| Author | Message | ||
     Xl1200r |
Normally, I'm one of those people who are very good at not letting thier work life effect their personal life. But it just can't be done anymore. My organization recently went through a reorganization, and I've ended up with a manager that I just don't jive with at all. My opinion no longer matters, my time is micro managed, I have less responsibility in my job than I did before and anytime an issue comes up her gut reaction is that I've done something unthinkable (like ignoring my manager's e-mails). There's a blatent lack of trust regardless of the projects I pull together, and I'm constantly spoken to like I'm stupid, even though my manager is the one trying to adjust to a new position - my job hasn't changed. This past weekend, I had the first glimpse in a long time of actually accomplishing something. For the first time since I brought it home over 2 months ago, I managed to get my kick-only 1964 Sportster XLCH started and took it for a nice 15 mile ride. It's louder than hell, smokes like a bastard, is extremely uncomfortable and takes extreme levels of concentration to ride (ride-side shifter, only a 4-speed, no front brake, no automatic throttle return, etc). I loved every minute of it. This morning, I came into work and had a meeting and the high was gone. Again, it was assumed that I had done something wrong and treated like I was stupid, when in fact my manager failed to understand what I was saying. It has become brutally clear that this career path is not a good fit for me. Me, being a very creative and entreprenuerial person, does not play nice with the exmtrely large, extremely old, extremely slow-moving and process-ridden corporation that I work for. Combined with a manager who values control over her employees more than their happiness, it's just a big losing situation. It's time for a change. Lucky me, the job market is just peachy right about now. Great. (please note the sarcsm). I've casually looking for something different, but there aren't many companies in my area that I'm all that interested in working for. I've applied to a handful of positions on the west coast, but I'm not holding my breath. | ||
| Ratyson |
What industry do you work in? What industry do you WANT to work in? | ||
| Swordsman |
Xl, when did you you start working with me? I haven't seen you around the office, but i swear we have the same boss!  Sounds like maybe you should start your own business...? ~SM | ||
| Cityxslicker |
That is exactly why I left Insurance. At some point there is a pay to fun to bs ratio that just isnt worth it anymore. I have started over so many times, that I wont put up with micromanaged, time wasting inaffectual middle management. The hint to me leaving is when they decide to have 'team building' or sensitivity training exercises. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have been thinking about the same thing. The concern is the personal "retooling" a major career change will entail. Seems I have been going in a four year cycle for the last 12 years. Every four years I get to the point where I want to shoot myself in the head, I make a minor adjustment, and the cycle starts all over. I'm thinking a major change is on the horizon. I just don't know what yet. | ||
| Xl1200r |
What industry do you work in? I work in an IT-related business unit for a major insurance company, however, I'm know nothing about the insurance industry and I'm not a techie (it's a more business-oreinted role). Lots of IT Project Management and such. What industry do you WANT to work in? Ideally, I'd love to work in anything relating to motorcycle, cars, airplanes, boats, etc. However, I would be happy working anywhere where I'm actually allowed to be creative, and I can be responsible for creating or overseeing things that people actually use. Innovative companies that are developing bleeding-edge technologies is where I need to be, not a stagnant, stodgy old-school corporation. I applied to positions with Google, but as you can imagine, it's a highly competitive company to try and get a job with. However, I can't think of many other places where I think I would be totally happy. Sounds like maybe you should start your own business...? I went to school for exactly that. R.P.I. has one of the best entrepreneurship programs and incubation centers in the country, and I was awarded what was essentially the Entrepreneurship Student of the Year when I graduated last May. So yeah, doing my own gig is kind of in my blood. It's something I really want to do if I can't find a company that allows me to utilize those same abilities in a corporate setting. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Seems I have been going in a four year cycle for the last 12 years. Every four years I get to the point where I want to shoot myself in the head, I make a minor adjustment, and the cycle starts all over. I'm having the same thoughts. While looking for jobs, I found a number of positions that may have been a decent fit for me, but they were for companies that I don't think are that disimilar from where I am now. I'm going to need a total overhaul and a new direction entirely. | ||
| Zane |
Just stay out of IT. It stopped being fun many years ago. The bean counters control everything now. | ||
| Glitch |
