What Really Matters

What really matters

Being at a workplace that random moments this can happen is what makes coming to work worthwhile.

Sometime I get moments in life where I can reflect on what's important to me. And moments like this have the highest value. Don't get me wrong I love paying bills having the equity to do so etc. But all in all the most important thing, is working at places that reflect part of me. Or Being Just me, is more important than being an image of me.

The world around us has changed. And keeps on changing. The wants and needs of those at companies around the world has changed. It reminds me of the revolution of social media to a degree. When Myspace was dying and Facebook was just lifting off. Remember those days?

I remember working at a company and the Head of IT at the time was actively seeking to block Facebook. And was running around making us actively do so. Back then I was tasked with updating the web proxy policy to do just that.

Don't get me wrong I actively advised against it. And I was seen as an agitator. While being told its not useful. Or we are still trying to work out if we can use it. Or it will never catch on its a fad (yes someone said it was a fad).

Ok so not everyone could see the change or understand the change. But here we are right? Every company has a clear use case. And understands why its not just important to the company but the employees as well. Social engagement right?

Which leads me to moments like these. You see these are the moments that to me and many now matter. Actually having not just a work life balance in words, but in action. You see Lockdown forced the work life balance rhetoric in to action. And there is no going back, sorry. Not for me anyway.

I'd heard about it. The work life balance thing. I'd read all the stuff HR would send, or post on the intranets. Yet worked 60hr weeks. While it was there in writing, in the hiring materials at various companies over the years, I worked in IT it didn't include me they meant for real staff. Working my way up the so called ladder I definitely didn't see it.

My marriage didn't see it. Trust me getting up at 5am to get the 6:14am train into Waterloo to be at work for 8am only to get home at 9pm even later if there was a delay ohh and there were many delays. Missed trains, missed birthdays, Missed dance recitals (not mine my children's for those wondering) welp the bills are paid Wife is gone and no Work-life balance that was me.

During that period of relationship breakdown I did try. I got a job closer to home after 6 years of crazy. But by then it was 6 years too late. By year 7 There I was breaking down in the office as everything was falling apart around me. I did have a supportive boss (Thanks Dan) and the amazing HR department and some amazing friends (Thanks the other Dan) . Which helped get me though some of the hardest moments in my life.

With the Change in relationship status came bigger expenses. Which meant I needed more money. Sadly it wasn't possible to get that in the role I was in. So a change was required (Sorry Boss Dan and HR). So off I went, seeking the next phase. Ended up with an amazing company. Run by the most amazing business team I'd had the pleasure to meet. Culture was fantastic but there was some very long on-call hours required, to make sure I could cover my life's expenses (Dance lessons ain't cheap).

Ohh, well at-least I was on my own right? Only me to worry about right? Well it was but once I started a new relationship it was difficult during on-call week's. As that phone will ring at all times of day or night and I mean anytime lets just say it didn't add spice to the relationship.

The money was good. Most of the time the work life balance was good excluding on-call week. The culture was great. The people I worked with great. What happened ? Well the great people I joined the company for sold the company. Eek culture change ahead and well it wasn't so great. As travel extended for everyone. Team socializing outside of work hours (gaming nights etc)went out the window as everyone travelled more. On top of that I ended up in hospital with a twisted bowel (FML) yup that's what I thought at that point.

I didn't want to go back. While driving in on my returning to the office. On my first day back from recovering from near death. Yup the surgical consultant said that it could have been it. Literally it could have been it. If I'd gone back to sleep rather than the hospital I wouldn't be writing this right now. I'd already decided I wanted out (don't tell them they thought it was there Idea. How I laugh about it everyday)

So a change it is then. So I'm off to new horizons. The money is very good, but means lots of travel, Well its only for a year right and its not like I have to worry about anyone else right? It's not like I'm in a relationship right? Haha if only .

Well finally at the end of the year finally after all that travel I'll be home for more than 36 hours in a week. Don't get me wrong it was an amazing opportunity and amazing experience but work life balance?? Not so much. Ohh and Here comes our friend lockdown. Well you get the picture another relationship in tatters. Imagining getting dumped during lockdown? Sheesh that sucked.

Anyway one of the things coming out of lock down I had top of my list. Was no matter what. I need a better work-life balance. And well funny thing is I've been fighting for better working from home working arrangements especially during an on-call week and after on call for my teams in various companies. Well lockdown sorted out that argument. We work in tech,.We use remote tools most of the day. We have the cloud (that argument is also dead IMO to use the cloud or not to use the cloud) technologies all around us.

And no sorry Employers there isn't a way back. Why? I hear some employers cry. Because culture has changed. My wants have changed, My needs have changed. And you know what others feel the same. A lot of them not just 1 or 2 of them but the majority have changed.

Things like cuddling a puppy matter. Seeing people around you actually getting a good work-life balance matters. Not just saying it on the employment come work with us bit matters. Money is amazing don't get me wrong I have the shoes (Sneakers/trainers no heels sorry if you thought you could borrow any) to prove it. But the one thing I've learned BEING ME matters.

Not what I wear to suit your crazy 18th century dress code unless its Friday. heck my CAP cost more than your suit. Spending time with my family matters. Not missing important moments matters. What's actually important to me beyond money matters. Above all else work-life balance matters.

I'm still getting the job done but by heck I'm happier. Relationship wise I'm doing OK thanks for asking (but you know me lol).

Anyway like I said The culture changed much like the revolution of social media. So if you see me shouting about the company I'm working for loadbalancer.org it's because the work-life balance is amazing.

If you read this far thanks. I appreciate you. For those that supported me thought all the good times and especially the really bad times I appreciate you.  

Most of the jobs I these days are a mix of Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office or fully remote. How many do you think I saw with that before lockdown? What a change the last few years have been. People in IT now can get a work-life balance.