Friday, December 17, 2021

Reflections on Friday


I still won't talk about my work on my blog, maybe in a couple of years, but I will talk about working.  

I have mentioned that my boss for the past 13+ years is retiring the end of January and I am filling the spot.  A nice little promotion.  Not a huge amount more money.  

The transition has been awkward.  I really respect him, I have enjoyed working with him, there is an honorable legacy, and he is the last of the founding generation of the program I work in, he has been here 37 years.  I sense a sadness at leaving work he has found very meaningful.  

I have been reluctant to start making plans for what needs to be done, when I start the directors role in February.  I don't want my boss to feel that we are pushing him aside, or out. I would actually be happy if he worked a couple more years, until I will reach the point of working because I want to, not because I need to.  

We are reaching the point that I need to start making plans for projects we can do in February and March, if we are going to do anything besides tread water in February and March.  And it is uncomfortable doing so. One day recently he and I were on a call with his boss, who will be my immediate boss starting in February. She asked about a particular project she would like us to do, and my boss has been reluctant to do.  He finally said, "David and his colleagues can decide what they want to do there." Ah, permission to make a plan for something to happen after his retirement.  

Moving into an official supervisory role, there are some additional trainings I will need to complete, and I will need approval access to some accounting platforms. Without mentioning it to my boss, I had reached out and asked, "what can I start getting done before I need it."  It is not bad, 4 or 5 short training modules. I felt strange asking.  I have been very loyal.  I have never told him, in 13 years I have only applied for two other jobs, one outside the organization that I was interviewed for, and an internal promotion that I was not.  I felt I was being disloyal doing that. I felt bad about asking about getting ready for February, but if we plan ahead, the actual transition can be more seamless.   

I don't have plans for radical changes, but I do have some of my own ideas.  And I need to spend time with my colleagues hearing their ideas.   

We are trying to hire a replacement for me.  With my changing jobs more of my time will be devoted to administration, and we have projects coming up to speed that are going to be more hours than we will have staff in February.  Three weeks, and one qualified candidate.  The first quarter could be a nightmare.    

 

14 comments:

  1. Well, all we can do is wish you luck in your new venture. Im sure you will do a good job and that you take pride in what you do. Sounds to me like you have handled the transition with couth and regard.

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  2. Ugh. Hope you start receiving qualified applicants for your current position. You’re doing quite a balancing act right now between excitement and ideas for your new position and holding back in deference to your boss who’s leaving. A challenging time. Are we going to have to call you Sir?

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    1. This was written a few days ago, it has been a good week, we are close to making an offer. Calling me sir? The comments I could make, and won't

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    2. But you didn't answer the question Sir.

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    3. Where is my riding crop?

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  3. Your sense of loyalty has always been one of you most admirable qualities, My Sweet. Same with your thoughtfulness, and both were very much on display in this. It is a very good thing that you now feel emboldened to start moving ahead and making plans. It'll be fine, challenging but fine. No nightmares on the horizon - to mix a metaphor. You'll be wonderful! 😘

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    1. I will do my best, and then retire

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  4. I sounds like you have your work cut out for you. I know that feeling.

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  5. Clearly you have the ion thing that I think is severely lacking in most of the work force today: a work ethic. And that should help you loads as you take on this new role, and find someone to be the new 'you.'

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    1. There is work to be done, to make a better world for me to grow old in. Hopefully we get approval for the hire soon,

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  6. Anonymous12/17/2021

    You are living in interesting times.

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    1. Isn't there a curse that uses that line

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