I can’t believe it’s already been two full weeks since I shifted into this new role at work, but here we are. I was called in by someone high up who knew me well from my previous position. He offered me a managerial role in my old department, where I cut my teeth being IT*
While the title itself will be discussed further, and while I do not manage anyone directly (I’m probably not going to be anyone’s direct boss), managing things is, pretty much, what I’m supposed to do. It requires much more understanding of day-to-day IT operations than I ever had before, and I am truly grateful I’m surrounded by people I already know who had the patience and knowledge to teach me in the past.
On a personal level, this means my daily schedule goes out the window. It already did, as I hit the ground running. Some operations can take place only early in the morning, while others take place on weekends (those of you who do patching know what I’m talking about). On the other hand, the bulk of the work usually slows down in the afternoon. My remote work options are also shifting, as much of the work I’m doing so far involves meeting people - new and old - in their different locations, and access to certain systems means I need to be on-site.
My brain has been firing on all cylinders and then some. I woke up at 3 or 4 AM for several days right into brainstorms, which ended only after I wrote down notes or sipped cold seltzer while looking out the window at lit windows around me in the city.
Sleeping was so bad, in fact, that I decided to try some “Not Pot” CBD gummies again. It helped to a point. This is a rough transition. Not only am I dealing with a role I haven’t done before, and there are many more responsibilities, but I am also still in my old role. While people around me understand if I need extra time, we don’t always have that option. Things need to get done.
I’m no stranger to changes such as this one, and I have faith in myself that I will not only manage to deal with everything eventually but also do so well. This is not out of boasting or showing off, but because I know myself. I care to know, and I know to care (sometimes too much). There is a cost in time and energy, and I need to remain aware.
Writing here helps somewhat; thank you for reading. If the blog slows down, I believe it will only be temporary as I adjust.
While this wasn’t my first position in IT, it was the first serious one where I learned and grew in this career.