45 Year Old Baby in In The Eye of Every Storm

When I first started with this company I work for 7.5 years ago I was a little bitty intern. As such, I didn't really feel I had much say in anything. I felt I was more or less along for the ride. That quickly changed when my manager made me feel like I was just as important as the other cogs in our respective wheel (I don't mean that in a degrading way).

I became certified in the 2 smaller operations in the area and was ready and scheduled to move on the the 3rd and main operation, that I encountered just how backstabbing people in the industry(though I guess it applies everywhere) can be. In short, I was put on the back burner for awhile(ie until the end of my internship) at the will of one person who was only looking out for themselves. By crying to boss and having me stuck at the lower operations, he'd be free to advance.

It's 7.5 years later. I'm full time at a different campus, but it's sort of the same structure. I work on a team, there are many operations to be staffed, and there are still people that will slit your throat if you'll let them (the old timers here say it's actually much, much better than the other campus')

I work in the tech industry and things are rapidly changing. This place doesn't resemble itself from 6 years ago when I started. So things are changing, new processes, people moving here and there, etc. The area I work in will be upgrading to new generation of equipment soon and I was to be the first on my team to train. Another member of the team was sent to learn a new process under protest. This was a weeks and weeks ago.

Just tonight my boss comes to me and asks, "Who's in line to train on the new equipment when it comes up?" "I am, then it's "next person". Ok, well, someone promised "45 yr old baby" that he was first, so you'll be second now. "I though "45 yr old" was dedicated to his new area? "He'll be doing half and half, same as you when you get there. "Ok."

But it's really not ok. "45 yr old baby" when to this area because it's going to be the busiest this year, so I don't see how juggling the 2 is a wise idea. It makes sense for me because it's not a whole new area, it's just upgraded equipment than I'm currently running. There is of course a long back story about Mr Baby regarding this and that which culminates with him weaseling into my training spot.

Bottom line: I'm not happy about this decision. Unlike the last time though, I don't have the mindset of being insignificant. Of having to move aside for the "big boys." Once I hit "save" I'll pack up my stuff, go back to work and tell my boss I think the idea is shit (not literally of course). I'm first in line and I'll be damned if someone is gonna shove me out of the way without a fight!

Cyanide and Gold