End of An Era

Hi Family,

An era in my life came to its conclusion this morning. There was no fan fare, no pat on the back, no one saying, “job well done”. This era came to an end with no notice of its significance at all.

I started working for Paratransit way back in November of 1994. I was hired in as a CSR. While an entry level position, doing the job properly is paramount to both company and driver profitability. Because of my accuracy, speed, and work ethic, I was promoted to midnight CSR within a few months. Many would not see this as a promotion, but I enjoyed the challenge of working alone. Also, the fact that I was paid more than any other CSR made me feel good as well.

By 1998 I was named Assistant Manager of Yellow Cab. Yellow Cab was but one division of Paratransit. Things were looking up as far as I was concerned. Though only an Assistant Manager, because I worked midnights there was no higher “authority” on duty than myself. All answered to me. This was the case until this morning.

The owner of Paratransit did not name me Yellow Cab manager when my supervisor resigned so at that time I decided that my future with the company had hit a dead end. Though I still continued to drive taxi part time, I sought full time employment elsewhere.

I worked at a number of jobs full time between 1998 and 2000. In April of 2000 I was finally able to convince my wife that I could earn as much driving a cab full time as I was working at some BS job. After many “discussions” she allowed me to show her what I knew to be true. I drove cab full time from April 2000 until October of 2002.

During the summer of 2002 one of the current owners of Selectride, Inc., formerly Paratransit, asked if I'd be interested in working in the call center from time to time. I agreed and this arrangement quickly turned into a full time job opportunity. By October of 2002 I rehired full time at the company and named Assistant Call Center Manager. I was rehired into my old midnight time slot. The owners of the company again wanted someone with my level of professionalism, experience, and business acumen manning the fort in their absence.

In May of 2005 I was promoted to Call Center Manger. Was I up to the challenge? It was all fully my responsibility now. Unlike before when I'd call my boss with a “major” problem, I was now charged with solving said problem on my own. I also had the responsibility of being in charge of and responsible for more than 2 dozen staff.

I remained Call Center Manager from May of 2005 until today 02/25/11. Last night was the last time that I'll be in charge. Last night was the last time that my word was law. Last night was the last time that I'll go to work when the sun sets and go to bed when it rises.

Last night was the end of an era...