If it really was the case that a person's ability or competence was related to how long they'd been in a particular field, the majority of people in the city and other high wealth-creating jobs would be over 50. In additional, I wouldn't be such a left-winger with such strong beliefs in redistribution of wealth, high taxation and state support..
Old Chap, you dont need education to work in the City
Its like a casino, all you need is sufficient nerve, that is why some of the best Traders weren't from Public school, but like my mate, were from the East End, made good.
Let me tell you why some Railwaymen find your posts so antagonising.
I have been around the block a few times, done most things, seen most things, got away with a lot, got caught once or twice.
One day I was given the opportunity to go on a trip, "won't be for too long" they said, "You'll be going with a chap nicknamed 'Periodical'"
"Really ?" says Old Timer, then a much younger and less wise Old Timer.
"Oh yes" they said, "He is called Periodical because he comes through the door every two weeks."
Now this job was abroad, and off went Periodical to do the donkey work as they say. Now this was a job paid for by the Banks, investment banks, I am sure you know the score. Couple of chaps go and check out how some very poor Railway administration is going to spends, these guys money. All rather simple, in and out so to speak. Hence the nickname.
Now back comes Periodical from this simple little job.
"Piece of cake" says the great man, for he is indeed a very high ranking man, indeed so high ranking that a poor Old Timer felt very intimidated even being in the great man's presence.
"I have done everything, that needs to be done" says the great man, "All you have to do is go over and just finish off what I have sketched out"...Simples as Boris Orloff would say.
OK so off goes Old Timer to this Foreign land, but does he find a happy ship ? No far from it.
The Project Manager, himself even greater than the great man is wringing his hands in despair and worry.
"The man is quite Mad" says the Even Greater Man, "Quite Mad and he has caused something of a rather nasty Political Diplomatic incident, indeed I fear we are to be thrown out of the Country"
Such was the distress.
Now to cut a long story short.
The Great Man had waltzed in, quickly looked around and reached some very quick conclusions, as was his want and way, hence the nickname "Periodical" - Never away for more than two weeks.
He had made his judgements, and these had been discussed in outline with the National Government Minister, who promptly went into paroxyms of rage.
"So, young Old Timer" says the VERY Great Man "You see our dilemma, and YOU of course are the man who will have to defend and present these conclusions, and having done so, you and I, and the rest of the Project Team shall be thrown out unceremoniously, my Country will be scandalised and my International career and reputation shall be destroyed"
Now of course there is reason and rhyme here, so just bear with me.
The Great Man had waltzed in and on the basis of his lack of understanding as to how the Railway REALLY operated, and what was REALLY happening, he came up with a series of conclusions. When I tested these against my own enquiries and conclusions a very, very different picture indeed emerged, indeed a picture that was the complete contrast to what the Great Man had decreed was necessary to enable the Banks money to be lent.
I reported back to the VERY Great Man. "Thank God !" said he, "Now young man you must produce a report that backs this up, and we must present it to the Minister"
"But what of the Great Man?" says a wonderous Old Timer.
"Ah never mind about the Great Man !" says the VERY Great Man, "He is no longer with us, indeed he shall never again be with us".
And thus a report was produced, relationships were maintained, the Banks were happy as was the Minister, and a young Old Timer was given special entry rights to the Country whenever he chooses to return, which he will do one day.
Now these days a much wiser Old Timer travels the World. He goes to Foreign Railways and meets many nice people. He walks out and about and he can see immediately WHAT the solution is !
Indeed Old Timer could become Periodical No. 2
But, he chooses not to do this, so what does he do ?
He goes and rides around in locomotives at all hours of the day and night.
He goes out with minders and walks around buts of yards and sidings.
He talks with people, and he listens.
He takes lots of photographs, and the Railway Company senior Manager;s talk in hushed terms about this mad Englishman, who loves to ride on the footplate, and walk around marshalling yards, and go and look underneath rolling stock and ask to go to wagon repair shops, and go to derailment sites.
And they wonder why he makes friends with the Maintenance Engineer and his men, why they wonder does this quite Mad Englishman, who is so very obviously in love with trains and photography do what he does ? Why does he go out on Renewals at all hours and days of the week ?, what does he get from riding with our tired old tampers, and walking out with our lengthmen when they do track walks ?
But the more Old Timer talks with people, and the more he travels around and listens, the more he realises that what he sees, what is the most obvious solution is not
always the correct solution, and he realises that what seems the most obvious is never the obvious and that the people who seem incompetent and stupid are actually very good people who are working hard to make things right.
Most importantly he learns that
no matter what it is, it is never what it seems, the solution is never so obvious or as simple as people think from viewing things from the outside
And then some weeks or maybe months later, this crazy man Englishman walks into their HQ and sits down and talks through what he has learnt and what he now understands, and he shows them lots of photographs of what is actually wrong. Most importantly in that room, he gains respect, because he has done the hard work and has understood the REAL problem. Together the real issues are addressed and everyone is happy, especially the Client Railway.
Old Timer learnt this from someone who lost their reputation and ultimately their career because they thought that they had the answer to everything based upon a little knowledge and bugger all experience.
I offer this story to you. You take it as you wish, and do with my words as you think appropriate, even if it is to throw them in the bin.
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