Man o man, can I identify with you, Mr Forbes.
My work wasn't paid by labor hour.....but I too was known as a careful, thorough worker. I rec"d a folder full of commendation letters over the years from various agencies that I did projects for. Plus, the agency director asked me to undertake 3 personal projects for him.
However, for 20 of my 30 yrs I worked under 2 clueless supervisors, and alongside 2 sloppy but fast coworkers.
The tension that situation creates is amazing, isn't it?
I signed some papers, turned in my truck keys, shook hands with only the custodians in my maintenance dept.....and quit.
I still dream that I'm building things, after 30yrs, and point out things I built as we drive around the city and county. Strangely, I loved my work.
Hang in there Mr Forbes!
Stig