A simple nod from an old timer in Houma stuck with me all shift

I was running a 12-inch cutterhead on a pipeline job near Houma last month and this guy who must have been 70 years old just walked up and watched me work for a minute. He pointed at how I was feathering the swing winch and said 'you're not fighting it, that's good' and walked off. Anyone else had a random comment from a veteran operator that made your whole day?

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3 Comments

rileyp493mo ago

That little bit of validation from someone who's been doing it since before you were born hits different than any safety award or pat on the back from a supervisor.

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jenniferw823mo ago

Three decades fixing boilers taught me the real praise comes from a stranger who just watches you work for five minutes.

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morganhill2mo ago

@rileyp49 you're making it sound like a spiritual experience, but it's just a guy watching you tighten a valve. That's nice and all, but a stranger's nod is about as meaningful as someone complimenting your parking job. Let's not turn five seconds of silence into a lifetime achievement award.

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