Points of No Return

Tonight I'm focusing on a random subject for lack of better judgement. It is called a "Point of No Return." As in, once you do it/experience it, you can never go back. You know, kind of like a first kiss. Or, less naively, sex.

Er... No, I'm not going to talk about those. Silly readers.

Today I'm talking about

MANAGEMENT*

Indeed. Definitely a point of no return.

Now, before you enter management, you'll find yourself watching your own managers closely, studying them, trying to understand them. It is during these opportunities that you realize what they are doing wrong and how you would intend to fix it were you in their shoes.

Then comes the three R's.

Do I REALLY want this?
Am I READY to do this?
And is it the RIGHT thing to do?

After briefly contemplating these three sentences and weighing them against a career and increase in pay, I imagine you'd totally leap into management without a second thought.

Hmm... Guess what?

Surprise!

You see, as you take in more fiscal and job responsibility, you find the price to be the sacrifice of the likelihood of becoming friends with any of the people who work for you. There's no way to say, "Oh, hey guys! Sorry I was a manager today. You want to hang out?" and expect everyone to smile, nod, and declare that all is right in the world. In fact, if you successfully attain a hang out time, what do you really have to talk about?

1. Since you mainly know this/these associate(s) from work, common subject material...is work.
2. You do not cease to be a member of management in anyone's eyes at any time. You are and will always be the boss.
3. Wait, why don't they understand my frustrations and difficulties?! I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

Since you've taken that plunge, your ignorance of the company you work for has been demolished. You suddenly find yourself looking at business models, fiscal numbers, and various gifts to appease your own bosses. So why don't your associates know why you had to cut back on hours and pay?

It's not important to them.

Pay? Important. Hours? Important. Ice Cream Sundays? Very Important. What anything pertaining to these things actually mean? Unimportant.

You see, while you're focused on the means, they're focused on the outcome. And they have every right to do so. In fact, YOU DID, TOO. As management, it's hard to acknowledge, but you used to be that way, too. You know, in that alternate Universe you refer to as "the past." With finger quotes.

So, while you're toiling over reports, trying to explain to your boss why you didn't meet budget, and your associates are glaring daggers at you for paying them far less than they expected, remember one thing:

It was your decision. And you went beyond the point of no return.

*note: these are late night ramblings not meant to offend though they hold the potential to do so. I apologize if you are, in fact, offended.