on being a dependable employee

There are times when I have a lot of time to think. It is then that I ponder upon many things in my life and in the world around me. After thinking and considering, I come to my own mixed conclusions.

When I listen and read comments from people discussing the lack of  available jobs out there, several thoughts begin to run through my mind. One, where, and how hard, are those commenting looking and do they really want a job? Two, if they found a job, would they work it?

 I have come to notice that there are many people out there who talk the talk about wanting a job, or about needing over time, but when it comes right down to it, they have a difficult time in walking the walk.

I work in a manufacturing plant that employs a couple hundred people. Currently, there are several departments in the plant that are running seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. There are orders to be filled and dead-lines to be met. This is no different than any other job out there. Whether one is working in a fast food restaurant, a repair shop, a health care facility of some sort or a manufacturing plant. Things can only be accomplished if those who hold the job, are in attendance.

My ponderings brought me to these conclusions.

A person is interviewed and is hired on to do a job. Unless the job is one where the person works alone, they are part of a crew. Each member with their own responsibilities. Each person contributing to the accomplishment of the tasks and goal(s)  set before them. Whether their position is at the beginning of the process, in the middle or in the completion. Each position no less important than the other.

Once hired, the new employee is trained for the position. The amount of time this takes  depends on the job and the new employee's abilities. While this person is in training, there is someone who is with them, overseeing their work. The new hire is being critiqued in their attitude, their aptitude, and their sense of responsibility and dependability among other things.  While work is still being accomplished, it is not on the same level as the experienced workers.

When the employee has reached a level of competence where they can be on their own it frees up the trainer for other responsibilities. They are then an actual component in the process. How well the company does depends on how they proceed.

So by now you're probably thinking, "Yada yada yada. yeah, I've heard all of this before." Which you probably have in one form or another. But have you actually considered how much of a problem one person missing can be?

You purchase your ticket, you sit in an uncomfortable plastic chair in a waiting area until the appointed time. You get in line, then along with the other passengers you board your choice of transportation. Carry on luggage is stowed away, everyone is in their seat, but the vehicle isn't moving. The pilot, the driver, the engineer hasn't shown up and didn't bother to call to let anyone know.

Everyone has arrived for the banquet. They are seated at tables perfectly presented with fine china, silverware and crystal goblets. The aroma of an amazing meal is drifting into the room from the kitchen making everyone even hungrier. But the doors do not open and no food appears as the chef didn't show and the main course hasn't been prepared.

You're at the hospital, you've been prepped for surgery and the medication they have administered is taking effect. You're on a gurney and you've been moved into the operating room. Possibility a) the doctor is looking frustrated as the head nurse, the one who best knows the tools of the trade, didn't show or b) everyone is looking back and forth at each other at a loss as to what to do because the surgeon didn't show up.

A classroom full of students are out of control. Some are sitting in their seat, trying to avoid those who are up and causing mayhem. Some are talking, some are throwing things, some are being a bully to the smaller, more timid students. Why? Because the teacher didn't show and didn't call.

The team is prepped, they've trained hard and long. Dressed out in their gear they are standing on the field, waiting the coin toss. They've made it to the grand daddy of all sporting events, only they may just have to forfeit to the other team. Their quarterback did not show up, they can't go with the second string guy because he's on injured reserve.

You are a part of the manufacturing process, materials are brought out of the warehouse and to your station. You decided to take an unscheduled day off and didn't call in. Unless there is someone there who knows your job, everything stalls until they can get someone in place. This is true no matter where in the process this happens.


It is important that no matter what our position in our employment, we understand that if we are going to have a job, that we be there for that job. There are others who depend on our being responsible and dependable. Yes, there is always the possibility of "something coming up" but there is also that little invention called the phone. If you let someone know, that can make all the difference in the outcome. Don't just talk the talk about wanting a job, unless you can also walk the walk and be a responsible employee.