do miss sharing my knowledge with people. Helping them grow and avoid problems.

I don’t miss being stuck in Washington DC traffic or the streets trying to eat my car.

I do miss the prestige of The Washington Post nameplate. But hopefully, I’ll have enough time to be proud of the one I create for myself now.

The elevator lobby of the old Washington Post building. Photo by Mike Hartley


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A walk

I took my last walk around the building Tuesday after I collected things from my desk. A lot of people were off but I saw two very important people and had nice conversations and hugs from each of them. My better half snapped a few pictures, one of me over the main newsroom area on my last visit.

Standing above the News Desk area of The Washington Post for the last time. Photo by Patti Hartley

I never thought I would take a job in D.C. That drive is not easy in good weather and can be very long at certain times of the day. Hell, it’s a long drive through some of the worst traffic in the country. I did it for over two decades. Plus trips to the data centers in Virginia and printing plants in College Park and Springfield. But downtown was the main office for most of my career.

In one way this was a little strange. I had more of an attachment to the old building on 15th and L Street than the current office at One Franklin Square. Not that the new one isn’t beautiful and clean and critter-free, it just didn’t have the same feeling when I left the old one. And I guess rightfully so because it was more time in the old building than the new space.

But after almost 26 years it was time to go. So I got my better half a visitor pass and we went up to the office on the 6th floor. I had purged pretty well a few years back so it was pretty easy. Just a few small boxes, my sweat jacket, and a couple of hand weights.

Wandered for a few minutes and then called it a career in newspapers. Several of us are doing a Zoom meeting tonight to bid farewell. It’s been many many things to me. But it’s nice to sit here and have a smile on my face, looking back at the past and also ahead to the future.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m so happy for my Daughter today. She deserved a good day.
  • Dealing with an experienced salesman is like a swordfight.
  • I have my ink refills, time to crank up the printer again. It needed a little break anyway but now back to work, you printing press.
  • The right time to take your Christmas/Holiday lights down is when you’re damn ready to.


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All nighter

I’m in the final hours of my last all-nighter working for someone other than myself. I work, excuse me, worked an overnight shift for the last 10 years and this evening is the last one—no more night shifts in my future.

Boardwalk at night. Photo by Mike Hartley

It might take me a little bit to reintegrate with you day walkers. I’ll have to get used to being amongst more people. No more missing Sunday night football or Monday night football or any games that landed Sunday through Wednesday nights with the boys.

No night driving, no food deserts, no shady characters about.

Night shifts are like outer offices, out of sight, out of mind. But that is okay now because all that stuff is in the rearview mirror.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I got to reconnect with my daughter this week. It feels wonderful.
  • The gift of real life is coming back to me.
  • When I clock out tonight that will be a relaxing breath.
  • Tonight gives the term “Home Stretch” a whole new meaning.


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Lead – Follow

A long time ago when I was young and I managed even younger people, teaching them skills and crafts, I tried to also teach them about work and life. And how they were not only responsible to me but I was responsible and accountable to them.

I would give the example that as a manager I could have a great plan, I could sell it to superiors but if I didn’t have the belief and support and hard work of the people that were to execute it, the likelihood of success was greatly reduced. And even if it was a success and I was given credit and didn’t share it then no matter what the next great idea is, it’s doomed.

A strong leader will walk out front knowing they have the support of the staff behind them and the staff knows the leader is up forging a path for the rest to meet their goals and be successful.

I presented an environment in which we were both tied together to success and failure. That credit would be shared as a team as well as rewards. Visions like this have had mixed support from above and that is one reason of a few reasons I’ve stayed away from management.

Sometimes the real leader is within the group and not the manager. Or the manager is the leader and their boss is just the figurehead nobody believes in. I’ve worked in a couple of situations where lead technicians/admins are so far technically advanced over the manager or even their bosses that the staff knows who runs things. So if they see management not listening or working strongly with them, the results from the others will suffer when it goes into an us and them situation.

When they work as a team great things happen and I’ve seen that also first hand. That blending and appreciation for each other’s skills and what they bring to the table, the give and take that is needed from time to time, the actual support and standing behind one another when stuff hits the wall as it occasionally does. And of course, no finger-pointing. These are the groups having fun as well as succeeding.

A great morning ahead because my workweek is over and my weekend has begun.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m going to have to enlist the help of my better half in purging some of the things in our basement. She is more ruthless than me in those things. But I’m wise enough to know it needs a heavier hand than mine.
  • The pleasure of photographing sunrises and sunsets is being there.
  • If someone hits me and blames it on the autopilot, it won’t be the autopilot I’m tempted to hit.
  • Making something is important. Doing work here in the online world is making something but I need something to hold onto and exhibit other than a computer or phone screen and that is why I make prints of my photos.