Things at work are going so very well. My boss and I met a few weeks ago to have the first of a few meetings to discuss my performance review. After two scathing reviews (the first one actually wasn’t too bad) at Company XYZ, I was a bit weary of what the discussion at my current place of employment would be like. My boss and I had a brief talk about how we felt things were going back in December. At that time, we were in agreement that things were going well. So what could change in the span of a few short months?

The only thing that has changed from December to now is the structure of the discussion. Things are now more formalized. Instead of having a casual conversation over lunch, my boss and I had to put our views down on paper. I was in my boss’ office for almost an hour while we discussed the various components of the evaluation.

Over the course of our discussion, my boss went on to say that he’s very happy with how things are going, he thinks I’m doing a great job and he is very pleased / impressed with the initiative I’ve shown. In the columns of the form that he has to enter in a “rating” for me, he put “Exceeds Expectations” or “Meets Expectations.”

There I sat, barely speaking, trying not to let my jaw hit his desk. Was he really saying these things about me? The same person PD would rip to shreds on a weekly (if not daily) basis? I have been different at the new job, but that was the whole point of leaving Company XYZ, wasn’t it? I’ve shown more initiative and been more organized but that’s due to several factors:

  1. I LIKE my job.
  2. I didn’t inherit a workspace / computer that were so disheveled and unorganized; I was never able to really make them mine.
  3. I have a great deal of respect for my boss; for the way he conducts himself, the way he treats people and his managerial style.

A year ago at this time, I was officially put on notice that I had 90 days to “shape up.” And now, I am being told that I am exceeding what was expected me of.

The discussion with my boss eventually turned to money. He told me that he feels that I’m doing such a good job that he has put in a request with HR and his boss to fast-track my salary growth. What that means is that I’ll reach my grade’s median point in less time than the company’s usual timeline. (Side note: both HR and my boss’ boss have approved his request.) As nice as it is to know that there will be salary increases, my happiness with the job lies in the value that is placed on me, the person, not just the fiscal reward.

I am treated with respect, not only by my immediate boss, but by other managers, principals and directors. Unlike Company XYZ, these are people who have earned their titles and positions. Nothing has been handed to them because of what their last name is. This new environment is just so much less toxic.

With the new blog, and the new – fantastic – job, I think it’s time to put Company XYZ to rest (no pun intended.) I think it’s time to let it go; not think about it and definitely not contribute any more blog space to it.

Farewll, Company XYZ. Farewell, indeed.

Related posts:

  1. Good Riddance
  2. Relief
  3. Instant Disappointment, Redux
  4. Work = Sucky Sucky
  5. Instant Disappointment
  6. Busy, But Bored
  7. Oh, the drama
  8. Limited Options
  9. Political Breakfast
  10. Grumblings and the Grapevine