I entered my second quarter century working for the Southern Standard this week, marking 26 years in the same job.
Frankly, the way I see it, 26 years is a long time for anything and, you can look at my longevity in two distinctly different ways. First, and likely most positively, you can look at it as Duane being a loyal employee who committed to an employer and has stayed. On resumes, not that I’m putting out any as far as you know, I should be a dream employee given my longevity and the fact I’ve missed just five days due to illness in all that time (most due to that kidney stone a few years ago).
However, on the flip side of the coin, you could also say Duane has no ambition to improve his standing since I’ve remained in the exact same position for all these years.
“Don’t you want to be promoted and climb the corporate ladder?” you ask.
Hey, I’ll take more money but I don’t really want to aspire to the next rank up, that being editor. First off, it’s way too much responsibility and my dream jobs have always been Vice President of the United States of America or backup quarterback to Tom Brady. Sure, I’d like the notoriety and money but I don’t really want to have to do a lot of stuff.
“How about other jobs? Have you tried?” you also ask.
I actually interviewed at the Myrtle Beach Sun Times back in 1998. Our old editor here, Steve Wildsmith, convinced me to go out and take a look at the place. They were needing an actual crime and courts reporter, not a fluff-piece writer, so they, of course, called me. They flew me out, wined and dined me (no kidding, not a meal under $20 and put me up in a Marriott complete with a peephole) and then made me an offer. We couldn’t meet on the money so I turned down the job.
Since that time I’ve interviewed for one other job and didn’t get it. I suppose someone else was better qualified. Imagine that.
As for my rank all time here at the Southern Standard, I hold the record for longest tenured reporter under Morris Corporation ownership. However, there was a long history, dating back to 1879, before Morris acquired the Standard. I’m told Rayford Davis is likely the only person in history to serve as a reporter here longer than I have. Before you ask, Chuck Dodson was here 21 years, as he inscribed on my old desk. I've outlasted more than 20 sports reporters in my time while avoiding becoming the sports reporter during all of those vacancies.
As for overall employees, I’m third in seniority here behind publisher Pat Zechman who has been here since 1979 but actually began in 1967. I’m also behind Phyllis Vanatta who has been here since 1987.
So, what’s does all this seniority get me? A paycheck and a cup of coffee. Literally, they buy the coffee for us down here.
Standard reporter Duane Sherrill can be reached at 473-2191.