Five years ago Steve Hess hired me to work at UEN. He gave me three charges:

Run a network based on best practices

Hire and retain competent staff

Meet UEN customer needs

My professional life has been consumed by these charges. Steve also asked me to commit to five years at UEN. I did.

That commitment ends on January 21, 2005. I've started to wonder what will happen after that date. Nothing, perhaps.

But for the past 4 years and eight months I've been committed to UEN. By my count I've seen about 30 job opportunities come and go. At least 5 of those where career opportunities. And one was a real plum. I was recruited by a company for a position on the East Coast. It would have been a sweet move. I didn't even apply. In fact, I haven't applied for or interviewed for a job while I've been at UEN. I haven't even updated my resume.

My commitment to UEN has served me well. When problems have surfaced, I realized that the only way to deal with them was to work it out. I wasn't going to run away. I was committed. With the end of my commitment I've noticed a change in attitude. I'm starting to see some flaws that are hard to live with. Maybe I can solve my problems and deal with difficult issues by looking for a new job.

The grass may not be greener, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. But would that really solve any problems? Or would it just prolong the inevitable? The flaws at UEN are inevitably flaws in every organization. Differences of opinions. Too many hours worked. Too many stresses. Untimately unavoidable aspects of any job.

I've come to realize that perhaps the real test is the commitment of my employer. Does UEN want me for another five years? What commitments can my employer give me? Interesting questions that are up for consideration and that, when answered, will determine my path..........
10:34:49 PM    comment []