I thought I'd take a break from the Fan Bus, finish that some other time…
One of the reasons, if not the primary reason, for my undertaking this blog is because I would like to be a professional writer. I need a medium to hone my skills. But then, what should I write about? I'm in the IT business, have been since 1996. Why not write about that? I have some doozies I could share with you that would curl your nose hairs, or just have you shake your head in disbelief. I'm talking about the users. Without them all those computers I've supported through the years would have sat there neglected, never having been infected with viruses, or have soda spilled on their keyboards, or… But I'm getting ahead of myself - let's get started.
My foray into the IT world (Information Technology, for those not familiar with the term, or, "Welcome to Geek world") - started somewhat gradually in the early 90's. At the time I was a graphic artist at a major, national advertising firm. I typeset ads on CompuGraphic equipment and the early Mac computers, Quadra models, no less. We had our own in-house tech support guy. We'll call him Ed Mulroney (not his real name). The best and only way to describe him is he was a pothead. He knew computers, knew his way around new and emerging technologies. Too bad I can't say the same about his work ethic, knowledge of office hours, or getting to work on time - if at all. This went on for a couple of years. He was absent so frequently that I developed an interest in computer technology that I started troubleshooting our electronic equipment. Since I did not have any formal training or education in computer technology, everything I learned was through trial and error - mostly error. I went out of my way to read up on trade magazines or books, asked a lot of questions, made some phone calls, and so forth.
One day, our boss, Kathy*, had had enough. She had questions she wanted to ask about our equipment and Ed was never around to answer those questions. He never even bothered calling her to let her know he wasn't coming in. It got so bad that the staff made a game of it, started a pool - what time would he come in, would he come in at all. No big prizes here, usually just a can of soda or candy from the vending machine for the winner.
One early morning in January of 1996, Kathy got together with our production supervisor, Durwood* - they huddled together in her office. Everyone looked over in Ed's corner and guessed he was the topic of conversation since he was absent - again.
Around 10 a.m. they called an "emergency meeting" in the conference room, everybody was to attend, no exceptions. Once everybody was accounted for the bosses closed the door behind them. One of them kept looking out the window into the parking lot. We all wondered what the "emergency" was. Durwood abruptly left, so everybody stared at Kathy. It was like watching a would-be standup comedian on open-mic night at the bar - she asked how we were doing, how our families were, wasn't it a bit chilly that morning? Some emergency!
After about fifteen or twenty minutes of absolute nonsense Durwood came back, he nodded to Kathy, who then she turned to us. She announced that Ed had just been canned. It didn't come as a surprise to anyone, and we all just breathed a sigh of relief. Kathy apologized for calling us into the conference room. She explained that she wanted her staff out of the way in case Ed got "belligerent." Apparently he took it well - more shocked than anything. Durwood made sure he gathered his things, signed some papers and escorted him out of the building.
About an hour after the "incident," and as things settled back to normal, I got up and headed for Kathy's office. I had contemplated offering to take over Ed's job for some time now. I didn't think anyone would object - I just never had an opening. This was my chance, I thought. I had nothing to lose - I wanted Ed's job. I knocked on Kathy's door and saw Durwood sitting across from her desk. She asked me to come in and join them, that they were just talking about me. I came right out and told Kathy that if she didn't mind, that I would like to take over Ed's job. She had told me that that's what they were talking about, that the staff seemed to have taken a liking to me and that I did a good job of tech support. I could start my new job the next day if I wanted to. I wanted to. After going over the job description - which I already knew since I did Ed's job - we shook hands, both Kathy and Durwood congratulated me, and wished me well on my new career.
That was the start of a twelve-year tenure at that advertising agency that, for the most part, was fun. Interspersed along the way were crises, comedy, pathos - but overall, it was fun.
I have lots more to tell, but let's take a break for now.
*Not their real names.
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