Slackers

We've all known quite a few of them. Everywhere we go, they are present. Back in school, they're the parasites who copied your homework, who looked at your answers during examinations. They're not the ones who do it once or twice out of desperation. They're the ones who do so regularly, because they believe that exerting even a little effort is a waste of precious energy. Why do things the hard way, when there's an easier way? They don't mind moving forward at the expense of others.

I once thought such behavior stayed in schools... because people who lived through life that way have no place in a professional setting--- they would get left behind. When I was in residency, there were people who hardly exerted any effort, they don't do their work properly. Some get caught and get reprimanded. Some, however go unnoticed because they know who's strings to pull, their sweet words cover up their numerous shortcomings. Our superiors think they're doing a good job, when in truth they're doing a horrible job. I'm not saying I'm doing a perfect job... weariness and fatigue has caught up with me dozens of times. I too am guilty of several "disappearing acts" because I got too tired and i could hardly function properly. But some people make up certain excuses when in truth they're just taking a break for no valid reason, out having fun while their co workers are left with the tasks they've left behind. I've grown to hate such people who only think of themselves. As if the words "sorry" and "it won't happen again" would always work. People get numb to those words when said in habitual succession. As if saying sweet nothings and giving treats could make people forget. Their effects are also diminished when done habitually. I hate continuously covering for their asses. If they fucked up once or twice, it's fine. Exposing them wouldn't do much good. you'd be labeled as jealous, insecure, bitter... if they do such a good job of covering their shortcomings, you could even be labeled a liar.

You'd expect that as people mature, their work ethics would become better. Some people, however find it difficult to change. Such behavior has become completely entwined with their personality and total worth as a person. They're destined to be scums for life.

Just last week our schedule was thrown in disarray. Two people just suddenly backed out of work, even when they agreed to the schedule for the month of March. All of a sudden, we were two men short. That means we had to go on more duties. It's fine since we earn more money, but what if we already had plans for those days? The other guy even decided to go on a sudden vacation without warning. How unprofessional is that?! If they were planning on something, shouldn't they have said something when we were making our schedule last month to avoid sudden conflicts? If they thought the work was too much, shouldn't they at least finish the work they've agreed upon and just opt out next month, since we haven't set our April schedule yet? if they thought they didn't like the work, they never should have agreed in the first place. Never mind if they found it hard to say NO to the consultant who hired us. They should have told the truth that they didn't like to work there in the first place. That would have saved us a lot of trouble. And they still have the gall to smile, acting like chums, not even apologizing indirectly, as if they've caused no trouble at all. Can't they take a hint? Could they really be that dense?!

I guess I already know the answer. Sure they are dense. They may notice the hints we're giving, but they couldn't possibly care less.

A person would have to be really numb to keep on living his life as a slacker.