I have worked in my current career for the past 23 years. In those 23 years I have moved across the country because of it, worked for 3 different companies, survived mergers, buyouts, renaming, rebranding and pretty much every other hurdle that the business world has to offer.
Until now.
For the first time in my career I was let go due to downsizing and restructuring. Suddenly one Tuesday afternoon I found myself unemployed. I have been working since I was 14 (other than that unfortunate period in my early 20’s, but we don’t talk about the ‘90s anymore), so this is very unfamiliar territory.
Once I got over the initial shock, I was able to sit back and assess the situation. Taking stock things didn’t look so bad. I have great marketable skills. I’m very good at what I do. I have a wonderful family and we are all healthy and happy. We have a house, a car and some savings. We could manage this unexpected curve ball.
I took a week to let myself feel all the emotions and think all the thoughts. I looked at what jobs were currently available in the city. I started networking with friends, putting out feelers to everyone I could. And then I started exploring other ideas.
What if I changed careers?
At 47, with my family dependent on me, this was a pretty far-out there idea. But the idea started to grow. What else could I do? Did I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the next 20 some odd years? Could we even entertain the idea of starting over in something new?
Having a loving and supportive partner makes all the difference in the world. I would not have gotten through this past week without Hilary. She’s my rock, my sounding board, my shoulder to cry on, my support in all things. We talked through all the possibilities and ideas, coming back to some frequently, dismissing some immediately, shelving some for future consideration. We talked about every aspect that we could think off; financial risks, what the time away from family various ideas would mean, what our day to day life would look like, and any impact to Liam.
And together we have come up with a plan.
I am going back to school and embarking on a new career path.
The new career path is not so far off from what I’ve done in the past that I can’t take all of my skills and experience with me. 23 years of experience is not something you just toss away. But it is new and different. I will be doing things I’ve never done before, alongside things that are familiar to me.
The course I will be taking is 14 months long. I haven’t been in school since 1989. That was a very long time ago. It is a very scary prospect to walk into a classroom at this stage of my life, but it is the means to an end, and I will give it my all.
This was never something that I would have dreamt of doing on my own. But when life gives you lemons, make the best, sweetest lemonade that you can!
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Friday, January 9, 2015
The Next Chapter
The chapters of my working life can be measured in decades.
The first 10 years, starting when I was only 14, were spent in a variety of jobs from kitchen staff to nurse’s aide and bartender to shooter girl. Then, quite by accident, I landed what was supposed to be a throwaway job that turned into a 10 year career with that company. It is thanks to that job that Hilary and I ended up moving to Halifax. After 10 years though I was ready for a change. As luck would have it a new opportunity came along and I was able to move on – still on the same career path, doing the same type of work, just for a new company.
And now with my 10 year anniversary with this company just 2 months away, I am moving on again.
I start a new job Monday morning.
Once more I am on the same career path, doing that work that I do. Will I stay with this company for a full decade, keeping my working streak? Who knows. That timing would make things interesting, leaving me with just one more decade after that before I would be of age to retire. I think only having 4 major job changes over a lifetime of working would be a pretty good way to end things. But then again, maybe I’ll spend the next 20 years at this new job.
Who knows, my future isn’t written yet.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Social Pressure
This past Monday was my first day back to work after vacation. I came in prepared for an overflowing inbox, an extra heavy work load as we come upon our fiscal year end and the final implementation date of major project that has been ongoing for more than 6 months. I was not prepared for a week of anxiety and sleepless nights. High pressure deadlines, long days and new assignments do not bother me, or keep me up at night. The problem this week? The ALS ice bucket challenge was making its way through the office.
Unless you live under a rock, you have likely heard of this challenge. Everyone from Kermit the Frog to Sir Patrick Stuart have posted their videos on line. There have been funny videos, cases of people getting hurt and even little kids telling off their mothers for dumping water on their head.
This all great stuff. So why was it causing me anxiety and sleepless nights? I had friends, family and co-workers all taking the challenge, having fun, posting videos on line and challenging each other to get involved. It seemed inevitable that someone would challenge me. And that is what kept me up at night.
