Bend in the Weather

This tale started back almost 10 years ago... when Pauline and I got married (many said we wouldn't make it!)

We got her an eternity ring to mark the anniversary milestone. The actual anniversary isn't until the 2^nd of May, but we thought we might have to resize the chosen ring. Luckily, we didn't so she's now walking around everywhere shoving the ring in everyone's face!

She chose it out and it looks lovely. It goes well with her wedding and engagement ring and finishes off the set beautifully. For those inclined, it's an 18ct ring, with 6 diamonds in a channel setting. (If you can't tell from the picture!)

Pauline being the shrewd shopper waited til there was a sale on, and managed to pick up a $300 discount off it. We only ever buy jewelery when it's on special, as we feel it's closer to the real price.

Pauline didn't want me to miss out for the anniversary. She really wanted to get me something.

Work is insane.... there is no other word that describes it.

Currently job loads are probably up 300-400% from 'normal operations'.   Though no additional resources have been brought in....  it's just "Get the job done".

That type of management can survive for a short period, but can never be sustained.   People are pulling 40+ hours at home ON TOP of their usual 40-60 hour week in the office. 

I've told them I'm not doing on-call...  the management thought they could pull a swifty and pay me half of what the fulltime employees get, and no penalty rates for afterhours, weekend and public holiday work.   

Looks like that's one that has back-fired in their face.     I've flatly refused to do any on-call/overtime until something reasonable is put on the table.

 Unfortunately it means the FTE have to carry the load and they are already at breaking point... so I am expecting it will hit the fan big time next week....

For a 24x7 operation it's about time they cough up the $$$s and run seperate shifts...  you can't expect people who work all day to then turn around and work all night and are then expected to return to work the next day!  I don't know what they are thinking... 

So for the interim...  I'm doing the usual 40 hour week... which suits be fine.     I can finally catch up on my sleep and remember what bed is!  

I'm just about finished my week of on-call support.

So far I've still got tonight to go and all the way through until 8:30am on Monday and I've clocked up ~28hours  (most in the wee-hours and weekend work)   -- that is on top of my normal 40 hours!

Don't expect much from me this week... I'm likely to be getting a lot of sleep!