Snazy

Can you believe it, I have been working here for a year now, and that’s NOT including my training. Officially on Watch for 1 year now with an amazing, but ever changing group of people. It blows my mind how fast the time has passed, yet at the same time it feels like it was only yesterday I walked through the gates of the London Operations Centre here in Merton. 

Since passing out from training it has been a rollercoaster of a ride, although I have to be clear there have been many more ups than downs. I have been quick to notice and highlight anything I feel I could have done better, or processes I could improve on, and this has helped me no end with confidence. As well as that I have become quite the social butterfly, engaging in lots of conversations, not to mention being the one who starts discussions too. 

As well as that, I have also made a point of sticking my fingers in many pies, whole being mindful not to overload myself with tasks and responsibilities. Taking on some additional jobs to add feathers to my cap, and learn some other bits about the job at the same time. All part of making sure I am well rounded and well informed in the role I do.

In a year I have grown massively in confidence, while being making sure I don’t become arrogant or complacent while dealing with incidents. No two are the same, so while experience helps offer guidance, it is just that, guidance and not an instruction list. Things can change in a flash, so it is always good to remain open-minded. The big win for me is that the fear of what is coming next has all but gone now. It is what it is, and I feel competent enough to deal with whatever it is, and feel comfortable  asking for help whenever I need it. 

When I first started I was told that intakes were generally annual, so had it in my mind that I would be “the new kid” for some time yet. However much to my surprise there have been a few recruitment intakes since then, both internal and externally, so I am far from the new one. In fact following the last round of training I have been part of a small group helping the newbie settle in on watch. And further to that there is another round of trainees starting in the new year too. I almost feel like an established member of the team now haha. 

It feels really nice to have the opportunity to impart some of my newly found knowledge upon others, with a twist of reassurance that I totally remember where they are right now, and recall the daunting feeling of it all. I think that is a fairly good balance to be honest. Rather than being someone who who is so long in the tooth that they have no recollection of just how terrifying it is to move onto a live environment, and how out of your depth you can feel early days. Let along how slow we all were with processes and creation when we first started. So many T’s to cross and I’s to dot.

As well as being a part of the welcoming committee, I am also “in charge” of keeping training on course for the watch, and am part of the team helping develop and roll out the new mobilising system. Being the conduit between the watch and the main team developing the software rather than suddenly being some sort of IT guru. I like to think it is an important role, making sure  I understand the needs of the Watch, and am able to communicate to them where the project is, and keep them up to date with how things will change and the benefits of the new system. Positive mindset and all that.

Speaking of mindsets, did I mention I am a Mental Health First Aider (I am sure I did at some point). A role I take seriously, and practise passively regularly, whilst occasionally go full MHFA when the need arises. This is not a common thing I am pleased to say, but I always have my head on a swivel just in case the need arises. People watching has always been a hobby of mine, so as a professional person observer (sorry that sounds a bit creepy doesn’t it!) I am well equipped to notice changes in peoples mannerisms, behaviours or general persona. I like to stay up to date with any changes in procedures, and know what help is available to those who need it. 

Just to add one more feather, I have also recently completed a short course to become a Tactical Advisor for some specific areas. As I say, it is good to gain knowledge in all areas as it helps develop a pathway for the future. The future is the next thing, and something that while it has many opportunities, there is a path I would like to take if I can. I don’t have any grand ambitions, or beliefs that I am absolutely going to be able to progress any further than my current role, but it is good to have a bit of ambition. 

If I were to stay where I am, I have absolutely no issues with that at all, as I love what I do already. But I can’t deny the idea of a little more responsibility does somewhat appeal to me. Not to mention a few people, including line management, have suggested it be something I look into, so that gives me a bit of a boost. To be clear it is not like we are crying out for supervisors at this time, so it feels genuine, to me at least. 

On our appraisals we have to give an indication of intent for the future, and say where we see our careers progressing. I tentatively say that I see myself moving up in the organisation, and genuinely hope this turns out to be the case. With one rather large caveat.. I am in no rush. I have a lot of things I would like to improve my skills on before even contemplating taking a position of higher responsibility, and know that it will take a while to get to the point I want to. So until I feel I have the necessary skillset, and experience, I will not be pursuing promotion. 

Maybe I can revisit this post in a year or so on my second anniversary and see where I am at that point. I would like to think that in a year I will at least have done an extended period of shadowing the role, if not started to make efforts to apply. Exciting times lay ahead, and I have to say I am thrilled at finally being in a place where I am recognised for my abilities, and afforded the opportunities to expand my knowledge, and then use it to further my career. I can’t believe I have just used the term career. I have never really had a job in my life that I considered a career with opportunities.

Right, I think I will wrap it up here, that is about as much of an update on work life as I have. I shall update a more personal / physical one soon, but it’s all good !