A tell-all interview with San Francisco transit operator Mc Allen about the ups and downs of the job. "I love my work, but I do find it very challenging and it can be very stressful."
Thanks Bob and Mc. I was looking forward to this read and I was not disappointed in any way. Bob - thanks for giving Mc a voice in a forum that it might not always get heard, and thanks to Mc for his candor and clarity of observation.
Two things stick out for me. Firstly, the lack of control over time, including the split shift and vacation, must require a great deal of tolerance and acceptance. I guess Muni operators are aware of this when they enter employment, but over time that must build up a degree of pressure.
(Don't know how to edit the comment 😕) The second is the loneliness. Obvious when you think about about but I never had. I always thank my driver when I dismount but hadn't realised how important that small connection can be. I also see bus drivers acknowledging each other when they pass and that that is the best connection they have makes for sad reading. Carving out time for social connection doesn't look like it's going to get much of an audience in what is inevitably a politically driven service system, but if passengers knew wouldn't they want their drivers to have an opportunity to connect with their colleagues and share stories, good and bad?
Yeah, it's interesting. Of course, there's a lot of talk about loneliness at work lately. For me, a thought-provoking part of Mc's comments is the reminder that a worker can feel alone even when they deal with people all day long.
By the way, in the audio, Mc does talk about other co-worker interaction: "And then we ride the buses. If you work a split shift, you will be moving from one terminal to another on the bus. That will be an opportunity to talk with the operator of that bus. And that's also a great opportunity to share some time. It's a time where you get to feel a little bit of support..."
Thanks, Colin. Lack of control stands out to me, as well. For me, personally, time has always been super-important — much more than money or career advancement. I'm reminded of how grateful I should be for having the level of flexibility I want. Come to think of it, this could also be a reminder that I'm *too* demanding of flexibility. I don't know how I became such a prima donna; it definitely is not how I was raised.
Thanks Bob and Mc. I was looking forward to this read and I was not disappointed in any way. Bob - thanks for giving Mc a voice in a forum that it might not always get heard, and thanks to Mc for his candor and clarity of observation.
Two things stick out for me. Firstly, the lack of control over time, including the split shift and vacation, must require a great deal of tolerance and acceptance. I guess Muni operators are aware of this when they enter employment, but over time that must build up a degree of pressure.
(Don't know how to edit the comment 😕) The second is the loneliness. Obvious when you think about about but I never had. I always thank my driver when I dismount but hadn't realised how important that small connection can be. I also see bus drivers acknowledging each other when they pass and that that is the best connection they have makes for sad reading. Carving out time for social connection doesn't look like it's going to get much of an audience in what is inevitably a politically driven service system, but if passengers knew wouldn't they want their drivers to have an opportunity to connect with their colleagues and share stories, good and bad?
Yeah, it's interesting. Of course, there's a lot of talk about loneliness at work lately. For me, a thought-provoking part of Mc's comments is the reminder that a worker can feel alone even when they deal with people all day long.
By the way, in the audio, Mc does talk about other co-worker interaction: "And then we ride the buses. If you work a split shift, you will be moving from one terminal to another on the bus. That will be an opportunity to talk with the operator of that bus. And that's also a great opportunity to share some time. It's a time where you get to feel a little bit of support..."
Thanks, Colin. Lack of control stands out to me, as well. For me, personally, time has always been super-important — much more than money or career advancement. I'm reminded of how grateful I should be for having the level of flexibility I want. Come to think of it, this could also be a reminder that I'm *too* demanding of flexibility. I don't know how I became such a prima donna; it definitely is not how I was raised.
What a great interview, Bob. Mc Allen is honest, observant, and would love to be a regular on his route. I wish him well and success with his poetry.
What a lovely sentiment, Barbara. And I agree with all of it. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with Mc.
Wonderful interview, Bob. Thank you, Mc, for enjoying and being dedicated to your work so that your passengers can ride safely.
Thank you, Louise!