I work in a factory, and the potential to move up to shift lead is all but given to me by my peers. Ive had several bosses and colleagues (who’s opinions and world views align with us) tell me I need to become the lead. The guy I would be inheriting this role from even says I’m the best fit.
However I ain’t trying to be some class traitor. I do like the thing we produce, it’s been a part of my life for my entire conscious existence. I’m a lucky sucker who followed their passion and while I’m a wage slave, seeing people, even if it is the upper class, deriving happiness from the things I make make me care about the things I produce. I do want to use this position to make the product and the workers lives better. Management already understands I side with labor more often than not.
I am really good at what I do and I have tons of issues believing in myself, but it’s hard to ignore the world telling you you got to do this.
So I’m a Team Lead/Project Manager.
I’ll preface this that it was intended to be temporary but has since been 3 years, and I’m thinking of going back to an old position or new position outside of management.
I have about 15 people “reporting” to me. I am always on the side of labour, and have yet to be put in a position where I couldn’t side with my team. I have a lot of doubt in my abilities and fear my adhd shit fucking up some of my teams work. That being said, I’ve had multiple team members tell me I’m the best TL they’ve ever had… and it breaks my heart because of how little time and energy I feel I can spend with them and for them. That the bar is this low.
My issue is constantly running my head into walls when dealing with sr management, being lead to believe me and my teams voices matter when it doesn’t, constantly having to fight the same battles month after month as they keep pushing a broken system. It’s fucking draining.
I think it’s such a perfect trap. Groom future managers who want power and a voice, have them echo the company line and everyone is happy. Or burn out the trouble ones, let them think they can be a force of change, wear them down to nothing and wait for them to conform or depart, lower the will of anyone else who sees it.
Off to work I go.
