It Takes Time...
This is mostly just my rant about how things go with new changes in a work environment. Specially in the tech world; in which my career is currently at. I've been an IT Analyst, Network Systems Administrator, IT Support Analyst II and now a Jr. Systems Engineer. By all means, this isn't about me, it's just to let you know that I've worked in at least 4 different environments and have seen what many techs go through, including myself. In any environment, not just the tech world, there are many changes that take place, almost on a daily basis. Nothing is the same day in day out; one has to look on how to improve, offer assistance, manage your word load among other things. You decide what changes to make for oneself. But what about changes outside of your grasp; those changes that you cannot do anything about even if you would like to with are your might? Those are the changes that you have to be cautious about, because it can change your career; at least where you are at. The changes that you can't do anything about are policies, rules, support avenues and many many more; these are set by management, board or directors, HR and other parties. The list goes on. The big one though; the big one that we probably always dread...Management changes. Oh boy, those are the tough ones, there's no way to avoid those. Well there is, but I doubt you would love to change jobs every time you get a new management team. With new management comes new rules, new policies, new ways to support, new ideas and of course a brand-spanking-new manager. No one knows how that ends up going unless you have worked for that one person in particular before. It's hard to tell how everyone will interact or how the new manager will "manage". In an interview, you have to be a good sales person; this will always get you in, however you never get the full view of that person until the first 2-3 months. Then things change. Change, a big word, one that others are scared off; no lie, I am too. But with change comes opportunity. You have to learn how to take advantage of that opportunity. It will allow you to grow, network with other peers and open new doors in your career. But change doesn't just take place with the new manager, one has to change too. No one should always stay the same, this can hurt you if you try. Managers will never manage their employees or department the same. If one was happy and lenient, the other might be tough and direct. But as long as you are open to change, any new manager will not be an obstacle for you. On the contrary, this will help you grow; just like I mentioned before. Be opened-minded or stay behind the times; a big sentence i would say so. Learn from the new manager, learn from your mistakes, learn how to manage your new manager. Learn what it takes to move forward rather than stay behind. Dont expect the new manager to change you, it takes your own effort and hard work to tackle this task, if not...there will be a clash between you and management. One that a subordinate has the least amount of chance to come out victorious from. Management also needs to know how to change upon entering a new job; but that's another post for another day. Change with the time, or the time will change you. This can be taken in many ways, but in the most logical one, if you dont change, they will change you. They will look for someone that wants to learn, wants to succeed and are open to change. Once they find that one person, the exit door will open for you. That one door you would not want to ever see open, not in your career.