Wow. It's been 3 freakin' mths since I last blogged, and another 6 mths since I last contributed an article to My Paper. The 1st 4 months at Marketing this year has been one of the worst ever as it's peak hell compounded by EduTrust certification audits.
It was also around this time that I learnt that my application to transfer to Student Activities dept has been approved despite the fact that I've yet to cap the min. 2-yr service duration requirement. This announcement comes as a surprise, and one of mixed emotions as I also learnt that my boss and mentor Dolly was going off on a 1-yr break. It is likely that she will not return if she "enjoys what she's doing" (in her own words). Once again I sit next to a Gary, same name, different person and personality.
As I leave behind Marketing which had been my home for 1 yr and 10 mths (longer if you count the OT hours), and transfer to my new dept tmr, I would like to look back at the highs and lows, and give a laundry list on what I will miss and not miss after today.
What I will miss
1) Mentorship from Dolly
I have mixed emotions towards Dolly. Some days I love her to bits and other days I'm really terrified of her. She's got a wide range of emotions and so, sometimes she's like your best gal pal, and sometimes she's the perfectionist boss who (in her own words again) has no room for C-graders in her team. But not every boss will include mentorship in their leadership. I've had bosses who are just people that approve my leave. And also met those who are afraid that you will outshine them. Dolly is neither. She is a boss, mentor, coach and most importantly a friend.
2) My team
I clicked well with my latest team mates, Gary and Jane because we are of the same age group. They brought smiles and laughter to a department which was lacking in that after Rae left. They are all dedicated and great to work with. Bee Pheng and Celine are of a different generation, but we've grown close over the last 2 years - I will miss their motherliness.
3) My Regional Marketing Portfolio
It took me a while to gain trust and expertise in this exciting field. I had high hopes about furthering my career here, which I felt could springboard me to success in many other companies and fields. However the company hasn't progressed to where this could be 1 person's sole portfolio. To do this, I had to do other stuff which I didn't enjoy.
4) Proximity to Important People
Not everyone wants to get near the bosses. But the truth is, if you want to get ahead, you must be within sight and earshot of the bosses. Especially when you do good stuff. Being at 6th floor helped some impt people notice me and appreciate my work. Being in 2nd floor unfortunately is 4 floors far, and hopefully it isn't out of sight, out of mind.
5) Proximity to better facilities
6th floor being where management is, has nicer stuff. Bigger pantry, cleaner loos, colour printer, etc.
What I won't miss
1) Transportation via lift
Getting to work via 3 lifts to 6th floor is an agonising wait sometimes. And 1 lift doesn't operate to 3rd and 4th floors so it's a lot of time wastage waiting for lifts daily.
2) Late Nights
Working in marketing is damn scary. To leave at 7pm is godsend. But usually it's between 7.30-8pm. Leave after 9pm happens about 3-4 times each month. Sure you get $10 meal allowance, but that's about it. OTs are not applicable to my level. We've also heard the closing announcements before during our worse periods.
3) Lillian*
I've tried my best to be nice to her but that only causes her to take advantage of everything and everyone. I finally see for myself the evidence backing the RP rumours about her bad work attitude. I pray that my ex-team doesn't have to suffer for much longer. To have a burden in the team is to work doubly hard - doing your own work + overcoming her mistakes and incompetence.
4) Filing
I don't like administrative red tape and Edutrust has added more workload for us in terms of administration. I already went home late, and suddenly I'm returning even later cos of paperwork, and filing, and documentation. Is this what I want to do with my career?
*Updated 3 June: Lillian leaves our co tmr, at the command of her RO and HR. No surprise to me as I knew the backstory, but a shocker to many. A bit sad for her at the sudden departure. Though she's a pest, some dignity ought to be given to cushion her fall lah. Give her time to say goodbye. Then again, it's not my call.
