It's amazing how little brain power is left after each confusing day of a new job! I have been meaning to update on how the new gig is going and have crafted a few blogs in my head for that very purpose. But, when I finally had a bit of time, I just didn't have the energy. But, since it's 8:30pm on a Tuesday and I am already in bed and half asleep, I thought this was as good a time as any!
My first week of work went really well. I have no idea what on earth is going on and I have successfully confused myself and other people a few times. But, I like it. I like the team of people that I get to work with. I will be challenged each day to bring 110% to the table (something I didn't really have to do before to do my job well). And, I get to work for an organization that I really respect and am excited about. It will take me several more weeks to really feel like I am able to do my job and not have to rely on other people to walk me through everything. However, I am confident that I will get it and that feels good.
So far, this whole experience has been a bit on the surreal side. On a Friday I was doing a job that I really liked and knew how to do and was actually really good at. On a Monday I was doing a job where I had no clue what was going on or who any of the people were and I was not sure at all I would ever catch on. The whole first week kind of felt like a business trip or something. I would get on the bus and go somewhere new but it wasn't until the end of the week that it finally hit me that my life has changed in a huge way. I don't have the same job anymore. I have to get to know a whole new set of people. There are people that I have seen everyday for the past 3 years that I may never see again (at the same time, there are many that I will still see).
I do feel like this has been the right decision for me. It has not been easy and the last week has worn me out both physically and emotionally. But, it has been confirmed in so many ways and by so many people that this was the move that I was supposed to make. It's a chance to try something new. To challenge myself and be challenged by others to do things that I didn't think I could do. I get to make new friends and learn all the quirks of a new office.
I will miss so many things about my old job. It was comfortable. It was fun (at times). I got to work with some amazing people and be a part of a movement that was so much bigger than myself. This past weekend, I got to spend 2 last days with my church planters. I laughed at them as they cheered and danced during the superbowl. I got to worship with them one more time. I got to hear stories about how God has been working in each of their churches. I also realized that just because I don't work there anymore, doesn't mean that I can't and won't still keep up with their lives. I have walked an incredible journey with many of those people and I intend to keep walking it with them.
At the same time, I get to be amazed almost on a daily basis by the things that are being done at the U of Chicago. There are new stories to be a part of and for that, I am excited. Plus, the campus on the south side is absolutely amazing! There is so much history on and around the campus. I think that I have spent the last week falling back in love with this great city.
2 comments:
What a new, exciting and challenging adventure. So much unknown--now and for the future--but how inspiring and rejuvenating.
The campus really is gorgeous, and I've only explored the south half! So much to see, I'm glad you're getting out and enjoying it. Are you down there much?
I'm so glad to hear that it's going well! Your words remind me of many of my own thoughts and feelings about my first week at my new job. It can be daunting, but the exhilaration of knowing that you're doing what you've been gifted to is like nothing else on earth. Hope it continues to go well!
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