Friday, June 10, 2022

Exhaling with Fingers Crossed

Today, being nearly the end of the school semester, is the last day for Sam at his cafeteria job - at least for a little while. 

Every year there's been a break between when his job wraps up at the end of the regular school year and when the summer meals program begins. This year though, things have been a little more in limbo.

This year the school system has not only a new Superintendent but also a new head of the Food Services Department. Between the two of them, someone came up with the bright idea of having every single one of the food service workers re-apply for their current positions. 

I won't bother comment on how this completely undermines any loyalty on the part of a long-term, highly productive, cohesive and skilled workforce - and how a move like this completely undercuts all the things most managers strive for.

What I will say, which should also obvious, is that it does little but induce anxiety in certain people who may be genetically (or otherwise) predisposed to worry about what can, what possibly will, and what most certainly will - become a problem. I am, of course, talking not only about Sam, but also his treasured co-workers - and any dads he or those co-workers may or may not have.

But today, for the first time in what feels like forever (though it's probably been more like a week and a half), I talked to Sam's Supervisor. She let me know that Sam will be working this summer - for three days a week, beginning July 5th. 

I don't have this commitment down on paper - and I didn't think to record her for the possible court case should this fall through - but she's always been beyond great with Sam. I'm just unsure about this new Superintendent, as well as the new head of Food Services. 

So until Sam actually goes back to work on the 5th, anything can go wrong. In the meantime, I just need to keep it light and play it cool around Sam - for another twenty-four days and fourteen hours.

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