Starting Over As The New Kid

Leaving a job you didn’t want to leave just plain sucks. Usually when starting a new job, it comes with an air of excitement, but now, the excitement is still there, but it’s different.

When I applied at my old job, I had planned to stay there for the long haul. It was a well-known hotel that offered growth opportunities and a GM who truly put people first.  I had finally found my groove at the job. I felt I had the respect of my co-workers and knew where I wanted to steer my career for future growth. 

Then like everyone else, we were forced to pivot and had to make some tough decisions. I kept asking myself; what if my job gets eliminated and now I’m frantically looking for a job with hundreds of other people in the same situation? Could I wait this out? I felt like I had lost someone and actually grieved over my future plans. I couldn’t deal with the uncertainty; so I had a difficult conversation with my GM and she supported my decision to find a new job.  I felt better with my plan when she told me the door will be open for me. 

When I returned to my office to clear out my belongings, I was thankful to return to an almost empty office. I tried my best to keep it lighthearted with the few coworkers I saw, but inside I was sad and angry at the situation.  It was gut-wrenching to leave behind three years of hard work and what could have been, it felt like my future was stolen from me. COVID forced me out of a job and away from a community of people that I adored.

My first day at my new company wasn’t like your typical first day. I entered the building wearing a mask, I was warmly greeted by my trainer who was also wearing a mask and my desk was outfitted with its own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. The orientation package had a section dedicated on COVID protocols in the office. I was issued a laptop and cell phone if I wanted to work from home. The role was vacated for almost six months, so not only did I have to learn the job and all its processes, I had to catch up on six months of work. I hate being the new kid. I was known as the go to person for all things, who got things done, who knew the inner workings of the hotel. And now, I have to start from scratch. 

I’m lucky that I found a job that is still in the industry; that is challenging and to work alongside leaders who are aware of my future plans and support it. They are respected in their industry and I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from them.  I am lucky that I have met some incredible people along the way who have inspired me and taught me so much. The life lessons I have learned are priceless. 

I know things will get better, it takes time. 

Until then, I can’t wait to get rid of my new kid status.

Rosy Herman

WORTH Association Director