career confirmation

yesterday, i had my six-month review with my current employer, imason.  even before i started working there, during my technical interview, i knew that the standards had been raised considerably in my professional development.  these people quizzed me in ways that nine years of post-secondary education never had, and i was left feeling completely inadequate.

however, in spite of what i considered to be my worst interview ever, i was hired and brought on board their team.  my first day was gratifying because i had skills that they didn’t expect and i was able to be useful from the very start.  as i received each new assignment, my own concern over my ability to rise to the challenge rose to overpowering heights... a new market, a new company, different calibre and scope of clients, different expectations of professionalism and capability all drove me mad from stress.  but in every engagement, i found that i was able to apply my experience and capabilities to the point of unequivocal success.

my review was glowing.  i’ve received two recommendations that i should plan to advance to the next career band as soon as possible, and that fills me with confidence and joy.  i suppose that it’s time for me to own my abilities in the sense of recognizing that i am a capable practitioner, and a generally clever and skillful person.  i suppose that it’s time that i recognize that i have a lot to offer and that who i am has value and meaning far beyond what i think i might be ready for and deserve.  i suppose that it’s time that i accept that i can do a good job and that i can do it well.

that was a fantastic christmas gift to receive.  i think in fact, that it is the most valuable gift that i have ever been given.  the gift of self-worth.  i will cherish this moment for at least the next month! :)

- g

ps.  on a completely unrelated note, i feel badly that the denver airport is still closed due to blizzard conditions.  when i read this yesterday on the news, i was immediately worried.  i know how hard it is to have to wait to see someone, and delays from nature can be particularly frustrating.  i hope the flights resume today!