It's my last weekend of break #9 as I mentally prepare for rotation #10 in PNG. You see, I've been watching true crime forensic investigation documentaries non-stop for the past few days. It's the science that fascinates me but I must say, these shows do weigh you down mentally as you try to rationalise the grisly scenes with the psyche of those murderers.
Although people keep saying "every dog has its day", I can't help but wonder if there's ever a legitimate reason to take another's life. That conundrum will remain unsolved like the countless cold cases unless we truly walk in the killers' shoes, which is impossible. After indulging in so much bloodshed in the name of science, it'll take quite a bit of mental detachment to get me back to work mode.
Speaking about work, this coming month is the one when adjustments to remuneration is made based on employees' past year's performance. I was told that my agreed performance ranking amongst all the bosses was in line with my self-assessment i.e. two levels above "meets expectations" (or "outstanding" which is the highest possible ranking) but after what they call "calibration" where I'm ranked against other engineers in the company, the final ranking was only one level above (or "exceeds expectations"). Whilst this is disappointing, at least it's an improvement compared to last year.
To make it worse, me and my back-to-back were caught in an error made by HR in which we were denied performance-based bonuses. We've fought hard to get our contracts corrected but to date have still not received definitive response from HR admitting to their mistakes. It's unfortunate too that the company is notorious for cost-cutting which includes employee's wages and benefits. Sigh... such shortsightedness. It's no wonder people are leaving the company because this reorganisation post-takeover just doesn't sit well with staff from the old company, not to mention this is really wage theft by another name.
Performance-based bonuses are one thing but to me, the performance ranking is the irrefutable recognition that I want because it's one of my greatest work motivators. Hence, even if there were no bonuses, I need that ranking to reflect the truth but alas it does not, as the company doesn't recognise the value I add especially in the area of coaching and mentoring of the PNG workforce.
The new company that took over although fundamentally doesn't understand PNG as they've never operated in the country before, it nonetheless rules in a "my way or the highway" fashion. Highly frustrating as it is, I guess the consolation is that at least I know my original ranking i.e. the one that came from the bosses that I'm close to (and friends with), was right. This is the ranking that matters as only they know what I really do on site. Well, that's enough venting for now.
This month's musical offering is yet another topless cover from my all-time favourite singer Faye Wong titled "推翻" or "Overturn" (original song here), and is a track from her third album after moving to a new recording label back in 1999. It's such a pity that she has stopped releasing new albums other than movie soundtracks and the occasional numbers for special events. If she'd ever create a new record, I'll be the first in line to buy it! Here are the previous topless covers I've done in this pink shorts series: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.
As the Australian Labor Party celebrates New South Wales finally turning from a blue to red state with the election win declared today (and having a uber-hot new premier), I'll see you here again at the start of my next break!
