Keelhaul

keelhaul • \KEEL-hawl\ • verb
to haul under the keel of a ship as punishment or torture

I found this word on the DADS website. They have a daily word and occasionally I pay attention. I thought today’s was pretty fitting. Last week the commissioner of my agency called a mandatory meeting with my section. The entire hour, she kept referring to us as “a ship.” “We must keep this ship afloat.” Then I saw the word of the day for today and thought it was perfect as everyone in this unit feels beat down and scared. Everyone feels tortured here, every day. People are trying to jump ship. One person went to the COO and asked to be reassigned. Another person went and complained. Two people have given their resignations this week. I know of two other people who are desperately seeking other jobs. Then there’s my friend who is considering going back to her old job. Here I sit, wondering what the hell I’ve gotten myself into.

I did find myself in a situation where I’m making more money, which is good. My old position was posted this past week so I went and talked to my old boss. He all but promised me the position and is pretty sure I won’t have to take a cut in pay. I submitted my application on Tuesday, job closed yesterday, so I’m just waiting patiently to break outta here.

I have never heard more inappropriate, unprofessional things than things I’ve heard here. I can’t believe people are allowed to get away with the things I’ve heard and seen. If they would hire knowledgeable people as leaders, this place would be so different. I think the crap trickles down from the commissioner and maybe the newspaper should get a hold of that!