You see, while I think it’s a great cause and I’m glad for all the publicity that it’s garnering, I do not want to participate.
I have reasons that I don’t want to participate, reasons that I don’t feel that I need to share with everyone or use to justify my choice.
But social pressure is strong.
These were the thoughts swirling through my head as I fell asleep each night.
My concerns were also based on WHO might nominate me . What if my boss challenged our whole team and I was the only one who didn’t join in? How do I say no to something that is being touted as a “work” team building activity? Some people have shared stories about their family members who suffer from this debilitating disease. What if they challenge me? My answer will be “I’m sorry for their suffering, but I won’t be participating.” How will that person feel towards me after that? Will it cause a riff in our relationship?
I let my thoughts and fears get the better of me.
I did end up being challenged by someone from work. Unfortunately my name got sent out in an email announcing that I had been challenged and that a group of us would be doing the challenge the next day. I couldn’t just quietly say “No thank you” to the person who had put my name forward and leave it at that. Suddenly everyone was aware and I had to tell more people that I had hoped, that I would not be participating.
Luckily the social pressure hasn’t been as bad as I had built it up to be in my head. There were still a few “Awww come on... why won’t you do it?” or “But you were nominated, you have to do it now” comments and funny looks when I said that I wouldn’t be outside at 2:00 with everyone else. But overall I haven’t felt too pressured or singled out for my choice. It turns out that there were a couple of other folks in the office suffering from the same fears and anxieties. We've banded together and are supporting each other should someone come along and want to cajole one of us for not participating.
What are your thoughts on this type of social challenge? Did you participate, or did you decline if you were challenged?
Unless you live under a rock, you have likely heard of this challenge. Everyone from Kermit the Frog to Sir Patrick Stuart have posted their videos on line. There have been funny videos, cases of people getting hurt and even little kids telling off their mothers for dumping water on their head.
Dousing your friends and family with ice cold water is creating a media storm around North America, raising awareness for ALS. The #IceBucketChallenge, inspired by Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who is living with ALS, has placed the challenge to anyone who wants to get involved. From the ALS website.The Canadian ALS society has received more than $10 Million in donations with this campaign. And beyond the monetary donations, these challenges have raised awareness of a disease, that while not unheard of, was certainly not at the forefront of media attention like cancer, stroke or heart disease.
This all great stuff. So why was it causing me anxiety and sleepless nights? I had friends, family and co-workers all taking the challenge, having fun, posting videos on line and challenging each other to get involved. It seemed inevitable that someone would challenge me. And that is what kept me up at night.
You see, while I think it’s a great cause and I’m glad for all the publicity that it’s garnering, I do not want to participate.
I have reasons that I don’t want to participate, reasons that I don’t feel that I need to share with everyone or use to justify my choice.
But social pressure is strong.
- EVERYONE is doing it! Why won’t you?
- Why don’t you want to support his great cause?
- What do you have against the ALS society?
- Come on!!! Don’t be such a spoil sport.
- You’re such a party-pooper.
- Suck it up and just do it!
These were the thoughts swirling through my head as I fell asleep each night.
My concerns were also based on WHO might nominate me . What if my boss challenged our whole team and I was the only one who didn’t join in? How do I say no to something that is being touted as a “work” team building activity? Some people have shared stories about their family members who suffer from this debilitating disease. What if they challenge me? My answer will be “I’m sorry for their suffering, but I won’t be participating.” How will that person feel towards me after that? Will it cause a riff in our relationship?
I let my thoughts and fears get the better of me.
I did end up being challenged by someone from work. Unfortunately my name got sent out in an email announcing that I had been challenged and that a group of us would be doing the challenge the next day. I couldn’t just quietly say “No thank you” to the person who had put my name forward and leave it at that. Suddenly everyone was aware and I had to tell more people that I had hoped, that I would not be participating.
