We’ll Fix it Later

In the building where I work, there are a set of elevator banks that take me to my floor. In each of the four elevators (on my side of the main lobby), every single loving one of them has at least two or more visible screws missing.

Is this a big deal? I guess, not really, when it comes down to things. Operationally, the elevator works just fine without them. I’m a little unnerved seeing these absent screws. Because it makes me wonder what else might be missing, in more critical parts of the elevator. But that’s just me.

In this particular elevator, there are a total of six screws missing (two more on the bank of lights atop the door, indicating which floor we’re on).

The first photo (above) is likely the same panel I took a photo of back in 2017. Nothing’s really changed.

I guess the lesson here for me is that some things, while they can be fixed, don’t necessarily need to be. Their fix may provide some nominal improvement, but ultimately don’t impact the core functionality critical to the system.

I work near the top of the building, so I’ve got some time to kill as I ride the elevator up. And every time I see a hole where a screw should be, I hear the slight sound of a ticking clock in the background.

And I can’t help but think that one of these days, that clock might stop ticking. Because it’s got a few screws missing.

Related:
Worse Than a Few Screws Loose
The Fix is Not the Solution
Elevators, Like God, Make No Promises
All Safe, Gentlemen. All Safe.