New job

In the middle of February I quit my job. Knowing we had a huge event coming up, I gave them 4 weeks notice. Four weeks was far too long. Jodi spent the whole time avoiding me. Justin spent the whole time trying to convince me to stay. I spent the whole time worrying my new job was too good to be true.

Justin picked up on that and told me I should talk to Jodi, tell her how much I appreciated my time there, and see if the door might be open for me to return. He asked if I had a backup plan.

The conversation bugged me. I know he’s asking because he cares and he enjoyed working with me and because he would welcome me back. 

Now I’m a month into my new job and I feel like I can really say— I don’t need a backup plan. I should have left a long time ago.

I loved my last job. The responsibilities were always growing, challenging me to learn new skills and justify my work. The organization was changing lives, taking on new programs that make a difference for kids and teens in the foster care system. My coworkers were hard workers who I enjoyed being around. 

The only problem was my supervisor. She was a micromanager who could hardly keep herself from doing my job for me. Any time I tried to take initiative I was accused of trying too hard or not communicating enough. It beat me down. I felt like I was bad at my job. I couldn’t do anything right. 

I want t be clear that no one ever told me I was bad at my job. I was never in danger of being fired—but I felt that way constantly. 

At my new job I’m being trusted to work where ever I need to go get the job done. I’m being told my work looks great—no corrections needed. I don’t have to CC anyone when I send an email. I’m also doing what I love all the time. I’m not being asked to learn completely new systems or skills just because. 

So what am I learning from this experience?

1. My best backup plan is working hard and building on skills I have.

2. I am competent.

3. You are worth more.