Luckily the social pressure hasn’t been as bad as I had built it up to be in my head. There were still a few “Awww come on... why won’t you do it?” or “But you were nominated, you have to do it now” comments and funny looks when I said that I wouldn’t be outside at 2:00 with everyone else. But overall I haven’t felt too pressured or singled out for my choice. It turns out that there were a couple of other folks in the office suffering from the same fears and anxieties. We've banded together and are supporting each other should someone come along and want to cajole one of us for not participating.
What are your thoughts on this type of social challenge? Did you participate, or did you decline if you were challenged?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
An impossibly long list
These are the things I have to do, in no particular order, in the next 40 hours.
- Find the Christmas stockings
- Wash and dry 2 loads of laundry
- Put away the 2 loads of laundry that's already clean
- Get the suitcases out of the attic
- Find the Christmas pickle
- Pack clothes for 3 people
- Pack all the Christmas gifts we are taking with us
- Go out an buy Christmas gifts for:
- My 90 year Grandmother
- Hilary
- Kavya
- Divya
- our tennants
- Buy table presents for 6 people
- Charge 3 iPods
- Charge the tablet
- Pack laptop and all cords
- Download audio books onto everyone's iPods
- Charge the camera
- Find the cords for the camera
- Go to Liam's Fair at school
- Work 2 full 8 hour shifts
- Pack everyone's meds (last count was 10+ bottles)
- Get to the pharmacy to fill Liam's prescriptions
- Clean the house
- Get to the vet for heavy duty flea killing stuff
- Bathe 5 cats and douse them with heavy duty flea killing stuff
- Get in touch with the house/cat sitter and make sure she can still come
- Teach the house/cat sitter how to feed the gecko live crickets
- Make a back up plan if I can't get in touch with the house/cat sitter
- Finish 2 batches of marshmallows
- Empty out the fridge of compost
- Clean the cat litters out
- Take out the garbage
- Remember to pack tea
- Pay bills
Wish me luck!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The decision
I now officially work from home, full time! Hilary and I were leaning towards 3 days at home and 2 at the office, but work decided that if I was going to do it, I should make it permanent and take all my toys with me. So I packed up my huge 2 foot screen on Friday and came home.Right now I have this corner of our bedroom. Luckily our bedroom is huge and the desk was already here. We might try to convert one of the downstairs bedrooms into an office, but for now I am quite happy.
The one thing that I was missing was a proper desk chair. The wooden chair from the dining room table wasn't going to cut it for long. I looked at our local big box store on Sunday, but they didn't have what I wanted so I picked up an exercise ball for $17.00. And I love it! I haven't fallen on my head yet and it's only rolled away from me once. Liam of course loves it and I'm pretty sure he's going to break his neck goofing around on it, so it is off limits to him.
I still need to work out some details with work. I have a wireless connection set up to our home Internet account and I don't have a work phone. I may get both of these installed since I do work for an Internet and phone provider!
With the bad weather coming I'm glad to have this all in place. I got to have a sit down breakfast with Liam this morning (he's usually just waking up as I leave for work) and I also got to walk him to school. My time is flexible, so if I need to do something during the day I can. So far the pros are out weighing the cons. Hopefully they still do in six months!
Friday, November 13, 2009
To work from home or not.....
that is the question.
My boss offered yesterday that if I wanted to start working from home full time that I could. I would get an office space set up and installed, complete with a work phone. Right now when I work from home, I just use my laptop with a wireless connection and sit at the dining room table. Not exactly ergonomically healthy.
So the pros and cons list is running through my head. Here is what I have so far:
So folks... Weigh in and give me your thoughts! I have a poll up on the side that you can vote on.
My boss offered yesterday that if I wanted to start working from home full time that I could. I would get an office space set up and installed, complete with a work phone. Right now when I work from home, I just use my laptop with a wireless connection and sit at the dining room table. Not exactly ergonomically healthy.
