And away we go…

Hello and welcome. First, a (not so) brief introduction.

My name is Kevin and until 72 hours ago, I was a people leader within a very large and successful company.

In my 13-plus years with this company, I had worked as an associate, machine operator and team lead before becoming a supervisor 4 years ago. When I became a supervisor, I started with a crew of 29 people and within a year had built it up to a team of 70. A year ago I was then offered an opportunity to transfer shifts and manage an even larger crew (92) and take a more prominent role in site activities.

I was the consummate “clutch player”, the “go-to guy”…”The Man.”

And I loved every single second of it. Until I didn’t.

From September 1st of this year until 72 hours ago, I was the only supervisor for three shifts.

I was responsible for 200 direct reports. 200 hard-working, dedicated people who had a variety of needs, from questions about their time-cards and PTO, to help with leave requests and accommodations, in addition to normal production line issues and of course, conflict resolution.

I took it all on willingly because I genuinely love helping people. For me, it has been the most rewarding part of being in a leadership position. To see people grow and improve, to take on new challenges and win…that’s what it’s all about for me.

And of course, being “The Man”, I just assumed it was expected of me.

It was all perfectly fine at first. I’d go in around 5:00AM and leave around 6:30PM, just to try and be available to as many folks as possible across all three shifts.

Then it became go in at 3:30 or 4:00AM and leave around 6:30PM. Maybe 7:00 or 7:30 some nights.

By mid-October I was sleeping an average of 3-4 hours a night, every night, working 13-16 hours per day and usually 4-5 hours on Saturdays and Sundays on administrative tasks that fell by the wayside M-F.

My diet consisted of Reese’s PB Cups, coffee and frozen pizza. I had stopped going to the gym. I was achy and sore all the time, had chronic headaches and massive digestive issues.

My decision making capabilities were drastically impaired and my patience was almost non-existent. My perception was completely and totally skewed.

It’s the above sentences which led to me losing my job. I didn’t quit. I was dismissed.

I had an argument with a co-worker and in the wake of feeling targeted and attacked, I said some things which I truly did not mean.

I explained the circumstances that led to me reacting that way, but I owned the mistake and apologized. Regardless, the company decided that after 13 years it was time for us to part ways.

While I had hoped for a different outcome and wished for a chance to make things right, I understood the company’s decision. I thanked them for all the opportunities they had given me and went my own way.

This is not a complaint about the company or a treatise about how I “got screwed.”

There will be no raging against the machine here. This is an opportunity to learn, grow and embark on a new adventure.

Y’all are welcome to join me. Thanks very much for reading.

Remember, tomorrow is another chance to be who you’ve always wanted to be.