Friday, September 4, 2009

My Job-related News

Good Morning, my dear readers.

After talking about jobs for the last two posts, I am ready to share my job-related news with you.

I just gave my 2 week notice to my boss. Err, my quasi-boss? Because I don't technically have a boss right now. You see, the company I work for is in the midst of a fairly large acquisition. A merger of equals, according to the corporate communication verbage. But I work for a tiny little business line and we are being sliced and diced and swallowed up by our merger counterpart. So even though I work for the aquiree, I have certainly felt like I work for a company that has been acquired. But it's been an eye-opening learning experience - I wish I had these experiences to reflect upon when I was taking my Mergers & Acquisitions class last spring!

Aside from a brief stint at a law firm, I have pretty much worked for my employer since I graduated from college in 2003. But we are parting ways as of Friday, September 18th, and I couldn't be more excited. I have learned so much over the last 6 years, but I am excited for my new opportunity.

The path to this new job has been long. Nearly 12 months to be specific. I went through multiple rounds of interviews and competed against other MBA grads from other highly respected schools, like Harvard (that was intimidating!) But I must have done something right because I received an offer back in November of 2008. But then things were kind of put on hold at the end of January, due to economic conditions, and I've spent the last 7-8 months fretting quite a bit, biting my fingernails when stressed, talking it over with my parents, siblings, and friends, and wondering if it was ever going to all fall into place. You see, I don't handle uncertainty very well and I've got these fairly sizeable student loans that I will have to start paying off in November. Eeks.

But, alas, it has all worked out. On Monday, October 5th, I'll start a 3 year rotational program in the finance department of a retailer that gets a fair share of my discretionary spending. I don't really like to explicitly mention where I am working, so I will just say that it's a good thing that I like the color red. :) If you live in the US, you can probably figure out what company I am referring to. It's a company that I am thrilled to be joining with a strong brand that I really believe in. They also really focus on giving back, both financially and through volunteering, to the communities they operate within; I am excited to join a company with such a strong sense of volunteerism in their corporate culture.

I'll be taking 2 weeks off between jobs so that I can re-charge my battery. I want to hit the ground running on October 5th and prove that my future employer made the right decision when they selected me.

So even though I'll still be working in the finance field, this is a big move for me. I'll be joining a team that is an integral part of the decision-making process. I'm joining a company that really, truly values an MBA degree and cares about me and my career. This new job made all the stress and anxiety of grad school completely worth it.

I can't hardly wait.

So have a fantastic Labor Day weekend, everyone. I'll be heading up to my parents' cabin for the 3-day weekend. I'll be back next week with a book review and other randomness to reflect upon!

21 comments:

Abby said...

Congratulations, Lisa! I am so excited about your new move of careers! This will be a very positive change in your life! It's neat to hear a little more about what you will be doing at your new company! I remember the day you found out about your start day being shifted back--you were in Phoenix! That was a scary day, but I knew that everything would pan out.

I am so proud of you, Lisa!! You are a true role model to your little sister!

crystal said...

Congratulations! This is the true epitome of "when one door closes another one opens!" It sounds like a very exciting career change.

aimee said...

Congrats!! That is SO exciting! I'm pretty sure I know what company you're talking about and I'm jealous! I hope you get a discount! Have a great weekend and congrats again!!

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

Congratulations!! I'm so glad things worked out for you. Guess it's true that good things to come those who wait! :)

Anonymous said...

Congratluations! Thinking nothing but happy thoughts for you as you transition into your new role. I know you'll be great =)

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

OOh, exciting to be moving on to a job you're really looking forward too. And great decision on taking a few weeks off between finishing one job and starting the next.

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

yay!

Shoshanah said...

Congratulations! That's great that everything seemed to work out the way you were hoping!

Becky said...

Congratulations! What a great step for you!

Kelli said...

Congrats Lisa. That sounds like a great opportunity and something that you are very excited about. Good luck as you start your new endeavor and enjoy your break between jobs!!!

qwerkyqook said...

Congrats Lisa. That really is such an awesome accomplishment. I spend millions there too :) I'm glad you are taking some time off, you definitely deserve it!!

Lisa-Marie said...

Hurrah! I am so excited for you! It is good that you've been brave and taken a worthwhile step! I really hope you enjoy your new work!

I finish my part time job on the 17th, and now have a month to find a job! I don't mind what I do, I've been working as a shop assistant for 5 years while at uni, and even just doing that for another couple of years would be fine!

Lots of good luck vibes going you way!!

Mama Nastase said...

Congratulations! By the way, I made that quinoa salad on Friday...it gets better every day!! Thanks for posting the recipe (or link to it) as I think this is going to go into my "rotation". :)

Enjoy your time off between jobs!

Amber said...

Yayy! I'm SO excited for you!! This sounds like it's going to be a great opportunity and learning experience for you! Especially after being at your last job for 6 years, you're ready for a change. And it's good that they really value the education you have worked so hard for!

Also so happy you are taking a couple weeks off - recharging your battery is ALWAYS a good idea!

Hope you had a fabulous long weekend at the cabin :-)

Little Fish said...

Congratulations and good luck!!

Kelly said...

WOWWW congrats!!!!! That is so exciting and sounds like a great opportunity. Good for you for beating out the Harvard grads haha

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy your new career path; it sounds like you're really excited, too. It's wonderful to have a new venue. I've only ever taught elementary school, so I don't know much about the business world. Your three days in a cabin also sound exceptional!

Marlow said...

Congrats!! I also recently left a job that I had been at for 5 years. It was scary and fun!! Best decision I've made in a long time!

Katie said...

Congratulations! That is such exciting news!

If it's the place I think it is (and I'm pretty sure about it) it sounds like an awesome place to work. I love their community focus too!

Good luck!

Erin said...

SO COOL! You'll get a discount now, right???

Meg said...

yeah congrats on the job!! that is so exciting!! :)