I am not gonna lie. These 4 weeks have been manic.
Starting a new job is never easy. Now, this isn’t my first rodeo. I have not once, but twice started new jobs and moved countries at the same time. Both times I reported to duty within days of landing in the new country, living out of a suitcase wardrobe 🧳 for weeks on end. First in 2012 when we moved from Sydney to Hong Kong; then in 2018 with our move from Hong Kong to London.
So what’s different this time? Let’s see. 🤔
Fully remote onboarding in the middle of a pandemic, to a new company. One with a strong culture and has experienced hockey stick growth in the past 5 years.
New industry. My background is in financial services. Twilio, the company I’ve joined, is in telco. (Who knew there was so much to learn about phone numbers?! ☎️)
As the first hire in a brand new team with no co-location, not even in region.
Adjustment of body clock. I spent the last year working UK hours, now the intensity of my days ramps up from 4pm UK, when the US west coast wakes up.
When annual planning is in full swing (I was hired to build a team next year for international expansion, so this is kind of important! 😅)
So while no new country is involved this time and certainly no office attire constraints 👗 (who does these days?), it feels like I am drinking from a firehose while trying to catch a moving train.
As someone who has a natural tendency to obsess over a problem, I am prone to stress related burnouts. As I mature over the years, while I haven’t necessarily become better at controlling it, I certainly have developed heightened awareness and the ability to early detect and avoid a crash. Having a partner who pays close attention to my mental health is crucial. My husband has been diligent in reminding me to step away and maintain a healthy distance, during this strange time when there is practically no line separating life and work anymore.
My previous attempts to build a meditation habit never stuck, and yet I found moments of serenity through breathing exercises 🧘🏻♀️ in the past week. Albeit short, starting the day ‘right’ builds a buffer as I edge closer to the hurricane of information throughout the day as any new starter inevitably must.
Yesterday marked the end of the 4th week in my new job. This week I made my first edits ✍🏼 in our annual planning artefacts, which I am extremely proud of. No doubt I still have ways to go before making meaningful and impactful contributions, but I believe confidence comes from recognising tangible progress.
To the joys ✨ and horrors ☠️ of new beginnings.
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
For more posts like this, sign up with your email.
It sounds like there is a lot on your plate, but as well that you are in control and that’s the most important! Separating work and life these days indeed is very difficult, but I am sure everyone find they closer from one another. It’s really interesting to read how are you doing, all the best! Exciting times!
Good to read your progress, mental and workwise. Always remember to pause and take a few deep breaths before you soldier on.