Getting Back in the Game

Carl had been in management for many years. Unlike most folks, he loved middle management. He did not carry the ultimate responsibility but still maintained some control over his professional life. He found great joy in his work until recently. In the last few months, he became increasingly frustrated with his position in the company.

Times were changing. Decisions that had become automatic over the years were now problematic. Carl relied on marketing data and cost analysis to schedule workers, order materials, and arrange transportation. But since COVID, many of his reliable formulas did not work. His job had become a nightmare. He dealt with shipping delays, finding new suppliers, and workers changing attitudes about shift work. There were too many unknowns. The old ways no longer yielded good decisions or results. He was ready to hang it up and take early retirement.

 

It was Sunday afternoon. Carl and his wife had dinner with his Uncle Ted and Aunt Doris. After dinner, Carl and his uncle had a beer on the porch. Ted happened to mention that he was thinking about retiring early. A strange look crossed Uncle Ted's face.

 

Carl said, "Why the strange look, Uncle Ted? Do I have some gravy on my shirt?"

 

Uncle Ted replied, "Well, you do, but that's not what I was thinking about. Early retirement is a big decision. Are you seriously considering it?"

 

Carl answered, "Well, I think so. I think time has passed me by, and I just can't do the job as I have in the past. I am not sure it is worth it!" Carl then told him about his struggles since COVID. Uncle Ted listened intently as Carl dumped his whole "load."

 

When Carl finally "ran out of his story," a deep silence crept in around them. Uncle Ted was sitting with all that he had heard and had no need to speak until Ted asked, "Uncle, you were in business a long time. What do you think about my retiring?"

 

Rather than answering the question, Uncle Ted made a couple of observations. "You have been the 'expert' around the office for the last few years." Carl nodded.

 

Ted continued, "You knew the bosses trusted you. Your staff would come to you for advice." Again, Carl nodded.

 

Ted then asked, "Do you feel that you still have the confidence of the company? Do you still have confidence in yourself?" Carl didn't nod. He shook his head and said, "I really don't know. I don't think so." This time, Uncle Ted nodded.

 

Carl said, "I was the 'expert,' but things have changed. I no longer have the answers. I do not like all the unknowns in my job. And I have been doing a lot of 'seat-of-the-pants' management lately. Maybe it's time!"

 

Uncle Ted smiled, looked Carl in the eye, and said, "Patience, my boy. Patience! "He then reminded Carl of the time he broke his arm when he was 10. Until then, he had been the Pitching Ace for his Little league team. He made the All-stars and won the all-star game against their cross-town rivals. But after the arm healed, it was clear that his pitching days were over. He wanted to quit the team, but his coach, Uncle Ted, sat him down and told him that he was still valuable to the team. He was more than a pitcher. His leadership skills and work ethic were invaluable. He just needed to be patient until he found a way to contribute.  

 

Carl listened intently and remembered those old feelings when he wanted to quit baseball. Yep, that was how he was feeling now. He said, "Patience, huh?" Uncle Ted replied, "Yep, with the job, your co-workers, and especially with yourself. Look into the unknown and find the joy. It will return!"

 

Carl remembered that when he was moved to shortstop. His teammates called him the vacuum cleaner because he vacuumed up every grounder between the Pitcher and the Third Baseman. He also remembered how hard he worked to get back in the game. He braved the unknown and discovered the "love of the game." It wasn't just the pitching. He found joy in the play, his teammates, and learning new things along the way.

 

Uncle Ted sat quietly while Carl sorted stuff out. He then asked a final question. "Carl, do you love working for your company." Ted knew Carl's answer before he asked the question.

 

Carl replied, "You know I do. I guess, more importantly, I know I do." At that moment, all thoughts of retirement vaporized as Carl began discussing ways to "get back in the game" at the company. Just talking about it brought joy to a soul that had been carrying the weight of defeat and resignation.

 

Carl mused, "I need time to find a new way to contribute. It will be like starting over. Those were great days. There is so much to learn and unknown territory to explore. Yep, Uncle Ted, I just need a little patience." Uncle Ted just nodded and smiled.