Three Weeks Later

It’s now been three weeks since I started my new employment. As with any job, the first few weeks is information overload until you start to see how it all ties together. There is a well structured two month training program for new managers entering into the business and the nice things is, they have taken into consideration the factor of my current “lack of transportation” . I sold my bike in my last job and was about to get a car when I found out that I was being made redundant. Therefore, my base training branch is Wairau Park – a twenty minute bus trip.
First day was introduction around Area Support Office with another new manager and Area Manager, coffee, then out to the Wairau Park branch for set up and general overview of the business. There has been additional training at Manukau and ASO. I was given a company car for the days out at Manukau – a late model Hyundai Sonata Elite V6 (black). I was rather impressed as I have never driven one and it also came with all the bells and whistles!! Something I will take into consideration when I get around to purchasing my next car.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge. The product is out of my expertise however the principle is still the same. I’m “chomping at the bit” at getting into my own store!! Bring it on!!

A New Adventure Begins

Well, it’s been a rather mixed week this last week. Kirstin flew down to Christchurch on Tuesday to present at the teachers national Ulearn Conference. She was initially pretty nervous about both flying and presenting. But as it turned out she got there and back ok, and, was well received at both of her workshops. It was an awesome opportunity as she also met many of her online networks (national & international) in person.
Devin went to his Nana’s on Tuesday, as it had been already been pre-arranged since I was originally due to have started work on Wednesday. Both Devin and Kirstin came back Friday full of stories. Kirstin was highly impressed with the city’s architecture, gardens and yet, feels safer in Auckland.

Spent most of the week in the garden, attacking weeds and felling an old split tree. It was really surprising that once you take out the excess growth of weeds and the odd plant, just how much it opens up! There are more things to do to the garden; however most of it will have to wait until our finances are more stable. My parents came over yesterday for lunch. It was good to catch up with them.
I’m looking forward to starting work on Monday. Having not been in employment for the last 2 months has been an interesting experience however, unless I was a multi millionaire, it could only last for so long...

New Directions

After enjoying some much needed RnR, I’m pleased to inform you that I’ve rejoined the employment ranks.
There were 3 offers on the table - store manager for an electronics store, store manager for a brand new branch selling high quality clothing/camping equipment, and a store manager for a company that has just started restructuring selling office products.

Electronics store was handy being in Glenfield however unable to meet my minimum salary expectations. Equipment store sounded exciting however located in Manukau, lacked future personal development nor progression beyond the immediate position.

So have accepted a store managers’ position selling office products. There are extensive free internal personal development courses, optional paid university papers/diplomas/degrees, paid birthdays off and more importantly, the opportunity of growth both within the company and also its parent company.

Like with any new job, you never know what it’s really like until you have been in for a while. It will take me in a new direction and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Snells Beach

Towards the end of September, we went on a weekend trip to Snells Beach with Kirstin's mum. The weather was pretty disgusting, yet we made the most of it and was glad to get out of the house.
We stopped at various places on the way up that included Puhoi Historic Village, Puhoi Cheese Factory(The Art of Cheese), The Honey Center, Warkworth, and lunch at the Morris & James Pottery 'Cosi' Restuarant. Devin & I enjoyed a nice hot spa that night at the Hotel. The weather was still too crappy the next day to walk along Snells Beach, so we decided to come back and had lunch at Portofino's in Devonport.





Check out the other photo's :)

Weighted Strokes

There is always a painted picture envisioned, before hairs of a brush ever touch the blank canvas.
What you do with that brush, is entirely at your discretion.
What picture that entails, is solely dependant on the weight of the strokes being made...

Redundancy

July ’07, I was made aware that my position was being made redundant with my current employer.

This was not only a surprise to myself, but to many of Australasia Head Office personnel to whom I had developed a close personal & professional relationship with. The call came from the UK to make specific cost cuts, however, that call came down to only a select few. I respect their decision as I fully understand that it was not an easy one to make however, I feel that there were certain factors that wasn’t given the respect that it truly deserved.

During the whole process, a comment was passed that “If it was me, I know I would be really pissed”, to my response “No, not really pissed, but more of disappointment”. Disappointed that I had given so much of myself, sacrificed so much family life towards the cause, and felt that this wasn’t being fully recognised.
Alternatives were offered of current and alternative positions that did not meet my current family commitments. Therefore I decided that it was time to move on...

To my surprise, I received so many emails from both employees and Heads of Departments from within HO, that I know that these relationships will continue far beyond the “call of duty”. A mutual understanding and respect of the hardships we endured and the personal sacrifices made. We were the foundation members, and that this will never be taken from us.

Recently, upon reflection, I wrote the quote “Weighted Strokes”.
Take of it what you will...

Progression

Yes, it has been some time since I last blogged.

It has been pretty full on with work over the last few months and haven't had the time (nor energy), to post any updates.
There has been much happening, much to say, and a lot to evaluate.

It has been "all systems go" hence the decision to open 10 new stores at a major international environment.
In hindsight, the approach to the original directive had been less effective than what was anticipated.
We have since learnt from this experience, we have grown, we have adapted, and we have evolved.
There has been sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears from within all aspects of the business! Countless hours have been given, from the consultants, to the management, all in order to establish and to become successful within a relatively short period of time.
On a global scale - we are the pioneers of a new project to what future predominant international sites may be based upon. Everything we do is scrutinised to the very last cent. From the millions of dollars we trade weekly, to the cost of getting a lightbulb changed. Everything has to be fully evaluated and explained. We are under an intense spotlight from all corners of the world.
This has been the most exciting, most exhilarating experiences of my professional career by far. It has also personally been the most draining. For over seven months I have put my heart and soul into this business, often doing 14 hr days when only I get paid for 8.
So I'm a perfectionist- don't put off till tomorrow, what you can do today. Sometimes you have to sacrifice to succeed...

Starting to recognise that the "To Do" list continued to grow, no matter what was accomplished, I finally confronted my superiors for advise. I was persuaded to take a break. I had been the only one in upper management that had not taken "time out" since we opened. I was also advised that I was doing too many hours and needed to review my work/family balance.

To be the best, is to become the best - however, being exposed to the intensity of middle management, you need to take regular breaks, or you shall become broken.

I have taken this week off, back next and then off the following...

To my family, thank you for understanding.