The bell tolls for me. 3 times and then fades into silence. It's time for a change.
Today will be my 1st day back in the Annapolis location of the National Chain of Neighborhood Grocery Stores that I work for. For almost the last 2 years I had been commuting up to Towson to work in the store up there. I was not enjoying myself - not the job anyway. The nautical sounding title under which I toiled for that time was, for the most part, not fulfilling and a total pain in the ass! My higher ranking 'officers' did not inspire confidence, and often times made the job more difficult.
Twice I actively sought a transfer. Twice I was ignored by the powers that be. A transfer would have meant a shorter commute, less gas money, more availability to see my family, and also a chance to try and see if maybe my doubts and negative feelings about the job were true or merely biased by my particular assignment. Who's to say what would have been had I worked in another store? I felt as if I was spinning my wheels; exiled, and let me tell you the view from Siberia is bleak.
So I have stepped down. What does this mean? It means I have surrendered my keys, and Hawaiian shirt. I no longer have a nautical sounding title or any of the stress or BS that goes with it. I am a worker bee once again, and I get a transfer. (Shorter commute, less gas money, etc)
A recent meeting with my boss to discuss scheduling concerns, and issues I was having in general turned into me laying out all out on the line. 2 years ago when I accepted the promotion/transfer I was wearily optimistic. Hopefully the opportunity would provide some financial stability, and make things better for my family. It really has not done those things. I had hoped to put in some time in Towson and then get a transfer to a store closer to home. That did not happen either. The ultimate goal for someone with my title is supposed to be taking command and getting your own store. Early on I realized I didn't have that aspiration. The powers that be decided that if I didn't want the prize at the end of the maze then I shouldn't be running in the rat race at all. I couldn't agree more.
So today I go back to my original store. Time has passed, things have changed and we'll see what comes of this new development. I am being compensated for my time on the front lines, and hope that my clean performance serves me well.
On a more personal note, I am leaving Towson with many good memories. I have met and worked with many excellent people in that store. I connected with co-workers, and customers up there. I formed some good relationships and met some truly wonderful people that I might not ever had met if I had if I'd not been promoted. I once told a friend that I believe people come into your lives with a purpose. Sometimes they're little, seemingly insignificant things but other times people really make an impact on your life. My life has been significantly affected by people I have met during my tour in Towson and I count myself lucky to know those people. I am notoriously bad about keeping in touch, but I hope to actively maintain those friendships. A change of scenery will be nice but I will miss seeing those people everyday. :(
