Monday, November 23, 2009

Giving Thanks: Day 7

I am thankful for my new job which completely challenges me.

I used to dread Mondays. Sunday night would roll around and this mini-depression would sort of set in because I knew I was going to have to get up and go to a job that I really didn't love. I didn't love that job for various reasons but the #1 reason is that the job was not challenging. It was challenging when I first started since I transitioned from operations into finance, but once I figured out how to do the various parts of my job, it morphed from being challenging to being do-able, and then was just plain frustrating.

Luckily getting my MBA totally payed off! I networked like no body's business, and landed my current job, which I started on October 5th.

Now, I no longer dread going into work on Mondays. I actually look forward to it and I am one of the first people in on my team each day. It's fabulous to be challenged again.

I won't say that the transition has been a piece of cake. I definitely had many days where I felt like a village idiot and went home wondering if my manager was going to question his decision to hire me. But I got to the point where I realized I had to stop mentally kicking my own butt every day and needed to be more patient with myself.

Now that I have cut myself some slack and am allowing myself to fumble every now and then, I am really enjoying myself and am starting to work on projects that are actually going to have an impact on the company.

We spend so many hours at our jobs so it is so important to have a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day! I am so thankful that I leave the office every day feeling fulfilled!

15 comments:

Lisa-Marie said...

I am like you on this one. Having spent the past five years working in retail - which was ok but not great - I loe having a job I am excited about. Whilst mine isn't particularly challenging, it is very enjoyable, and I do learn eery day!

Mama Nastase said...

I absolutely agree that you must love your job! Too much time is spent there to be stressed out or dislike it. I'm glad you find your present position challenging. Your company is a fantastic place to work!

Mandy said...

I stuggle with this constantly. I the benefits I get from my job (vacation time, academic schedule, etc) but I don't love my job or feel challeneged on a regular basis. At the same time, I don't want a job that requires me to work 50 or 60 hours a week. Its a balance that I haven't really struck yet. I am so glad that you love your job though. Its so important.

aimee said...

that's so awesome that you actually like going to work! it makes life a lot better! happy monday!!!!!

Emily Jane said...

I'm so glad you found a job you love :) I've been at my place now since January and it's the first time ever I actually enjoy being at work. It's a team of REALLY nice people with a genuine sense of care and concern and a mentality of helping people, including each other. It makes the world of difference when you feel like you're valued, appreciated and actually accomplish something in your work!

Unfortunately I'm only on a term until March... fingers crossed my position gets extended :)

Little Fish said...

Well I hate my job, but I'm very grateful that I have like a 15 minute commute. It's lovely to be able to sleep late.

Little Fish said...

Oh and I'm happy that you love your job! Good for you!

Amber said...

Aww YAY! I'm so happy you love your job so much, you're right it's SO important to enjoy what we do.

I feel the same way about my job, it's VERY rare when I actually dread going to work and I think that's a good thing :)

PS: I am currently drafting a VERY LONG email to you!!!! :D

Abby said...

I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your job, Lisa! I know it was stressful making the big transition. But now all the hard work you pulled in grad school has paid off!

I think my biggest career goal is to be at that point where I can say "I can't wait to go to work tomorrow". I'm not sure if there will be that enthusiasm each and every day...

But that's great you have attained that! So proud of you!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

I'm glad you're feeling pleased with this decision! And great to see how an MBA can pay off.

Carolina John said...

i love my new job too! it's very challenging and interesting. and i get to work with great people.

so glad you're liking things at the new gig too.

Leigh said...

I totally agree with you! I had a job that did not challenge me and that I did not enjoy, so it left me in a bad mood everyday. Luckily, I can say that I love my job now and the people I work with. A great job really makes a difference in your life outside of work.

J said...

Yes, loving your job is a must. I'm still waiting to land that job but I hope it happens soon!

Katie said...

I am so glad to hear there are jobs out there that can stimulate you and challenge you. And I'm so glad you landed one!

Yay!

Anais said...

Good for you!!! I know what you mean - I love to be challenged, it makes everything much more interesting! I guess that's partly why I'm enjoying my masters so much :)