Picking up the pieces: a view of change in the workplace 5636

Picking up the pieces: a view of change in the workplace

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When you come into a new job and it looks like someone murdered your position.

Do we ever know exactly what we are getting into when taking on a new position?  I know that until this past year, I felt very confident in my ability to transition into a new workplace.  Of course there is an expected amount of time that anyone should have to understand new software and practices.  What happens when the position that you take has been dropped and you have to pick up the pieces..well, that is where I found myself this time last year. I want to say that I felt like this:
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But I honestly I felt more like:
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The person that had the position before me had taken many months off due to family illness and then immediately put in her notice.  After a year of being here, I am just now caught up from the mess that was so graciously given to me.  

If you find yourself in this situation, I have three practical tips on how to survive without quitting.

First, start by finding joy in one thing about your job.  My wife loves to watch a particular show on Netflix that the lady suggests finding something that "sparks joy." Who says that we cannot do this at work!  Though I was overwhelmed by everything that had to be cleaned up, I found joy in the fact that I had a wonderful class of students that were coming in for the scholarship year.  I did not know them, but taking the time to be human for one moment and get to know them made the process so much easier.

Secondly, be diligent in asking questions (even when your co-workers might not want to help).  I honestly have been blessed with a wonderful boss.  Do not get me wrong...she expects the best.  One thing I found after figuring out her management style is that, as long as you know what you are taking about, she will go above and beyond in helping you.  Find that person at work for you.  Maybe it is not your boss.  Maybe it is someone that is not even in your area.  Do not stop asking questions. Kubra Sait is quoted saying that " Asking questions is the first way to begin change."

Finally, take your job one step at a time.  I cannot state this enough.  I found myself working from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. not taking a lunch the first few months.  This is not healthy and honestly should be illegal.  There is a different between giving your best each and every day and overworking yourself. Find a healthy medium and start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Always feel like you can reach out to others on this community. I am always willing to talk to you.
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~Austin
News Tips, Tricks, and Timesavers! 05/01/2019 4:35pm EDT

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3 Comments
I've been sifting through blogs and stumbled upon this one - You nailed it, Austin. I came into my organization in the same situation about 3 years ago and finally feel like everything is under control, clean and organized. One day at a time!
Thank you for this Blog.  This describes my situation perfectly.  I am "replacing" a position which as essentially been empty for two years- employee had taken extensive leave of absence prior to eventually leaving the organization.  It's been a slow crawl into the black hole of  "Where do I start?"  Finding joy is the key to everything.
Love this Austin Clowers‍! I tried to post a gif of Marie Kondo here since you mentioned here, but am unable to. So instead, I will provide a link to it: https://media.giphy.com/media/5YiRHZtcSeiEyOpSV7/giphy.gif

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