Working for the Great State has its quirks, to say the least. As a teenager, I was well aware of the Back Room and the realities that place was the only way to make things happen. Now it seems the Back Room is denied but still running in all its splendor. I'm not sure if that means our politicians are more sophisticated or just better at disguising their deals as Public Service. Whichever, it only benefits those who Know Someone and they protect that status at all costs. Rightsizing, it was called, but now the new jobs are filled without a posting or with a posting but no interviews. Those who were Rightsized aren't considered for these jobs unless absolutely necessary (read as Highly Visible).
When I first began my employ at the Agency, the top Executive knew everyone by name (and there were thousands of everyones). Now, the Chief is rarely seen and only in the company of a selected few. She's walked past me many times without speaking, even asking directions once and never bothering to introduce herself.
The attitude pervades at all levels. No longer is there respect for managers and supervisors. There is little evidence of internal recruiting. Of course, I noticed signs of this attitude and its acceptability early on when I returned to the Great State after almost 20 years away. And it grows day by day. No regard for the human-ness of workers, or the children in our care. Those children have received consideration of their humanity only with Federal Intervention.
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