Night Maneuvers

I recently came across an old article in the Wall Street Journal that recounted the experiences of several night workers who made great strides in their careers by taking advantage of the situations and opportunities offered them while they worked on the night shift. And, it made me think back to my days (pardon me - nights) at the power plant, and how those shifts helped prepare me for greater challenges and responsibilities.

It was 1977, and I was a new operator at Castaic Power Plant, one of the largest pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities in the world. I worked downstairs, taking care of the turbines and generators, and I worked plenty of swing and night shifts.

Especially when working the night shift, between taking readings, making valve adjustments, and my cleaning chores, I had time to read the operating and maintenance manuals without interruption. I made my own schematics and flowcharts to help me learn.

During this time, many portions of the plant were still under construction, and one of my jobs on the night shift was to prepare some of the equipment that would be tested on the day shift. I made sure everything was properly valved, switched, and tagged. After all the paperwork was done, I had time to retrace and review all my work and catch any mistakes before anyone else could.

On the night shift, there were only a few people to help, or ask questions to, so I learned to be self-sufficient. I made careful log entries detailing all my work. And, when the bosses on the day shift arrived, there was no question as to who was responsible for the condition of my small domain of Units 1, 2, and 3, elevation 1486 to elevation 1417. I loved every minute of it.

The bosses quickly learned my name, and found my personal charts, schematics, and check-off lists. I was considered one of the strongest operators on the crew. I was soon assigned to train other operators.

But, I still struggled with the night shift. I was often very sleepy, especially between the hours of 5 and 6 a.m. Sometimes, I was even caught sleeping. But all you can do is your best, and sometimes you just slog through.

After a couple of years downstairs, I started working in the control room, and shortly after, I filled in for one of the supervisors who went on vacation. I took promotional exams, aced some interviews, and a few years before I retired, I was the plant superintendent at Castaic.

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