Journey & Adventure

Yesterday was The Boy’s 20th Birthday. I’m not sure how I feel about that little tidbit. Yesterday, it seemed like just another day, but today I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of where the last 20 years of my life went. Today would have been my mom’s 63rd birthday. As with the last 20 years, the 5 years since her passing have flashed by. I don’t know where the time has gone. So much has happened, yet so little has changed. Tomorrow, I’m having lunch with my boss to complete my performance review. We NEVER go for lunch together until it’s performance review time and then suddenly he feels the need to take me for lunch. Maybe he feels if he feeds me first, I’m less likely to speak my mind. I’d much rather just meet in his office and get it over with. Ugh… Day After Tomorrow is pay day! Everyone LOVES pay day – even if the money is spent before you receive it. Wait, maybe that’s just me… And then…it’s Friday! Need I say more? Happy Tuesday – I hope your...

If you are a regular reader, you know the story…I’m restless in my career. Apart from working with the best boss in the world for almost 10 years, I’ve never stayed in one place for very long. The longest stint within the last decade has been 3 years. In case you’re wondering, I’ve held 6 jobs within the last 10 years, including the current one. My restlessness is beginning to surface again. We are currently at the 1.5 year mark. Eeek, I have a problem. What is my problem exactly? Good question. I have many issues, BUT the biggest factor in my restlessness is the “need to make a difference”. I don’t need to save the world, I don’t need public tributes, accolades or recognition of any kind, but I need to personally know that my contributions are doing something for the organization. If I can’t take something that’s in disrepair and make it better or improve upon a process, I don’t see the need to continue. If I can’t do my job well, I don’t see the need to do it at all....

It’s that wonderful time of year again – performance review time. I know many HR professionals would disagree with me, but in my opinion, these are a waste of time…my time. Yes, I do realize that my time is not as precious as I might think, but let me just say this - I could find better ways to spend my time. For example, I could perform a community service. Some viable options may include scrapping gum wads from the underside of tables in the food court at the local mall or perhaps cleaning toilets in the subway. My wonderful HR department has come up with a fantastic self-review questionnaire this year. “Self-review” is the politically correct way to say that: ”Your boss is a lazy ass and won’t fill out your evaluation form, so if you want a raise, you better fill it out yourself.” Here are some of the questions: Question 1: In your view, how do your responsibilities support the organization’s strategy? My Response: What’s the organization’s strategy? Where do I find that? ...