Thinking of Retirement (R-72)

It is hard to believe that the end is closing in so quickly. Things look good and I am becoming more comfortable with the concept. Actually, I am also recognizing, perhaps "defensively," that it is time. I look around the college and realize that I am about the oldest faculty member there and older than most of the administration. Not that that is a major thing except I am less content with the current "status quo."

Twenty-two years ago when I arrived and joined a group of about 15, things were much different and moved quickly. Things work like I do - fast and according to the 80/20 rule. Get it done, useful, quick and cheap. Now, we continually try to reach perfection and effectively follow the 90/70 rule where we consume 50% more time and resources to attempt to reach perfection (100%) yet only reach 90%. Everything is about CYA and that is assured through 'outcomes' which, for the most part identify things as successful at the 80% level.

I recognize that much of this is the result of some reverse "economy of scale" function but it's not something which which I can deal, while teaching courses and keeping an eye on a staff of four and numerous student aides as we support somewhere around 4000 users as they use our 900+ computers. My priorities have to be my classes, the faculty's technologies and the students' support. It is unreasonable to work at both levels and be competent. So, I have effectively removed myself from much of the other except as a member of various committees which feed into the process.