So the pros and cons list is running through my head. Here is what I have so far:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No commute | No daily exercise from walking |
| Can walk Liam to school every day | |
| Don't have to talk to people at the office | No one to talk to |
| Can wear track pants | |
| Don't have to make a lunch ahead of time | Easy access to food |
| Can putter around the house will reports run | Need to stay motivated and actually do "work" |
| System is slower from home | |
| Increased cost for heating the house during the day | |
| Can listen to loud music while I work |
So folks... Weigh in and give me your thoughts! I have a poll up on the side that you can vote on.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Quick updates
Wow, I am so busy these days that I don't know what is making me busy!
Work is crazy! We were a little company and now we are growing in leaps and bounds. Trust me, I know how amazing and lucky that is in today's economy. I'm very happy to have a secure job, but I would just like it to slow down long enough to catch my breath! I am interviewing for 2 new staff members next week, so that will help. I've gone from a department of ME to managing 3 other people. When I took this job 5 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long) one of the perks was that I was getting out of management. I guess I'm ready to get back into it.
To give you an idea of my work load, I have 2 and half weeks to complete 3-month schedules for 250+ people, in 3 different time zones, all working different jobs and shifts, and of course it all has to include everyone's summer vacations. Oy!
Home is good. Hilary has been working a lot of hours at her job too. In fact she's worked almost every Saturday since Christmas. It's nice because Liam and I get to hang out for the day, but I miss having Hilary here too.
We've been having some behaviour struggles with Liam, but the last 2 days have been FANTASTIC. He's listening, being polite, helping out and has just been a joy to be around. It makes the other times a lot easier to handle.
We missed the sign up date for summer camp by 24 hours so the locations we wanted were all full. We were able to get Liam into 5 weeks - 2 in July and 3 in August, at other sites, so all is not lost. We will do some combo of me working early, Hilary working evenings and weekends and having a baby sitter come in on the weeks that he doesn't have camp. Since Liam's school also finishes on the June 12th, we are going to spend 10 days in Guelph at that time, since the rest of Canada is still in school then.
Soccer starts next weekend too. There will be 6 weeks of Spring-tune up in doors and then they move outdoors. For Liam's age group this year they advance to playing 2 nights a week. So if we are busy now, it's only going to get busier!
Other wise life is moving along all tickaty-boo. We are healthy, happy and glad that the weather has finally turned.
Work is crazy! We were a little company and now we are growing in leaps and bounds. Trust me, I know how amazing and lucky that is in today's economy. I'm very happy to have a secure job, but I would just like it to slow down long enough to catch my breath! I am interviewing for 2 new staff members next week, so that will help. I've gone from a department of ME to managing 3 other people. When I took this job 5 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long) one of the perks was that I was getting out of management. I guess I'm ready to get back into it.
To give you an idea of my work load, I have 2 and half weeks to complete 3-month schedules for 250+ people, in 3 different time zones, all working different jobs and shifts, and of course it all has to include everyone's summer vacations. Oy!
Home is good. Hilary has been working a lot of hours at her job too. In fact she's worked almost every Saturday since Christmas. It's nice because Liam and I get to hang out for the day, but I miss having Hilary here too.
We've been having some behaviour struggles with Liam, but the last 2 days have been FANTASTIC. He's listening, being polite, helping out and has just been a joy to be around. It makes the other times a lot easier to handle.
We missed the sign up date for summer camp by 24 hours so the locations we wanted were all full. We were able to get Liam into 5 weeks - 2 in July and 3 in August, at other sites, so all is not lost. We will do some combo of me working early, Hilary working evenings and weekends and having a baby sitter come in on the weeks that he doesn't have camp. Since Liam's school also finishes on the June 12th, we are going to spend 10 days in Guelph at that time, since the rest of Canada is still in school then.
Soccer starts next weekend too. There will be 6 weeks of Spring-tune up in doors and then they move outdoors. For Liam's age group this year they advance to playing 2 nights a week. So if we are busy now, it's only going to get busier!
