26 January 2014
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Starting Week Four
Tomorrow morning marks the start of my fourth week of full-time employment. After nearly a year of freelancing, I’m extremely happy with how the new job is developing. Since I had done some work for the company in the tailing months of the old year, I already knew some of the people and projects I am working with.
At the same time, they haven’t been shy about adding more responsibilities to my plate, including three major clients! As my mentor explained when we discussed the company’s view on work-life balance: over the long term, it is definitely a marathon and you need to pace yourself. But for the first six to twelve months, you had better sprint.
That’s the case with all new jobs, right? Work hard to prove yourself and compensate for your learning curve.
This past week the CEO sat down with me to lay out her vision of where I will be in the next two years as well as what she expects from me over my first ninety days. She’s one of the most respected leaders of her field, HR development and executive coaching, so it was exciting to hear that she has some very specific ideas about how I will fit into the company’s strategy.
Of course, when you are hearing this directly from the CEO, it creates a pretty high bar over which to jump!
All things considered, though, I’m having a blast. The experience reinforces for me that I stayed in my old job a few years too long and was stagnating rather than growing. I’m thankful, really, that they decided to give me the ultimatum of either moving back to the US or being let go. It was a decision that was long overdue.
The only downside? Now that I’m working so much, my time for blogging is diminished. I’m committed to doing it as often as possible, though, so stay tuned.
Comments (13)
pace yourself.
yes, in the work force you have to prove yourself constantly to the Man but in your case the Woman.
Be sure and keep a folder regarding what you can do and do do. Oh, I forgot that you don’t do that now but keep track on the computer.
There is actually a weekly spreadsheet where I track all my projects and what I’ve accomplished that week. Over time, they provide a very good written record of achievements. Good point to make sure I’ve specifically noted the highlights, though.
I love that the CEO has clear expectations and has communicated that directly to you. Other people only dream of such direct and clear goals. I sometimes think management takes courses on being obscure and vague. I wish I could really become psychic as that seems the only way to find out what exactly they expect of me. Unless of course I fail to do something that I didn’t know I should have done – then they make it perfectly clear! The idea of positive reinforcement is out there but I haven’t seen it put into action…
Since my company is in HR strategy and organizational development, it is good that we practice what we preach to our clients! =D
It sounds as if you have landed in a job that is a great fit! Sprinting is good in the first year, as long as it doesn’t become an expectation! Some companies tend to simply pile onthe work for those who do it well. Will look forward to hearing more as you have time.
Yes, I think I need to be very careful that the sprint doesn’t get confused with a leisurely pace.
I’m glad you are not giving up with blogging. I for one,(and I know there are several others)love to read your posts, your adventures overseas, your food reviews, and of your wonderful giving self. You are a blessing to so many.
I am pleased to read that you are doing well and enjoying your job. I hope that continues to be the case for a long time.
So many nice things you’ve written. Now how could I possibly give up blogging with encouragement like that!
I really hope your CEO will continue to support you. Work life balance – even more elusive than me!
There was actually another announcement today about a long-awaited company restructure and I’m effective getting a one-step promotion. Will now have a team of people reporting to me along with P&L responsibilities. Don’t think there will be any raise four weeks into work, though! =D
Glad to hear, you enjoy the work….That alone will lead you to higher, and better places on the corporate ladder!!
Yes, while I’m not worried about the corporate ladder exactly, I am hoping it will lead to responsibilities that challenge me and fulfill me.
yay. great to know you are fitting and adjusting well in your new job. i was expecting you to get all busy and actually surprised with the fact that you’ve been posting as many blogs as you have, as well as updating yourself on fb. even i don’t update my blogs and fb as often. you are making me look bad, chris ;p