As I finish my seventh week on the job, I had this to say on Twitter recently:
And it’s true. During that first month, I’d come every day absolutely, totally, and utterly drained. I felt like all I had done was ask for help. I felt that I was mostly reacting, as opposed to being proactive.
Recently, however, I’ve felt like I’m finally settling in. Figuring things out. Being more proactive than reactive. This week has been especially productive.
(No exaggeration, earlier this week, I spent five hours in one day making travel arrangements for colleagues. I think we can all agree that making travel arrangements is something I have a little experience with.)
(Guess what else I’m the bomb at: Scheduling meetings, including meetings that involve a lot of people with complicated schedules.)
That’s not to say that I know everyone and everything, because I most definitely do not. I still ask questions every day and seek people out for advice. That said, I’ve also been able to help other people with things, which is a nice feeling. And I really like feeling more like the smart person I am, as opposed to feeling dumb and clueless.
So that’s what’s going on here. What’s new with you?
Wow, seven weeks already? I’m glad you’re settling in. Our Seamus just started a job as a bus boy. He has only worked two days, so I don’t think he knows if he likes it or not.
Glad to read this update! GO, Jen!
Just about to bid farewell to the nephews who have been houseguests for the past week. Whew!
I am the bomb at scheduling meetings with a lot of important/busy people.
I’m on Outlook and refer to it as Tetris With Humans.
My favorite is scheduling conference calls with participants in London, New York, San Francisco and Australia.
Jesus, has it really been 7 weeks since we got back from vacation?! I think I haven’t accomplished very much.
However, I’m glad that those 7 weeks have been much more productive for you!
I remember those feelings well….those feelings that reaffirm yourself, and give you your own personal feedback that you.are.doing.well. And right. Giving, not taking.
I had that very same thing in my chosen profession as a nurse. I only worked for 5 years, but those 5 years were where I learned that I kicked ass. I helped, I comforted, I got shit done. And on time. And right. It was what my personality and intuitivity (word? probably not) was made for. I have had a few scattered instances where I’ve helped (and lately, too!) random strangers when they have been in distress, and it is something I can now say, in my early 50′s, is “my calling”. A car crash happened right in front of me as I was biking down my street last week…and I did not think, I got off my bike and did the first responder stuff. A few days a ago, as I was driving down my street, I saw a neighbor crouching down next to her dog on the side of the road. I did not think, I pulled over, and asked her if she was ok..she was not. I did what had to be done. Without nary a thought to the otherwise. Getting this type of feedback is awesome, and I think what we are built for. As women. Huzzah, to you! dear Jen. It’s great to be a piece of the puzzle that fits.
Ahem. Having been at the same job for 13 years…some weeks I still feel like you did. It is entirely too draining. I can’t believe it’s been 7 weeks already! Where is this year going?!?!
One legged Jen… there’s a picture! I have no doubt you’ve got it all down now.
I have several weeks a year where work kicks my butt. After 2 years of this, I had hopes that the next round of annual reports and statistical reports would be easier… and then the office computers were stolen, along with the back-up hard drive. (No, we were not backing up to the cloud. We’re just a little church.) That’s when I discovered that my thumb drive backup only contained empty folders. For the past month, I have questioned my reasoning for working. January is going to be difficult.
Boy, this summer has gone by quickly!