So just as I seem to be settling in, there's a potential spanner in the works. A good spanner, but one nonetheless. There is an opportunity for me as a deputy editor of another publication. Now the question is whether I should accept the offer or stay put...My gut tells me to move but logic dictates I stay.
I have some time at least to figure things out...
]]>While not pleasant, it is good to know that some of my ex-work mates are struggling just as I am to cope with their new environments. Two of the major points are the incredible change of pace and the professionalism of our new employers. This is not to say we loafed around all day at the previous job, but just that there is so much more work to do now. What is especially surprising is the level of professionalism.
I cannot speak for the other two, but I am still being surprised on a daily basis at just how much more seriously things are being taken at my new job. Compliance, IT support, and HR issues are dealt with as swiftly as they appear. However, I am still struggling to see how long I will be able to last in this environment. The pressure is immense (and I'm used to pressure), the expectations are on a completely different level (and my previous boss was pedantic to the extreme), and I am really battling to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
But at least I am not alone in all of this....good luck Scotty and Reason Wreck...
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So my first full week at the company has been a strange one. Monday was an okay day, Tuesday fairly shit, and the rest of the week becoming increasingly positive.
On a positive note, I'm getting into the "strategic" swing of things. So much so, that my boss has already sent me an e-mail congratulating me and the rest of the people on the team on how good a job we're doing. She has also placed me on two task teams for a new tender.
I have also been commended by two senior directors of the company whose account we're managing. So much so that the one told me this morning they need to send me to London to attend an important event there and that I should view myself as part of their division now. This is no small praise from this large multinational company...
I'm still not enjoying the writing but that should change soon as we will be getting a senior account manager to take up the writing responsibilies leaving me time to work on strategy.
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On my second day as "media specialist", I attended a strategy meeting. Definitely very different to what I'm used to but things are starting to make more sense in where I have to go with my life. Obviously, I still have much to learn but I feel the next few months will be devoted to sucking up (ja, ja) as much information as possible...the plot thickens.
]]>What is your current obsession(s)?
Submitted by eijsr.
Sick and tired of the status quo in South Africa, I'm planning my own thing in terms of publishing. No big surprise really as everyone and their dog fancies themselves as publishers but I've got the benefit of knowing experts in their fields and having a unique hook (aren't they always?) to be different from the others...Of course, the challenge is trying to get things up and running without risking standing on a street corner and begging for food. Volunteers?
]]>Yes, I know it's been a long time coming, but here is a picture of the latest (and final) addition to our family - Alexander. He's a healthy 5.2kg and just over a month old...
]]>]]>What family member do you most aspire to be like? Why?
Submitted by MalieKai.Soppy as how this may sound, it's my dad. His work ethic is without equal and he's always willing to help someone if they're in need.
So I started my new job today as a "media specialist" (whatever that means). This is quite a change of focus for me as I've been involved in editorial for all of my professional career. However, I'm still keeping in touch unofficially through freelance writing. After all, you can't keep a good dog down and all that ;-)
I have to say though that the "U" team (http://reasonwreck.vox.com/library/post/the-end-of-a-thimgamujiggy.html) I worked with was definitely the best bunch of guys you could ever hope to meet. Excuse the sentimentality (and apparent arrogance) but we were one of the best consumer tech editorial teams in the country...well in my eyes at least.
Here's to everyone...of course we'll stay in touch and, who knows, perhaps we'll work together on a future project I'm contemplating *evil grin*...
What's on your "do before I die" list?
Submitted by Caroline.
1. Watch the 2150 World Series.