Other wise life is moving along all tickaty-boo. We are healthy, happy and glad that the weather has finally turned.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Telecommuting and kids
I've been working from home off and on for a couple of months now. Usually one or two days a week. But with having had a bad sinus infection for the past 2 weeks, no one wanted me at the office spreading my germies before Christmas. I was more then happy to oblige, especially since we don't have a car and it's hideously cold and icy here.
So far when I've worked at home Liam has been in school. We have some time that overlaps; I start work an hour before he leaves in the morning and he's home an hour before my day ends. Those are quiet hours for him though where he is easily occupied while he wakes up or winds down.
Yesterday was the start of Christmas vacation for Liam. Hilary and I however had to work. We found a great program at our local wave pool. It was a day camp for kids with arts, crafts, games and a swim. Liam loves the wave pool so we thought he would have a great time!
Yeah, not so much.
He cried in the morning that he didn't want to go. We coaxed, cajoled, threatened and bribed and got him there. By 10:00 they were calling to tell me that he was sitting in the corner with his tiger Ralphie, crying and refusing to participate. Boy, did that make me feel swell. The program director said that they were going to try and get him engaged and not to come pick him up just yet, but they just wanted to give me a heads up. When Hilary picked him up at 4:00 he was jammin' on Guitar Hero and having a great time. So we figured that going again today would work out all right.
Yeah, not so much.
He decided before bed last night that he wasn't going back. No way, no how! After feeling like a schmuck for making our child cry in a corner surrounded by strangers we decided to not force the issue and let him stay home. He knew that I had to work so I couldn't play and he couldn't bother me. Hilary stayed home too to get some last minute pre-Christmas stuff done.
My job is very task driven. I run a lot of reports that require an intense 30 seconds of work to set them up and then10 minutes of watching the gears spin around counting down the time till it's done. So having Hilary and Liam home while I work is not that big a deal. I can chat, pour milk, snap the hard pieces of Lego together as needed. On Tuesdays though I have a one hour conference call that I lead that several important people attend. I told Liam that this was happening and we laid out all the activities he could do while I was on the phone and covered all the activities he could not do. Could nots included shouting, loud toys in the room, interrupting etc.
Somehow though when a 6 year old sees a telephone in their parents hand they go berserk! He lasted about 1 minute of being quiet then started in on a loud stage whisper asking me questions. As I covered the mouth piece and tried to shoo him away he dissolved into a bit of a maniac (Hilary was previously occupied in the shower at this time, as the plan had been for her to take Liam out during my call but they were running behind.) As I shot him "the look" he decided to make raspberry noises on his arm, jump up and down, practice his arm-pit farts, wrap himself around my leg and generally be a menace.
Part of his outing with Hilary had been for him spend some of his cash and by a small toy. (Yeah, yeah, I know.. it's 2 days before Christmas.... ) In a fit of frustration I hissed at him "that's it, you are NOT buying a toy today!" Which of course was met with a loud wail akin to a wounded goat.
I banged on the bathroom door (all the while keeping the call going and trying to screen the noise out with my hand) and got Hilary to come out and deal with the whole situation. Apparently Liam sobbed for half an hour with her upstairs. I finished the call and we regrouped as a family. Appologies were given and accepted in all directions, hugs exchanged and there were promises to try better by everyone.
No one on my call seemed to notice the hoopla going on at my end of the call, or at least they were polite enough not to comment on it!
I had planned on working at home for the remainder of the holiday season (and perhaps beyond if I can convince my boss that this should be a full time thing!). I'm going to have to come up with a much better strategy for phone calls and meetings though. I wonder if my wireless connection works in the attic?
So far when I've worked at home Liam has been in school. We have some time that overlaps; I start work an hour before he leaves in the morning and he's home an hour before my day ends. Those are quiet hours for him though where he is easily occupied while he wakes up or winds down.
Yesterday was the start of Christmas vacation for Liam. Hilary and I however had to work. We found a great program at our local wave pool. It was a day camp for kids with arts, crafts, games and a swim. Liam loves the wave pool so we thought he would have a great time!
