So it goes round .....

I remember when I was a self employed pharmacist.
I worked very hard at being amenable to the public, professional to the medics, astute with company representatives and generally ultra savvy with my peers.
They were great days: when routine blended with knowledge, training and competence expressed itself in a kind of self gratifying, arrogant smugness.
Of course, no-one was shown this face - one had to be 'all things to all men', although I don't suppose everyone was fooled by the faux humility of the day.

When I wanted time off I would have to employ a locum pharmacist who would mind the store whilst my family and I enjoyed the fruits of my labours. Sometimes these locums would be late middle aged, semi retired pharmacists who filled in here and there to help out. Grateful though I was, I never felt they could really cut the mustard any more, as evidenced by the notes they left behind warning me of dissatisfied customers, missed opportunities, unavailable stock lines - all of which I rectified within two coffee breaks of my return.

I'm now a semi-retired pharmacist, occasionally filling in so that some young buck can clear off and enjoy themself at resort or conference, leaving yours truly to mind the store.
I now leave notes and unfinished jobs in my wake, secure in the knowledge that when the proprietor returns, all will be sorted out within a couple of coffee breaks.

Funny old thing - life!