by Ashley
I’ve been following Hope’s posts about her potential transfer and the numerous transitions she’s been navigating in recent times—modifications which have affected almost each a part of her life, from her job to her private relationships.
Whereas my very own life hasn’t undergone fairly as many seismic shifts, I’ve positively been coping with some disruptions, significantly in my work life.
Navigating Uncertainty at Work
I’ve touched on a number of of those modifications in earlier posts. With out delving into too many particulars, my work setting has turn into a little bit of a whirlwind. I’ve skilled an sudden change in management, with my present chief serving in an interim position and no clear course on who will lead us subsequent. On prime of that, my college is in a interval of appreciable instability, with management modifications at almost each degree, shifts in funding constructions, a hiring freeze, and a pause on raises, amongst different issues.
As somebody who thrives on stability and predictability, I’ve discovered this setting significantly difficult. There’s a lot uncertainty. For instance, we don’t know what the brand new funding mannequin will appear like, who my subsequent boss can be, or how these modifications will have an effect on my position throughout the division.
Greedy at Management
In response, I’ve observed myself making an attempt to exert management over no matter I can. It’s virtually as if I’ve been making an attempt to power stability in my very own little nook of the office. I’ve been pushing for small modifications inside my division, virtually as if making these modifications will assist me really feel extra grounded, like my work continues to be valued regardless of every little thing else being up within the air.
It’s been a little bit of a rollercoaster. Someday, I’m enthusiastic about moving into a bigger management position, desirous to tackle extra accountability. The subsequent, I begin questioning whether or not I actually wish to add extra to my plate and surprise if I’d be happier specializing in my present work with out the stress of further administrative duties. I shuttle between eager to climb the ladder and eager to cut back, feeling pulled in numerous instructions relying on the day.
It’s exhausting, and I can’t assist however surprise if, in my efforts to handle the uncertainty, I’ve been greedy at straws.
Embracing Stillness in Instances of Change
Studying by feedback on Hope’s journey, I’ve observed that many individuals have advised she take a step again and resist making huge selections for now, encouraging a interval of stillness slightly than quick motion. Whereas I’m not suggesting that is essentially the fitting path for Hope—I imagine that’s for her to resolve—I can’t assist however assume that this may be good recommendation for me in my very own state of affairs. I’ve been so centered on making an attempt to regulate the modifications at work, however maybe I must pause, take a breath, and provides myself a while to replicate.
Throughout the subsequent 12 months, my work setting will possible look utterly totally different. We’ll have new management on the prime, a brand new division head, and hopefully a extra steady and outlined enterprise mannequin.
As a long-term strategist, I’m used to pondering a number of steps forward. I create and depend on strategic planning to information my decision-making. However proper now, it may be time to simply accept that not every little thing must be deliberate or managed. Maybe it’s okay to simply wait and see. Peace, for now, may imply embracing stillness and never making any huge modifications at work in the interim. There can be loads of time for change sooner or later.
Has there ever been a time in your life if you felt overwhelmed by uncertainty? How did you deal with the necessity for change with out making rash selections? I’d love to listen to your ideas!
Hello, I’m Ashley! Arizonan on paper, Texan at coronary heart. Lover of operating, running a blog, and all issues cheeeeese. Freshly 40, married mom of two, working in academia. Making an attempt to lastly (lastly!) repay that ridiculous 6-digit scholar mortgage debt!
