Systemirony #1. The Non-zero-sum.

Professional Systems Thinking, on the Flawed System.

In my first article since earnestly returning once more to “The train”, maybe it will be first of a series.

Each will be characterised by a shortness of time as something incomplete, something emitted vs omitted; taking precedence over a stack of other stuff going on, that I will probably never have time to fully explain, but which hopefully will be clear to those already familiar with my previous writings in Medium.

These articles might charitably be thought of as tips of some nuggets of wisdom, much as the tips of icebergs relate to icebergs.

Motivation

A question I’ve been asked often, in response to the true account of my professional experience is “Why so many jobs? Why did you never just stick in one?”

My standard answer, as many Engineering freelancers will recognise, is that my own job is to put myself out of work. Each job is to assist in the efficient execution of an Engineering contract. The more effectively I do that, the sooner I am out of work, looking for the next contract.

Of course just putting myself out of work does not always mean a job well done. Another story for another day maybe.

If my accounts of my journey on and off of the train serve any designed purpose to readers, it is perhaps to save them some time, and maybe some pain, assisting in the realisation of…