Work...is...kicking....my....butt

Work is kicking my butt right now. I'm buried up to my eyeballs and sinking quickly. But, don't get me wrong, I'm loving it.

When I came to my current employer almost 2 years ago, I filled a position vacated by a middle-50s guy. He ran the consulting group, which consisted of 3 guys and 1 secretary who traveled the country helping our customer implement their software. This was his only responsibility.

This worked out nicely when I first came on board. Mother of new twins, exhausted (mentally, physically, and emotionally) and at that point, we were very sure that Tanner was headed towards transplant. It fit - I made it work, and even did a few more things. I looked good - doing what really was only a part-time job.

As the kids got older, I grew bored, and started taking on more responsibilities. I did my job well, and more and more was thrown at me. And, then, new ownership entered the picture. They re-organized the company. I had to go "under" someone because I work remotely (I work in Kansas and my employer is in Denver), and I ended up underneath a woman who was actually younger than me and who had no experience running a group of people.

It has not gone well. She's a nice person, but she doesn't understand our entire product line (she knows 2 of 5 products) nor our industry (the mechanical contracting industry - you know, the people who do ductwork, piping, and plumbing). No, you don't necessarily need this to be a manager, but in her role, and the fact that we are a small company, she needs to know more than what she did know. Or at least be willing to learn. It was a frustrating position.

The new ownership has gradually recognized my value. It's not atypical for the owners to receive several glowing letters on my behalf at least 2 - 3 times per month (no, I don't write them on the customer's letterhead, either!). I've gradually become more and more involved in everything from meetings on developing a company vision to how to address our customer's needs. I enjoy it - it's fun.

But, the Bossgirl wasn't liking that. She didn't like the fact that I was invited to more meetings than her - or that I was involved in more than she was. It was rather uncomfortable. So, it was time for me to move.

My new position involves working with customers, sales, marketing - and reviewing all of our internal processes to see where we are weak. I no longer report to Bosslady, or even her boss (the VP of Operations), I'm reporting directly to the owners. Now, the VP of Operations was supposed to tell Bosslady this, but he went camping...in the Boundary Waters....with no phone access...

Definition of F.U.N. - Explaining to your Bosslady that you no longer report to her.