At EDS there was an older fellow named Virg. I didn't get a good sense of his age, because he was so seldom in his office. Virg drove us young bucks insane. We worked hard, did quality jobs, got paid little, and got no respect. Virg, on the other hand, apparently did nothing. He seldom came to the office, let alone to meetings. He blew off countless requests from his peers. And he was bloody exalted for it.
"Virg has seen it all," management would piddle. "He simply knows things no one else does. Is that too much work on your plate, Virg? We want to keep you happy. Give some of that to John. And here, take John's bonus. You deserve it."
The emperor was buck-ass naked, and I knew it. I had to expose him. I trumpeted the news to anyone who would listen, which was absolutely no one. Everyone adored that lazy schmuck Virg. I hated them. I hated Virg.
And then somewhere along the line, I lost my way. I started evolving into Virg. Today, I don't go to the office. I'm overpraised for contributing little. I couldn't care less about my peers if they were imaginary. I'm utterly resented, especially by young rising stars. And how does this feel? Bloody great.
I am of course no Virg, who's doubtless got his feet in warm sand at whatever beachhouse holds all the equipment he stole from EDS over the years. I can only aspire to be a percentage of him. Wherever you are, you lazy prick, hoist your mai tai and toast yourself. You are the wind beneath my wings.