Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Change of Status (Or, stated as I actually feel about it: "CHANGE OF STATUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!")

My faithful readers know that, since leaving the non-profit health education organization where I was the executive producer of a series of eight videos for teens on topics like media literacy, self-esteem, body image, nutrition, teen activism and teen stress, I have been on a bit of a career roller coaster. I worked in a contract position at Microsoft, as a Program Manager in their Teaching and Learning Technologies group and then I went on to manage the Seattle office for a non-profit that was contracted with the Gates Foundation to do some work around education reform. That organization (or at least their Seattle office) disappeared as soon as the Foundation decided to change direction, putting all of us out of a job. That was 10 months ago.

My quest to find "the perfect job" (now that I'm considered - pfffft! -- an "older worker"... oh god, I hate seeing that in print; surely it refers to someone else!) has been more like a roller coaster, with starts and stops, peaks and valleys -- and moments when I felt like throwing up. I told myself that I would not just accept any job, but that my next position should be one where I hope to stay. And in order to stay, I'd want to work in (or at least towards) a leadership position where I could be both creative and strategic, where I could both plan and execute, and where I both felt valued myself and could contribute to others' sense of purpose and value. I also knew that, in order to feel continually challenged, I'd want to work with a variety of media, with both internal and external partners, and in an environment where growth, change, and flexibility are expected and valued.

So guess what? I found just such a place and accepted a position this morning! I'll start work as a Senior Project Manager on February 28th. And that's all I'll say for now -- though you know that I'll add bits and pieces (short of disclosing the company's identity, of course) as time goes on.

Why is it that all of a sudden, this stuff is going through my head:

  • Clean garage
  • Organize closets
  • Costco run
  • Clean fridge
  • Fix transmission on Tom's truck
OK, that last one? Not true. But if I could, I would, because he brought me roses last night.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

17 comments:

Blog Antagonist said...

Oh Carol, that's awesome. I know you're search has been long and frustrating. Congratulations!!

G in Berlin said...

Yeah!!! Mazel Tov!

kim-d said...

Why, congratulations Carol! You will be starting your new career on February 28, 2008--which will be my 30-year anniversary with my company! The way you're feeling about this new venture of yours? That is exactly how I felt on February 28, 1978! I am so happy for you!!! And do you have any openings for self-motivated worker bees? HAHAHAHA!

And, okay, those gorgeous flowers AND groceries? I think you should get Tom a brand-spankin' shiny new transmission. Guys love that stuff! HAHAHAHA!

GOOD FOR YOU, CAROL.

Anonymous said...

Herzlichen Glueckwunsch, Carol. I'm glad you finally found the job you wanted.

blackcrag said...

Congratulations! I hope this job is everything you think it is, and gives you more than you wanted (in the best sense of the phrase), nturally).

This is great news.

surfie999@gmail.com said...

Getting the RIGHT position may have been tricky / time consuming and a bit difficult. BUT.....will it get even more difficult? I have enormous sympathy over the whole mess, but hell, us older workers bring "cunning, age and experience that beats youth and inexperience EVERY time!!"

Here the balance is beginning to shift towards us older workers, as we have less days off, less family interferences/ crises, a stronger work ethic and so on. A recent surveys identifies that most employers now prefer to employ older workers! SO......go get em!

Princess Cat's Pajamas said...

Way to go!!!

Maria said...

Wooo hooo!!!

She-She C said...

Best of luck to you in your new job! Let me know if you find yourself in need of a long-distance executive secretary who loves to travel -- for the betterment for the company, of course! LOL

Anonymous said...

WoooHooooo! Congrats on finally finding it! I'm very happy for you.

As for your list...it sounds like you are nesting to me! :)

Snooker said...

Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
I wish you all the best for your new career. You've worked hard to get to this point, and I'm happy to see that work come to fruition!

Goofball said...

oooh that is such great news! Fantastic !!! Do you feel very thrilled? Nervous?



Does that mean you'll post significantly less?

Betsy said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! All that patience and hard work finally paid off! You must be thrilled!

Hope this won't put a dent into your blogging time! ;-)

Becky said...

Woo hoo!

Jen said...

Yeah, Carol!!! This is WONDERFUL news! I'd take you out for a drink to celebrate, but it's a bit of a commute from MI. ;-(

lnorvig said...

Congratulations!

Heather Mundell said...

Carol, I am thrilled for you! I hope it's everything you want...and more!

Related Posts with Thumbnails