The Next Small Step

Today, after six and half years, I am no longer full time at the port. After six and half years, its time for something new. Now this sounds extremely dramatic, but in reality I have just changed schedules to allow me to work on other things. 

When I started on site, I was still very green around the gills – having been in New Zealand for only about a year and a half. I was still getting to grips with culture shock, a different way of working and many other different things that happen when you move countries. 

It was a great step up and a great vote of confidence in me and my future by the people that I was still struggling to impress. I am so grateful they chose to give me this opportunity, and I will remain grateful for it for the rest of my career. 

But believe it or not, six and half years is enough time to grow into AND out of a role. In fact, by the end of year four, I was already growing restless. I had lost site of the bigger picture. I was no longer sending men to the moon by cleaning NASA’s floors. At least not mentally. I loved the environment, I loved the people. But there was no challenge. I am not saying that I didnt get any opportunities – I still got those. Going to Microsoft Ignite, not just once, but twice, before Microsoft decided to can it. Being able to study to get my MCSA and a lot of other types of training. What was missing was a problem to solve.

Now, I will admit. I did get slack and allow myself to sit there for too long. Better the devil you know, and all that. 

Today, I packed up my desk. I took down my photos, my certificate, my Rocketlab decorations and my koala-fications (get it, get it? They are little koalas that hang off your screen). I’ll still be back at that desk, but it is now no longer mine. 

This is a small step that I decided to take in order to make my perfect day a reality. And even though it is my decision, its still a little sad.