[Prudence]

Yes, two from me today.

So, I was going to put this in the vent thread, but I'm working really hard on re-training myself to see the positive in situations. Therefore, I'm choosing to post this here.

I have finished a year in hell and it is time for me to rotate. And I actually am going to rotate, which all on its own is a happy thing, as I am so over the interpersonal drama, malicious gossip, and back-stabbery in my current assignment.

And I was all excited, because they said I could *choose* where to go next. I researched it, investigated the people I'd be working with, and went with what *THEY* -- the head of FM and minions -- recommended. I wanted to go to a central staff position instead of a wing position, to get a different perspective. The particular function I chose was cost estimating, because I was promised it's very difficult and if this past year is any indication, I'll need all the difficulty I can get just to maintain a sense that I'm doing any work at all. It was approved. Everyone was there - the Col said it was agreed.

So, turns out, they changed their minds. And didn't bother to tell me. I'm going to Cost Research instead. Now, I had very specific reasons for picking Cost Estimating - specifically that they have a rigorous 3-year training schedule and the people at the top there are universally respected and liked across base. I know nothing about cost research. I spent about 2 hours being angry -- first at them, for pulling YET ANOTHER bait and switch, then at myself for believing that they wouldn't. Who am I, Charlie Brown?

Anyhow, here's where we turn it into a good thing, which I will keep insisting makes me seriously happy, because maybe if I think it enough it will.

1) cost research is kind of a lame job, I suspect, but it sounds REALLY good on paper - specifically on my resume. In fact, as described to me by the FM people (once I found out what was up), it is the perfect addition to my clerkship application resume because it involves research, analysis, and writing up written recommendations. Which is much closer to the myth of clerking than estimating how much a new satellite will cost. This could be a big help.

2) I am now absolved of any obligation to feel loyalty toward my employer. If they put me where I wanted to go, I'd feel pretty crappy about leaving. Whether they really merited that loyalty or not, I'd feel like I owed them something. Now? HA! The bait and switch routine got really old the first year, and they have now attempted to sabotage my second year, too. I owe them nothing, and I should feel free to continue pursuing other opportunities. Since I routinely stab my own self in the back as a result of undeserved employer loyalty, this is a big deal, and a major happy. I DO NOT OWE THEM LOYALTY! YAY!