As the New Year begins I have found myself looking to the future and trying to determine my place in it. It has been almost five months since I finished my Masters degree and work seems to be a little stagnant and un-challenging. It would be very easy to let myself drift off into a rut, settle in, and let the world roll on by. The problem is I don’t want that to happen.
I am currently working in a temporary assignment to help with headcount in another organization. Originally, this position was going to offer me opportunities to flex my newly gained knowledge muscles and provide methods and theories to improve processes in this new group. While there have been some opportunities, they have not been nearly as prolific as I would have liked or was lead to believe. If I am not careful, I can become somewhat complacent. The improvements I am making can be useful and some people like them but they are not “expected”. I find something and look for a way to make it easier. I’m not being tasked to solve specific issues, merely to fill a seat.
So what happens from here?
I have begun looking for other jobs within the company and am attempting to branch out. One particular hurdle that I am trying to clear is the fact that I have been with the company for almost 21 years and, even though I have a brand new degree, I am somewhat pigeon-holed by my longevity and current role with the company. If I were to be outside the company, applying to become a new employee, my opportunities would actually be greater. One particular role that I applied for turned out to only be available for new hires and was posted to help fulfill a new government initiative. Essentially, I can’t leave my current position open for an outside hire, they would rather I stay where I’m at and give my dream job to someone from outside the company. It’s a little frustrating…
Anyway, I have determined that I will seek continuous learning in my field and look for ways to branch out. I have considered looking for small businesses and non-profits and volunteer my time to see if I can help them out. At the very least it will give me practical experience in the field and something more to put on my resume.
The future, as always, is unclear. In an effort to find a new niche I will do what I can and make adjustments as I see fit. Only time will tell…
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