Yeah, not so much.
He cried in the morning that he didn't want to go. We coaxed, cajoled, threatened and bribed and got him there. By 10:00 they were calling to tell me that he was sitting in the corner with his tiger Ralphie, crying and refusing to participate. Boy, did that make me feel swell. The program director said that they were going to try and get him engaged and not to come pick him up just yet, but they just wanted to give me a heads up. When Hilary picked him up at 4:00 he was jammin' on Guitar Hero and having a great time. So we figured that going again today would work out all right.
Yeah, not so much.
He decided before bed last night that he wasn't going back. No way, no how! After feeling like a schmuck for making our child cry in a corner surrounded by strangers we decided to not force the issue and let him stay home. He knew that I had to work so I couldn't play and he couldn't bother me. Hilary stayed home too to get some last minute pre-Christmas stuff done.
My job is very task driven. I run a lot of reports that require an intense 30 seconds of work to set them up and then10 minutes of watching the gears spin around counting down the time till it's done. So having Hilary and Liam home while I work is not that big a deal. I can chat, pour milk, snap the hard pieces of Lego together as needed. On Tuesdays though I have a one hour conference call that I lead that several important people attend. I told Liam that this was happening and we laid out all the activities he could do while I was on the phone and covered all the activities he could not do. Could nots included shouting, loud toys in the room, interrupting etc.
Somehow though when a 6 year old sees a telephone in their parents hand they go berserk! He lasted about 1 minute of being quiet then started in on a loud stage whisper asking me questions. As I covered the mouth piece and tried to shoo him away he dissolved into a bit of a maniac (Hilary was previously occupied in the shower at this time, as the plan had been for her to take Liam out during my call but they were running behind.) As I shot him "the look" he decided to make raspberry noises on his arm, jump up and down, practice his arm-pit farts, wrap himself around my leg and generally be a menace.
Part of his outing with Hilary had been for him spend some of his cash and by a small toy. (Yeah, yeah, I know.. it's 2 days before Christmas.... ) In a fit of frustration I hissed at him "that's it, you are NOT buying a toy today!" Which of course was met with a loud wail akin to a wounded goat.
I banged on the bathroom door (all the while keeping the call going and trying to screen the noise out with my hand) and got Hilary to come out and deal with the whole situation. Apparently Liam sobbed for half an hour with her upstairs. I finished the call and we regrouped as a family. Appologies were given and accepted in all directions, hugs exchanged and there were promises to try better by everyone.
No one on my call seemed to notice the hoopla going on at my end of the call, or at least they were polite enough not to comment on it!
I had planned on working at home for the remainder of the holiday season (and perhaps beyond if I can convince my boss that this should be a full time thing!). I'm going to have to come up with a much better strategy for phone calls and meetings though. I wonder if my wireless connection works in the attic?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 3, 2008 - Today's the day
that I practice patience at the office!
I will not kill Ron.
I will not strangle Sonny.
I will not roll my eyes every times Sean speaks.
I will not get myself fired by telling Betty she is wrong.
I will have a cup of tea when I get home!
I will not kill Ron.
I will not strangle Sonny.
I will not roll my eyes every times Sean speaks.
I will not get myself fired by telling Betty she is wrong.
I will have a cup of tea when I get home!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Feb 27, 2008 - Today's the day
that I work from home!
This is fairly new to me, so I'm still getting into the swing of it. The biggest thing that I miss is that I have 2 screens at work but not at home. I never realized that I open so many windows when I'm working until I'm doing it on a laptop and can't find anything!
Liam has gone to school and Hilary has gone to work. Now if I can just convince Oscar the cat to go take a nap I might get some work done.
This is fairly new to me, so I'm still getting into the swing of it. The biggest thing that I miss is that I have 2 screens at work but not at home. I never realized that I open so many windows when I'm working until I'm doing it on a laptop and can't find anything!
Liam has gone to school and Hilary has gone to work. Now if I can just convince Oscar the cat to go take a nap I might get some work done.
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