learning to curve

So in any new job there is a bit of a learning curve. I know this. And I have gone into new industries and new environments many times before. That said, I feel like this one has been my most challenging yet. For so many reasons – engineering jargon being one of the more predominant ones. I just feel like things take me twice as long to do because I am not sure of myself and then I feel guilty that it took so long and then I get insecure and feel less sure of myself when I inevitably mess something up the first time. I am not one to tuck my tail and whimper, but at times I’ve felt like knocking my head, ever so gently mind you, against a concrete wall. As long as the concrete is not cracking due to drainage issues or lack of steel reinforcement bars. Hey now that I’m at a structural engineering firm, I have to think of these things.

I have to admit that there is a certain amount of enjoyment in some of the things I’m doing. Stuff I’ve always wanted to do but just never had a job that called for it really, or there was someone else doing it and I would have been stepping on toes. I wouldn’t have taken the job if I felt that most of my interests and skills wouldn’t be used and I think that both bosses knew this and are letting me do some fun stuff too.  Life can’t all be fun though and I am super fine with having a job that’s challenging and takes me out of my comfort zone a bit. I can’t know EVERYthing and be brilliant all the time. Once a year is about my quota.

Meanwhile, some other things in my life have taken a backseat for now until I get into a better groove. Like taking that blasted eHarmony quiz… I’d rather answer questions about EIFS and rebar. Ok not really. But that personality profile test is scary yo. or maybe it’s just my fear of having yet another place to be rejected. le sigh.

-insert sorry for myself emoticon here-

heigh ho heigh ho

it’s back to work I go!!!

So I had my first official day of work today and I think it went well. It was mostly what I was expecting, and I am pretty happy to be working with some really good people. I realized that I haven’t worked for anyone I knew prior to working for them, with one notable exception of a part-time retail job in college at a small Christian bookstore where my mom had worked many years before me. That didn’t really count though because it wasn’t like I was friends with the owner. This time I am friends with the owners and I am friends with my brother who works there as well. We’re all just very friendly.  Chris, one of the owners/friends, took a pic of me with his blackberry as I answered the phone first thing this morning, and said “Here’s your first official act.”

new job! woo hoo!

I am super duper excited to announce that I have been offered a position as Office Manager with TAM Consultants here in Williamsburg.

A lot of what I was hinting at yesterday couldn’t be fuly expressed as I had not been officially offered this job yet, but was anticipating it. With any new job comes a huge responsibility and somewhat of a learning curve. But even moreso with this one because the company is owned by dear friends and my brother works there as well. At first I’ll admit, this seemed a touch daunting to me, like what if I totally screw up? What if I can’t handle it? Or worse, what if I get bored???

The topic of boredom came up in all the conversations I had with both owners and my brother and my initial reaction to all things structural engineering may appear to be boredeom. haha. But the nice thing is that I don’t actually have to DO any engineering! Whew! And this is the good thing… I am GREAT at the things I do have to do – manage the office, streamline and make processes more efficient, assist with marketing efforts, research opportunities, write materials, and help everyone meet deadlines and keep on top of things.

There are a few things that I love about this job – the work will be diverse. It’s a small company (6 people right now) but they do alot and my job is to support them to get even more work done so we get more work in. I’m excited about working in a small office and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people. I respect Tim and Chris Mills, the owners, tremendously and have total confidence in them to make good decisions. I’ve had some real doozies as far as bosses and I am really looking forward to working for people who I know are striving to be men of integrity and servants of God. Some have said they were, but I’ve actually seen it in both of them.

So while I am very excited about the job, as I said yesterday, some other things will have to go. I don’t start until April 20th, so I have some time to sort out what things I will need to put on the back burner or try to find others to take up the slack. I am absolutely committed to doing well at TAM and making a difference to their business. And I’m all about time management, and not thinking that I can do EVERYTHING. I’ve been sucked into that before, only to set myself up for failure in everything.  I’ve learned that one the hard way. These days, I know myself, my limitations, and my strengths. And I am ready for the road ahead!  Bring it on!!!

Thanks to all who have prayed for me, sent encouraging and helpful (and sometimes totally unhelpful but amusing) notes, and generally supported me throughout the past few months. Especially to my folks who are probably kinda excited about me maybe moving out now… are you kidding? three meals a day and a constantly stocked freezer of ice cream? ha!