Alexis Senge Johnson
Limbo makes me crazy! Okay, let me clarify that one. Being in limbo makes me crazy, not the physical act often performed at children’s parties or even some weddings. In October I took a huge leap of faith and left a full time job with decent benefits and pay so that I could return to a world that I’ve always enjoyed. Entertainment is my home and I just couldn’t deny it any longer. However, I saw it is a leap of faith as I now have an unpredictable work schedule and no benefits.
I never know if I’m going to be working 40 hours or 4 hours for the week and it has made the transition a bit scary. I was just starting to settle into a fairly standard 4-5 day a week work schedule and it looks like now it is changing and I’ll be back down to 1-2 days a week again. My fiancé and I talked this over before I made the change because I thought I was nuts leaving what I had just to go back to doing something I love. However, I’ve noticed that despite being stressed about making ends meet, I feel like the weight of the world was lifted off of my shoulders after leaving my previous job.
Am I that much of a management snob that I had to leave a job just because my director was inept at management? I guess I am. After waiting it out for a little over a year to see if his management style, techniques or attempts would improve I realized that he wasn’t looking for improvement and that’s when I agreed with my fiancé that it was time to move on. Despite the economy being a rough one and being so unsure of the hours for the job I’ve stepped into, making the job change was worth it to be in a place where I can grow. I now have a management team that appreciates me. My ideas are actually considered and I look forward to going to work…even if I just got home 4 hours before I turn around to go back.
It’s funny how one person, in a small work environment, can affect a staff so much. Prior to my leaving, there were several other of our employees that put in their notice and then several more followed suit after I did. Each one of us left to pursue a slightly different path as our experience had left a bad taste in our mouths. I learned a lot during my year at that job. I learned some new things about the field I was working in, but I learned the most by observing my director. My last job gave me an opportunity to evaluate different styles of management and how they affect employees. I think it is safe to say that it impacted me greatly as I now have a shining example of what I never want to become. I strive to be approachable, consistent, and in constant communication with my team so they can understand how much I value them for their individual contributions and hard work.
