Thursday, January 29, 2015

Nothing to see here...Move along!

Yeah, if you're tired of listening to me talk about my retirement and related things, you can just move on to the next blog in your reader. It's pretty much where my life is right now and so that's what I'm writing about.

A couple of months ago I began a small project to talk to people about the ways that they have inspired or influenced me during my career/life. I have managed to talk to several co-workers, both past and present, and people outside of air traffic that have been a part of my life outside of ATC. My goal has been to express gratitude and to encourage them to continue to inspire and encourage others.


I find that I often hop on the negativity bandwagon when I talk about how much negativity there is in the workplace/church/world/where ever.
The truth is -- there are a lot of good, positive, encouraging people!

And encouraging people need encouragement!
Positive people need some positive reinforcement.

As I said in a previous post, it's a little late to be concerned with the legacy that I'm leaving.
But it is the perfect time to remind others that they are forging their own legacies each and every day.
Air traffic controllers have long and unforgiving memories. Chances are if you are a lazy, self-serving, poor co-worker today, you will keep that reputation for the rest of your career. Even if you mature and become a very positive influence in the workplace, you will still have your poor reputation haunting you.

I don't know what memories people will have of JH. The truth is that they'll rarely, if ever, think about me. By this time next week, the new normal will be one that involves the people that are there doing the job.

The same will be true for me. My new normal will not include the people that I've been working with and chances are that I will rarely, if ever, think about them. There will be a few that I will keep in contact with as we have developed friendships that go beyond the workplace. Some of those few left SGF some time ago and we still manage to keep in touch from time to time.

It's time to head to the tower for the last time to process out.
My official retirement date is Saturday, but the headset is on the hook and I have talked to my last airplane.



The controller formerly known as JH
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4 comments:

Kevin Gilmore said...

Congratulations, John! You've done it!! It's time to take the watch off your wrist and find whatever speed works for you in your new normal. Enjoy life and don't worry about getting the smile to leave your face anytime soon!

John A Hill said...

Thanks, Kevin!

eViL pOp TaRt said...

Congratulations,John! You definitely make a encouraging and positive role in your blog, and I'm sure it carried over into your days as an air traffic controller and as a minister!

Enjoy your busy retirement days!

Mike said...

Will there be fireworks at midnight on Saturday?