Be Inspired
Victoria Park, Leicester
For the last 27 years I've worked at the same engineering company. I've seen massive changes and have played a pivotal role as an engineer and manager in the design, development and introduction of new products. I've specified and purchased new machines, designed and implemented new systems and processes and for the last 10 years have had overall responsibility for managing production, purchasing, quality, design and all other engineering activities. I've traveled and dealt with blue chip customers and seen both good and bad economic times. I've met and worked with some very intelligent, highly revered experts and entrepreneurs in their fields. I've seen the people I reported to and deeply respected retire and/or pass away and be replaced by new faces.
Nothing stays the same though, and during the past couple of years I've become very unhappy in my work. The cultures and modus operandi of organisations change as a result of new owners, customers and economic environments. One day, late this summer, after having soldiered on for some considerable time, I decided that I just didn't fit any longer. I had found it impossible to realise and implement the changes that I strongly believe were necessary for the company. It was time for a change and despite feelings of fear I set about doing something about it. Things happened fast and within 3 weeks I'd got myself another job in a different area of engineering, different industry but still using many of the same skill sets that I possess. Friday was my last day at a place of work that I have invested so much in over the years. It was sad.
For the last 27 years I've worked at the same engineering company. I've seen massive changes and have played a pivotal role as an engineer and manager in the design, development and introduction of new products. I've specified and purchased new machines, designed and implemented new systems and processes and for the last 10 years have had overall responsibility for managing production, purchasing, quality, design and all other engineering activities. I've traveled and dealt with blue chip customers and seen both good and bad economic times. I've met and worked with some very intelligent, highly revered experts and entrepreneurs in their fields. I've seen the people I reported to and deeply respected retire and/or pass away and be replaced by new faces.
Nothing stays the same though, and during the past couple of years I've become very unhappy in my work. The cultures and modus operandi of organisations change as a result of new owners, customers and economic environments. One day, late this summer, after having soldiered on for some considerable time, I decided that I just didn't fit any longer. I had found it impossible to realise and implement the changes that I strongly believe were necessary for the company. It was time for a change and despite feelings of fear I set about doing something about it. Things happened fast and within 3 weeks I'd got myself another job in a different area of engineering, different industry but still using many of the same skill sets that I possess. Friday was my last day at a place of work that I have invested so much in over the years. It was sad.
So, a new chapter in my life starts tomorrow and to paraphrase Tom Stoppard, I am "looking on the exit as being an entrance somewhere else". I have a very positive feeling about this and I am excited about embracing a fresh challenge in an environment with new employees who have expressed a commitment to developing their investments. Here's to the future......
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15 comments:
As you said "nothing stays the same".
I wish you well in this new and exciting challenge.
-Trevor
Best of luck in your new position. Takes courage to take that leap. Like the photo also, great find.
Colin, that certainly is a landmark, and I wish you all the best in your new position. From the way how you tell it I can only conclude that this is the right step for you - not much is worse than investing energy in an enterprise you cannot fully back with your person any more. But what I've seen from your creative work gives a good hint that you've taken a good decision. Thumbs up!
Colin, congratulations and best of luck at your new job. Wow, 27 years is a long time in this day and age and I respect the accomplishment -- I worked 18 years at one company before finding it just didn't fit anymore.
I hope this new experience offers many opportunities of growth and advancement for you!
Thanks for all the comments and the encouragement. The first day is upon me, so here goes!
Hi Colin,
I can relate to your story. I spent 2 months shy of 30 years with a large multinational company before being a "deselected" in a downsizing. I have now been at a smaller company (600 employees) that just got bought out by our #1 competitor. My future here is not looking very good. They have committed to keeping us for only a few months during transition.
Change like this is difficult, and especially so when you are nearing retirement age but are not ready to retire. New employment in this economy and at my age is a challenge.
I am really pleased to see your have found a new chapter in your career and I have little doubt that you will be very successful. I only hope the new position will leave you enough time to continue your photographic pursuits.
I don't think I need to wish you luck because somehow I feel you have the talent, drive and experience to guarantee your success.
John
That’s a big leap, Colin. But times come when you’ve really got to do stuff like this. What you say about things changing because of new owners and the economic environment is true. That change is not always for the better. In fact, from where I’m standing it’s seldom for the better. Good luck with your new venture.
Alen McF
Alen: Thanks, you are right, it was a massive leap and brought with it lots of feelings of vulnerability. Sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do. We all need to feel the feedback of having done a good job and contributing to the greater whole.
John: Thanks for sharing that as it helps. Thanks also for your vote of confidence. Deep down I know that it is possible to set my mind to achieve what needs to be done, but that doesn't stop me worrying about it at times. I've moved from an organisation of 70 people to one of 26. The really exciting thing about my new position is that it's a completely new position within the company. As such, it's almost a blank canvass and a great opportunity to use the engineering and management skills that I've gained over the last 35 years.
Best of luck in your new position, Colin. I had a very similar experience years ago and left a job of 20 years and relocated to another state. Although I was very anxious about the move, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
Ken: Thanks, hopefully, that'll be exactly what I will be able to say in the future as well.
From your description of the situation it sounds as though you have thought this through and know exactly what you are doing. I know that your clarity in this decision and all your valuable experience will make this move either a roaring success and phenomenal success, or an essential stepping stone taking you where you are supposed to be.
It is an exciting time in life. Live every moment of it with a voracious appetite for each experience it offers.
Anita: Thank you for your thoughtful comment, it's hard to always keep an objective outlook when you are in the middle of such a stressful transition period in your life.
Colin, congratulations on the new job! Sometimes, we simply must move on to better things. BTW, I love this photo. It's very cool to find things like this along the way..
Paul: Thanks, two weeks on and I'm so pleased I made the move, there's no regrets!
A big step to take, but a very wise one, from what you say in the post. Congratulations on making the leap into the 'less known', and I hope it's still going well!
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