baptism by fire

Wow. It has been a really long time since I've sat down to write but honestly, I haven't even had the time or energy or care to even be on the internet at all. Robert made his grand exit on Monday, so the shop has been sort of mine ever since. Needless to say, my thoughts have mostly centered around cleaning up all the messes and tragedies he left and prevent new ones from popping up. Unfortunately, the past three days at work have been hell and I'm hoping that today will be different.

So this is where I apologize (again) for neglecting my blog.

I've managed this shop on many occassions for a week or more and have not endured one-tenth the problems I have since Tuesday. Somebody somewhere is trying to get rid of me, even though I haven't officially been named as the manager. Is there a jeweler's mafia? I suspect somebody wants to see me "sleepin with the fishes" as they say. I haven't given up yet. I know if the big boys at home office give me the job, they will come to see the wisdom in their decision, and soon.

Now I just have to pull out all the stops and say all the right things to convince them to promote me. I'm prety young, a little green, and have quite a bit to learn as a jeweler. Whatever concerns they have about me are valid. But I know all too well that there is much more to being a successful shop manager than simply being an old fart and a master jeweler. It really helps that my my district manager is 100% supportive of me and knows (better than I do) that I will excel in this position. Also, all the managers at the stores my shop does work for have given me their support, too. It is humbling to have so many people, many of whom I have great respect for, encouraging me and sending emails and phone messages on my behalf. It makes me want to work harder for them and do even better than I would have without their support. The downside is all the problems I have dealt with and have to take responsibility for make me feel like I'm letting all these folks down. I really don't want them to regret helping me get this job, if I do indeed become the shop manager.

So that's where my thoughts have been lately. It still may be quite awhile before I know anything for sure. I really hope I get the job. Especially since I already moved by tools and junk to the manager's bench. A bit hasty? Perhaps. But if I want this job, I've gotta act like I've already got it.