Work Change

My work life underwent a slight change last week. My actual job/position/title didn't change, but I switched departments. I moved from our packaging area into our granulation and tableting group. Although my roles and responsibilities are basically the same, there are some significant changes encompassed by this move. In Packaging, there were four of us that managed the area across three shifts. There were a total of 41 people that reported in to us. In my new role, I am solely responsible for both the Processing and Compression areas. So I now have 22 people on two shifts who report directly to me. This definitely means taking on more responsibility which can at times be stressful, but at the same I like the feeling of ownership. I left a great group of people behind in Packaging, but I have inherited a hard-working and very experienced group of employees in my new areas. They are a great group, and I am looking very forward to the opportunity of working with them. My manager is assisting me with the transition, and I really appreciate his support and input. Since he became my manager back in March, he has done a fantastic job of getting everyone engaged in running our business. All in all, I would say he is the best manager that I have ever worked with in any job that I've had. It's amazing the difference that a good manager makes when it comes to morale and job satisfaction.

The other significant change that comes with my new position is that I will no longer be working rotating shifts. I will now be on permanent 1st shift, although I do cover the beginning of the 2nd shift as well. The nice thing about this change is that I should be able to get and stay on a more regular schedule which will help with working out and running. I still haven't quite adjusted to getting up at 4:30am every single morning, but it has only been a week so I'm sure that in time it will get easier.

I feel energized and rejuvenated by this change in my job situation. I have more personal ownership now, and I feel like I have the opportunity to make a greater impact in my new role. I have a lot to learn about the intricacies of the area, but I have an experienced and engaged workforce to draw knowledge from so it's only a matter of time before I get up to speed. I really think that this change will be a positive one for me. I guess that time will tell.