It makes a world of difference.

Today, someone told me, by way of after-work drinking talk, that one of my managers think that he could have been the one taking on my role as head of department.

Hmmm.

Given that this little birdie has joined us only for a few months, I don't know if this is recent or past news.

While I knew, before I joined 9 months ago, that inheriting staff hired from before my time means potential issues, it is different hearing it said. Somehow, it makes a difference -- "knowing" it intuitively vs having it said to my face.

So far, we've gotten along at work. But while he's expressed disappointment at my impending departure and made no attempt to gun for my role as my boss searches for a replacement, I don't care to know if it is because he's since changed his mind or is just presenting me a diplomatic front.

Really, what's the point when half the relationships in this world are established for the purpose of mutual benefits? Sometimes, it is worse bringing things out in the open, and serves no purpose apart from destroying so called relationships. I wouldn't have thought this way 4 years ago but my 3 years in Beijing has honed my political sensitivity, to a certain degree.

And since it really does matter to me -- "knowing" it vs knowing it, I'd rather not know it.

Labels: hmmm, macau