Act of contrition, take 1
forgive me blogger for I have sinned. It has been too long since my last post. Here's what went down:
2016 can best be described "episodic" - since it started bad, ended great, and marked along they way by lessons learned and awakenings.
Q1 - Winter of discontent
Let me start of by saying that vanity got the better of me in 2016. I let myself get caught up in the fight to make things happen and get sh@#$% done; enamored with the need to feel validated by having a title proper pay. I took a job that gave me just that, proper title and decent pay with the opportunity to make things happen and grow a team with the knowledge and skills I had acquired so far. A win, right!
No. Not even in the slightest.
You see, I took a job that had the promise of everything I was looking for. However, this became a "be careful what you wish for" moment. In my vanity - loving the title of "Manager" - I failed to read the fine print. I failed to see the bigger picture. I failed to do the very job I was hired to do. How, you ask?
Well, the environment I worked in was quaint. The people I worked with were friendly albeit somewhat distant. But the product I worked on bored me. Testing the same thing over and over became routine and monotonous. I fell out of love with this thing I was supposed to be responsible for. I stopped caring about the very thing QA Managers are supposed to care about. (Confession: I was a bad tester, not bad at testing, but unmotivated to be better)
I embraced the quality thereof, but I wasn't sold on its appeal. Worse, I didn't care anymore. As time went on, I began to feel more isolated and alone. I was frustrated and lonely, and craved change. I wanted camaraderie but found none. I wanted to learn new things, but was getting tasked with menial assignments. And this eventually reared its ugly head in my work performance, which greatly suffered. The consequence: termination. The feeling: elation!
Q2 - The turn-around
January and February of 2016 and I found myself unemployed, but somehow relieved. The weight of a burdensome job was lifted. Luckily I saved just enough to cover several months of expenses, with my unemployment pittance covering the rest. Dear reader, being without work feels great at the beginning - the honeymoon - but over time, the reality sinks in, the bills pile up, and desperation sets in. It can be a total mind-f**k if you let it.
Being without work can also be a great time for soul-searching and opportunity. I took the approach of using the time to learn new skills and gain new experiences. I practiced some much needed automation programming, I networked at meet-ups, and I kept an upbeat attitude. I used this time to make things happen and get sh**t done, per my new year's resolution mantra. And that I did.
As it would happen, March was a total bust. In my vigor to make things happen, I came down with a slight case of pneumonia which side-lined me for the entire month. No going out, no computer work, no blogging (sorry!), and no working out. It was a 30-day moratorium on life. Then along came April (the month, not a girl!)
Q3 - The re-awakening
Easter comes in at the end of March, and usually symbolizes rebirth and renewal. By April, this was my rebirth. I came out of my malady with a renewed confidence and strength. I resumed my daily activities of working out, job hunting, soul-searching, and getting back on track. Should have blogged, but got caught up with other things of more importance(again, sorry!).
April began with a tremendous job opportunity (current place of employment). Where I'm currently at is a start-up, like all my other places of employment, and presented itself as a small company with a project for a prestigious client. To say I was blessed to be hired and tasked with this project is an understatement. I work for an awesome boss, surrounded by amazing people, and work on a project I absolutely own. I'm at a place that really cares for your overall personal and professional growth. They invest time and energy into making sure you 'bloom where you are planted'. Do I need a title? Nah! Is the pay adequate? Better than adequate, as I'm making more than at my former employment, with much much better perks.
Fun fact: I had interviewed at the parent company some years back and turned it down for economic reasons (the position was contract). How fortunes have changed in my favor.
Q4 - Spiritual rebirth, renewed vigor
So here I am, dear reader, having a tremendous career rebirth. Some time ago I considered quitting QA Testing altogether and was contemplating web design. But I am at a job I truly embrace. I enjoy going to work. I welcome the opportunities it presents. And I have something to look forward to now in 2017, for you see, I am now part of a committee that is exploring ways to incorporate WEB APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING into its core competencies (shivers with excitement!)
A year ago, I was on the outs. 365 days and some odd hours later, I have optimism like never before. And its only the beginning - day 1.
2017 - GROWTH! and the changes I want
2017 is looking to be a promising year. I endeavor to keep them coming. For you see, the mantra for this year is growth. Spiritual, Financial, Physical, and Professional. In the months to come, I plan to build on my skills and level-up. That means hitting the Security track hard (not just talking the talk, but finally taking action).2017 -- GROWTH!!!
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