I'd Like to Speak with a Manager
It's been a while since I last updated this and I'm beginning to think most of the people who used to read this have moved on, but since I'm sick and there's nobody to talk to online I feel like expressing my current thoughts to someone/thing - even if it's just the void.
So, as most (if not all) of you know I was recently promoted within my department at the hotel. I went from being the porter with the least experience and second most hours a week to being basically the assistant manager - bypassing at least 4 people who were also potentially in line for the position. That's pretty cool and at the end of the three month manager-probationary period when I get my shiny new nametag and second raise (which will still likely not amount to that impressive an hourly rate or salary) I'll be able to afford all sorts of new toys, have a health plan, probably go back to school, and have a great addition to my resume.
In general, things in the department are going very well. The new boss is not only more than competent, she's friendly and agreeable and wants her department to do well. The new porter who took over my shifts is working out great. We're finally getting our summer business coming back. But there are still some small negatives.
Negatives is the wrong word, actually. They're just things that I have to deal with. The first is I no longer have anything resembling a weekend. I work evenings and often well into the night Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'd gotten so used to having so much time off, and even being able to go out and do things those days I did work, that it's a bit of a shock. I just finished my first full weekend with these shifts and the long hours combined with a headcold have kicked my ass. But I'm sure I'l get used to it.
The other thing that is somewhat bothersome is that there simply aren't enough events in my department, at least for now, to warrant me being around as full time Banquet Manager. So I keep getting put in other departments to fill in my week. I like the challenge of learning new things all the time, and it certainly helps the ego when everyone's shocked at how quickly I can pick things up, however it can be a little overwhelming having to change gears so quickly. The other reason for this training is I am now one of the evening duty managers: the guys who are basically in charge once the daytime managers go home. This requires me to know at least enough of nearly every department to do all but the most specialized of jobs. I have no doubt I can do it, but it's a lot of info to take in all at once.
Still, for the first time in a long time I can unequivocally say that I am proud of the work I'm doing. Is it where I see myself in 5 years? I don't know. At some point I'm going to want to range further than Winnipeg. I could certainly use this experience to try and make a living managing fancy hotels in exotic locations. Maybe that's an impractical thought, but it's a thought nonetheless. I've never liked or been good at those 5 year projection things. For now I'll just be content where I am, learn as much as I can, and see what the future brings.
So, as most (if not all) of you know I was recently promoted within my department at the hotel. I went from being the porter with the least experience and second most hours a week to being basically the assistant manager - bypassing at least 4 people who were also potentially in line for the position. That's pretty cool and at the end of the three month manager-probationary period when I get my shiny new nametag and second raise (which will still likely not amount to that impressive an hourly rate or salary) I'll be able to afford all sorts of new toys, have a health plan, probably go back to school, and have a great addition to my resume.
In general, things in the department are going very well. The new boss is not only more than competent, she's friendly and agreeable and wants her department to do well. The new porter who took over my shifts is working out great. We're finally getting our summer business coming back. But there are still some small negatives.
Negatives is the wrong word, actually. They're just things that I have to deal with. The first is I no longer have anything resembling a weekend. I work evenings and often well into the night Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'd gotten so used to having so much time off, and even being able to go out and do things those days I did work, that it's a bit of a shock. I just finished my first full weekend with these shifts and the long hours combined with a headcold have kicked my ass. But I'm sure I'l get used to it.
The other thing that is somewhat bothersome is that there simply aren't enough events in my department, at least for now, to warrant me being around as full time Banquet Manager. So I keep getting put in other departments to fill in my week. I like the challenge of learning new things all the time, and it certainly helps the ego when everyone's shocked at how quickly I can pick things up, however it can be a little overwhelming having to change gears so quickly. The other reason for this training is I am now one of the evening duty managers: the guys who are basically in charge once the daytime managers go home. This requires me to know at least enough of nearly every department to do all but the most specialized of jobs. I have no doubt I can do it, but it's a lot of info to take in all at once.
Still, for the first time in a long time I can unequivocally say that I am proud of the work I'm doing. Is it where I see myself in 5 years? I don't know. At some point I'm going to want to range further than Winnipeg. I could certainly use this experience to try and make a living managing fancy hotels in exotic locations. Maybe that's an impractical thought, but it's a thought nonetheless. I've never liked or been good at those 5 year projection things. For now I'll just be content where I am, learn as much as I can, and see what the future brings.