Time For A Change

[Skips]

Good luck, smunder!

[Kenickie]

That's brilliant, Smun! Everything crossed for you.

[Lily]

You're on fire Smun! a) well done and b) good luck.

[absley]

Good luck Smunds, that's great news.

[Hobbes]

Good luck Smunder, that would be ace!

[Dáire]

What's the appropriate amount of time these days to do the first stage (of three) interview but to not have heard back yet? I'm a bit on edge. Like, a week? Or just hang on and don't seem needy?

[Panda]

Did they give you any feedback at the end of the first interview on what the next steps will be Daire? Have you heard anything yet?

[Ella]

Did you get any news, Daire?

I hope nobody minds me updating this. I've been in my new role for over 6 months now, and it has been a real stretch. It's hard. I've gone from being a (moderately) senior technical specialist, working more or less alone, to line managing 12 technical people who need a lot of support, and stepping back almost completely from the technical side except for escalations. My direct reports are mostly either in India or southern England; only one is actually based in my office.

Politically, this has been a really stressful few months, mostly because of one guy in particular (who works in a very closely allied team) who's refused to accept that I'm his peer. For the first few months he kept going to my manager instead of me when he needed my team to do something (and he still tries it occasionally), and to people outside my wider team he tries to give the impression that my team members ultimately report to him, which they don't. I've really struggled with how angry this has made me, but ultimately he's somebody I've never liked, and he obviously feels threatened by me so I must be doing something right.

Anyway, over the last few weeks I've been wondering a lot if I made the right decision to move away from technical work into technical management. I've gone back and forth on this a lot, but I also know that I couldn't stay in my old job (because of the guy I mentioned up there). I was on the verge of quitting with nothing to go to, so this new job has been an absolute gift in many ways.

Anyway, I am wanging on too much . Today, I got a phone call out of the blue from my boss's boss to tell me that I've done so well in this role that he put in a (decent) mid-year payrise for me, backdated to 1st August! I had absolutely no idea, because this basically never happens at my company. Obviously the money is nice, but more than that it proves that I can't be doing too badly, despite all my doubts. It's just the boost I needed.

I'm definitely going to get fired for something now .)

I've had some (very protracted developments) here if anybody is bored enough to read this. The secondment I mentioned in the other thread back in October ended up not happening because they wanted to turn it into a promotion instead; this is obviously good, but it meant an awful lot of people having to get involved, and it went all the way up to the Board a couple of times, which is ridiculous.

[blahblahblah...]

[sally maclennane]

Thats brilliant, Ella! Well done and great news on the payrise, and the recognition that it shows too.

What a dick the other guy is!

[Leap]

Ella, that’s amazing! What an endorsement after just 6 months, especially when it’s been a far more challenging time than it needed to be thanks to this prick. Well done!

[Smunder Woman]

Well done, Ella

[Dandelion]

I can’t imagine you letting him get away with that, Ella! I hope he was put in his place.

Congratulations on the pay rise, what a nice and well deserved reward!

I actually met my team face to face this week for the first time, nine months in. We had a lovely dinner and my boss gave me lots of praise which was nice. I finally feel like I have proved myself, and am getting the kudos that I have worked so hard for.

[Leap]

Oh fantastic Dande, that’s great news! Am I right you had a slightly (and unfairly) uncertain start because of an ill-timed need for self isolation? I’m so pleased you’ve had the chance to prove yourself, and clearly it’s made an impact.

[Ella]

Thanks very much, guys. I'm more relieved than anything.

Nice one, Dande. I remember you having a rough start there too so I'm glad your work is being recognised.

[rosy]

Brilliant, Ella and Dande!

[Derek Nimmo]

Good on you both! It's all the sweeter when your struggles lead to rewards and recognition.

[Dandelion]

Yes, it was a tricky start and also they have never had a part timer before, so I felt under pressure to prove myself.

Just need travel to resume properly now!

[Rosa]

That's great news, Ella and Dande!

[Hazey_Jane]

How nice to these positive updates, well done you two.

[mojojojo]

Well done both of you! So nice to get the recognition you clearly deserve.