For me my job is a reasonably large part of my life; mainly because I need to earn money, not because I just love getting up early and working loads of hours for the hell of it. Whilst that of course sounds like a really great thing to do…!
I try to better myself by observing others, learning as much as I can, training, and naturally doing things I hate doing to either get better at it, because my boss makes me or actually just because it is perceived I may be good at it (a.k.a no one else wants to do it!). Anyway last week I went on a disciplinary and grievance course. Sounds like quite a negative thing I suppose, but oddly I loved it! The people I was with on the course from all over the business were great. I was out of my comfort zone, but I felt very comfortable about that. The trainer was fabulous and just shows there are some great people out there that could so easily go unnoticed. I put on my acting skills and even by my own standards think I did a rather great role play to help someone manage a complete arse in their team, so close to reality was my role play I should have got an award!
Well generally, I do like my job and I like that it often sucks and throws up many challenges. Recently I have liked it less, what with going through a horrible consultation situation, will I have a job, won’t I, is it what I want, do I really belong, do I fit in, do they really want me anyway and losing someone I like from my team? There were so many questions, but I found my answer and was happy to stay and have the opportunity to stay, and I am pleased to say despite everything I still enjoy it. Then graduate recruitment rears its ugly head again, aaaggghhhhh!!! Graduates, I do love them all, but boy does it cause a lot of pain. Hundreds of CV’s, they all look the same, their test results are similar, but which ones do you pick?? Damned if you do and damned if you don't. So many good ones to choose from and such little opportunity for all of them – but that’s where the assessment centres come in. Days and days of being cooped up in a stuffy dark room whilst the work you left behind piles up, how can you make this work? I can be thankful though that the 22 days last year has been decreased to 6, so really not all bad!
If it’s not the moaning of a couple of people, it’s something else or someone else. You can’t win. In my previous life I would have been a politician I think. Perhaps I should think of that as an alternative career now – a free house, loads of money, clothing allowances… sounds like heaven!
I have confirmed though that I am still good at printing, planning and organising, little else mind, but where would things be without someone that had the skills to staple, my God?! But the best thing to happen to me all week is that the moaning of few then bought me a beautiful bunch of flowers for my work, which made it all worthwhile. I was totally stunned actually and didn’t quite know what to say in my embarrassment. A little thank you goes such a long way. Whilst the day ended on a bit of a low which is normal when I am not at my desk for longer than an hour, I can look at the flowers and know that I did something okay for once. At least I can look forward to seeing an old pal tomorrow and get thoroughly merry for belated Birthday drinks! I love that it is the weekend already…
