The Time Was Right!
The Time Was Right!
Imagine a library restructure where you look forward to new possibilities
Imagine wanting to step outside your comfort zone at work
Imagine using your knowledge and skills in a different way
Imagine believing you have the “right stuff” for a new position
Imagine thriving on the challenge and risk
Imagine realising that you do have a career path
Imagine all your effort paying off
This paper will take delegates on the personal journey of a technician who after many years in the same role decided to take the risk and apply for a new position. From a specialised area in customer service where everything was known, familiar and comfortable to the unknown territory of a new position in Business Services as the Facilities and Equipment Coordinator where every day there are new challenges and new learning experiences.
In 2006 Macquarie University Library underwent a major library restructure. The University and Deputy University Librarian explained the benefits of our library adapting to the changes in the wider Library environment.
The Library’s strategic plan enabled staff to develop an understanding of the bigger picture affecting the Library. Staff were able to associate their own role in the new structure to larger strategic concerns. Some jobs were redesigned, new positions were created, and importantly no jobs were lost.
Take the journey from the realisation of wanting to apply for a new job and being prepared for the hard work involved to creating a resume, preparing an application and answering selection criteria.
Be part of the process and the experience. This paper will outline and address many aspects of this major career change including, the obstacles, fears, doubts, apprehension, guilt, frustrations, challenges and rewards.
The time was right!
The restructure provided the opportunity to challenge myself and push the boundaries of what I thought I could do. Letting go and moving on from the security of a job I knew inside out, to being part of the bigger picture and working for the whole Library has been empowering. Accepting a new career path and adapting to a new environment has affected me in ways that I could never have anticipated.