Well I for one have decided to go back to school. It's the only answer I could come up with being in somewhat the same situation, not knowing what to do next that is. I wasn't stuck in a piss poor job, my dream job was eliminated. I think I'd rather be stuck in a piss poor job, they tend to be great motivators. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"The bean counters control everything now." Too bad you can't get a degree in bean countery. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'm actually hoping my wife's company takes off, so that I can go to work for her. The problem is when you have allowed your job to define you as a person. It shades the way you see the world and how you see yourself. Just once, I would like to not be my job. | ||
| Glitch |
The problem is when you have allowed your job to define you as a person. It shades the way you see the world and how you see yourself. Amen Brother! It's a trap we all fall in. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
Have you considered A/V or Broadcast integration Mark? Try AVI. They are the world's largest A/V integration company in the world. Something may be available up your way. Project Management in the A/V world is a blast. | ||
| Oldog |
+2 FB I left the "conglomo" gig 4 years ago, its tough but doable Recently one of the troops where I USED TO WORK called me head hunting I soo wanted to say "I TOLD YOU SO!") As far as Micro managers What goes around comes around I have had several managers that way, and I out lasted 2 of them they tend to dig their own holes. A good manager recognises ability and makes use of in positive ways, badgering and mircomanagement sounds like the woman has reached her peters principle celing and or is major insecure. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I second that. I used to work for a company that did high-end audio/video installations in expensive homes. It was a hoot. Too bad the people running the company couldn't manage money. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'm on the business end of the insurance universe. I'm a damn good salesman and in the top 1% of my field (executive benefits, estate planning, business succession planning), but it's getting harder and harder to climb out of bed every day. I will probably always be in sales. It's just my nature. It may be time to move back into the tangibles market. | ||
| Barker |
A quote I try to remember, It really inspired me a while back and gave me a target, that I have almost hit. “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.” -- James Michener my other $0.02 One thing I figured out recently is I am a decent manager/leader, but I cant stand it. Now that I have focused on making widgets and not worrying about the 10 widget makers not showing up on time. I have shined. Alotta great people have be unfortunately "promoted". Maybe going back to school is not the best option: I never have had a "dream job" but I keep reshaping what I do. I made TV commercials for a long time. Mostly used cars lots and ambulance chasers "Break your neck? Get a CHECK!" I hated my job. But I still liked video/tv/film production. I also love bikes, cars, helicopters the outdoors and apple computers. So I committed myself to finding away to use my knowledge (film/tv) but in a different venue, instead of going back to school or retooling. Currently I a contractor for the Army National Guard. I was assigned to be shooter/editor w/ the ARNG's marketing efforts with Indy racing, Nascar, Orange County Choppers, American Drag Racing, Hot Import nights, The Iditarod and Special Forces. We shoot on the best HD gear and cut everything on apple computers. It is not only a job, it means alot to me. I really believe in the national guard and I am proud to help the guys doing the real work. Look for place where you really believe in the work, you will only excel if you put you heart into it. Its amazing how much better my work got after I found something I enjoy and believe in. Tomorrow I leave for D.C. to see some of my work in movie theater with a few generals. I hope they like it. http://www.nationalguardwarrior.com/ | ||
| Glitch |
instead of going back to school or retooling. Well I'd like not to have to go back to school, but, what employs now a days are credentials. All I have (other than experience) is a High School Diploma. I can get "jobs" but they don't pay very well. I've gotten by on my wits forever, times have changed. | ||
| Skinstains |
I always thought it would be cool to work with/for/in/at NASA. You sound smart enough from here. Spaceships are probably the only thing cooler than motorbikes, that's not part of a woman anyway. | ||
| Skinstains |
Hey xl1200r, That little sporty aint a roorbeer metalic rigid with upswept fishtails is it ? | ||
| Igneroid |
