Year 4
Calm down there, buddy… it’s only work!
All jobs eventually come to an end. My tech support role died at the end of year 4.
I didn’t get fired or laid off. I left because it was time for me to go. You’re probably wondering how I built up the confidence to leave, given the wreck that I was toward the end of Year 3.
Easy. I started taking charge of my job, my finances, and my life.
Control. That’s what this year is all about.
Oh man, you totally owned Mr. Data!!! I am loving this series
Hi Dwayne
I will say that at the time, it didn’t feel like I owned him (Mr. Data) — In fact, going into that meeting I was pretty sure I was going to get fired on the spot. I wasn’t even super happy when I realized that things worked out — what I felt was much closer to simple relief. I’m very glad you’re getting a kick out of these posts.
Wow, that was only year 4! I guess I was lucky to have significant variety in my projects for the first 4 years, I felt like I was just hanging on by my fingernails while I learned what the heck I was getting paid to be an expert at. Getting a PE license my 5th year helped coalesce my self confidence and I did something similar to what you describe the following year, after one of the most miserable years of my life. Middle finger lightsaber, I could definitely use one of those, mine was more of a slow steady wimpering until my manager finally confronted me and I felt like I had nothing to lose (except a job I could barely drag myself to). Looking forward to Year 5!
[email protected] recently posted…Personal Finance Musings from Abroad
Hi EV
Yep, only Year 4 and it’s still not over. I had to split it into parts because it’s so unbelievably long. I know what you mean about hanging on by your fingernails — that’s how I felt year 1 and 2 for sure, before I started making real improvements in skill levels and efficiency. It takes time. Glad you corrected your own Year 3 issue. When work is THAT bad, it colors every aspect of your existence and feels like there’s no escape. And of course there IS an escape but when things are going that poorly you’re usually blind to the solution.
I generally agree with you on the alcohol. I keep trying to find a balance but I’m not sure there is one. Whatever it is, I’ve definitely been consuming too much the past couple weeks.
My version of the job experience would be terribly boring reading, but this is entertaining and enlightening, so keep it up
I imagine it’s cathartic for you as well.
Thegoblinchief recently posted…Salsa Recipe #1 – Hey, This is Pretty Great!