One positive thing about your situation XL, is that manager of yours is forcing you to make a decision that you may not have made otherwise. I kinow this sounds simplistic and ....it is, but there is better than a 50-50 chance, 5 years from now, you are gonna be thinkin back about the present and thankin that old heffer for pissin you off. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Barker - great quote, and I've been doing a lot of thinking about how to lessen that gap. Unfortunately, I don't think I get can paid very much for fixing up old bikes and riding around to find the best roads. But to be honest, entering something along the lines of journalism for bikes or cars has crossed my mind since I started reading my dad's old issues of car and driver back when I was a teenager. it probably doesn't show on this forum, but I am a pretty good writer. Skin - nope - it's a black XLCH with straight drags. hopefully it'll be pretty close to stock within a year or so. Ing - no doubt. I've never been particularly fond of the industry I'm in, nor the company I'm working for. I could see myself being a lifer there only because the pay is good and the benefits are great, but I'm not willing to put up with all this headache for a job. Going back to school is something I'll do when/if needed. I've only been out for a year and half, and 6 years straight full-time already. My only real option would be an MBA, but I'd like to have a couple of years of experience before going for that (I've read so many articles that recommend it). NASA would be cool - in fact, I won a national silver medal while in High School for a competition to design a manned mission to mars through NSIP (NASA Student Involvement Program). What comes around... eh, probably not, lol. | ||
| Barker |
Just to clarify: I was not saying my way or else. just some ideas, options, perspective. My I also suggest a good book for anyone to read no matter where they are career wise.  http://www.amazon.com/48-Days-Work-You-Love/dp/080 5444793/ | ||
| Xl1200r |
Barker - i would never think you were implying a "my way or else" edict. To be honest, I'm really one of those people who, for the equal pay, would rather 20 hours at a job i HATED than 60 hours at one I LOVED. What makes me happy is friends, family, the girl and the bikes. I value my free-time too much to give it up - work to live. But, since I need to fall somewhere in the middle of those hours, working someplace that I enjoyed (or at least didn't loathe) would pay dividends. Book looks interesting - I may pick that up this weekend. | ||
| Swampy |
I am in a similar situation I went from a career that was rewarding and in its maturity growing in my expertise and relied upon for my knowledge of the industry, back to where I started over 20 years ago by one short sighted decision made by three women to protect their credibility in temporaryily tough times that was brought on by their own lack of experience and poor management. So here is another option: Just become the most obnoxious person in the office, don't do anything, get your nails done, find seminars and shows to go to, work on personal projects, sabotage company goals. Its just a pay check, collect it and go home. Women can make the worst bosses, petty, catty, snoopy, I shook my bosses hand once, that did it for me, I could tell from her bloated hand and limp grip that there were no back bone in that fat carcase standing in front of me. So as another inept previous female administrator I had several years ago put it "Don't invest in your job" I have seen them come and I have seen them go, and all I have to do is go another 7 years and I can go someplace else and make a difference, but right now, nothing seems to matter anymore.... | ||
| Teddagreek |
My experience with people that micro manage is they tend to be very insecure and paranoid.. | ||
| Slowride |
XL1200r, I too am an in the IT Project Management field. I am an Infrastructure Program manager for one of the largest aerospace company's around. I am based out of Dallas, TX and...... We need to hire some top quality PM's. If you are interested and wouldn't mind a relo(unpaid), but good base salary shoot me a note with your details and I will call you. Micah (Message edited by slowride on August 18, 2008) | ||
| M2nc |
XL when I read your post I laugh. I was there a bit more than a decade ago when I was about your age now. I decided then to flex with the wind and point to a general goal. That set me on a path that bounced around, not letting status or monetary barriers stand in my way. I moved backwards, forwards, sideways, forward and after these long years I have enjoyed the journey, succeeded in my goals I set then, and set new goals to continue on my journey. So all I can say is look back and ask yourself what do you really like to do. Take that information and set your goals. Just remember its better to make a decision and adjust it later, than to over plan something and never make a move. Do not look at the short term rewards, but analyze if each move along the way fits to your long term goal. Start your journey and always remember it's not the destination that counts, but the journey itself. If you meet your goals and its not what you want just continue your journey. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Theres a conflict in Georgia. If you dont see me posting about riding in mud and off road; I am gone. Doing what I actually got a degree. Amazing. The never seem to want my skills when people arent blowing shiate up. Nothing like a hostile invasion with armed personnel carriers to make you change the direction of your day. | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>Nothing like a hostile invasion with armed personnel carriers to make you change the direction of your day.<< I'd settle for a Brunette with big tits. XL Man - without knowing you better it's hard to give good advice - but sounds like 'back yourself' is appropriate. (Message edited by danger_dave on August 19, 2008) |
